Settling

For the first three months newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping or feeding they'll have short periods of alertness as they adjust to life outside your womb some babies take some time to learn the difference between being awake in the daytime and sleeping during the nighttime to help your baby adjust and settle perhaps try gently rocking swing and walking around with your baby swaddling your baby can help as your baby feels secure hold your baby close to you so they can hear your heartbeat and gently stroke their face around the hairline it can also be helpful to minimize stimulation including the TV and engaging toys many parents find that a basic routine can help their baby know when it's time for sleep and help them wind down feed play sleep in the early days your babies playtime may be very limited play in the early days is pretty basic you can watch the leaves in the trees outside or read a story together then when it's time for bed you could establish a small routine that might include drawing the curtains swaddling and a kiss goodnight many babies need a little help to establish sleeping patterns you can help by learning to read they're tired signs tide signs can include things like  rubbing of the eyes yawning been fussy clenching fists staring frowning and jerky limb movements it's easier to get a baby to sleep if they are not overtired it's vital you have a safe sleeping environment for your newborn you should always place your baby to sleep on their back keep their face and head uncovered by ensuring any blankets are firmly tucked in have a smoke-free environment before and after birth put the baby to sleep in our own safe sleep space in the parents room for the first 6 to 12 months research has also found that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS the early days are a time of learning for you and your baby a schedule that's focused and rigid generally doesn't work for newborns they all differ when it comes to their feeding sleeping times and temperaments it's best to think about your family and your own parenting style when looking to set a schedule for your newborn keep in mind that your baby's sleep pattern will change as they grow and each day is different if you're struggling to settle a baby at home then you can pop baby down in the cot because it's a safe place for them gather your thoughts and just I'm also calling a friend as well to confide in them about everything that's going on.