Bringing a newborn home is a magical experience, but sleep can quickly become one of the biggest challenges new parents face. In the first few months, also known as the “fourth trimester,” newborns sleep patterns are closely connected to your presence and support. Their need for co-regulation, warmth, and nourishment can make their sleep more fragmented and unpredictable. Understanding how to support your baby’s sleep while maintaining a safe sleep environment is key during this time. In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about newborn sleep, safety considerations for co-sleeping, and practical tips for soothing your little one using techniques that mimic the comfort of the womb.

Newborn sleep in the 4th trimester tends to be more connected to you, as newborns need more co-regulation and constant nourishment than older babies. This can manifest through your newborn sleeping more easily, and for longer more undisturbed periods of time, when beside and/or on you. Soothing and regulating your newborn can be achieved with a few key methods.

Newborns often sleep better and longer when they are close to you, as they crave the comfort and security of the womb-like environment they’ve been used to. This may look like sleeping beside you, on your chest, or in a carrier throughout the day. Maintaining womb-like conditions and focusing on the 5 S’s developed by Harvey Karp (shushing, sucking, swaying, swaddled, side-stomach position) are most effective. These are:

• Shushing: Gentle shushing noises help mimic the sound of blood flow in the womb.
• Sucking: Offer a pacifier or allow them to nurse for comfort.
• Swaying: Rocking or gentle bouncing can help soothe your newborn.
• Swaddling: Swaddling tightly can reduce the startle reflex and help them feel secure.
• Side-Stomach Position: Use this position only when soothing a fussy baby, not for sleep.

Co-Sleeping Safety Tips
Many parents end up bed-sharing out of necessity during periods of extreme sleep deprivation, even if they hadn’t intended to. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to reduce risks. Here are the key guidelines to follow:

1. Always place your baby on their back.
2. Use a firm sleep surface—avoid memory foam, soft mattresses, and loose bedding.
3. Avoid swaddling when co-sleeping.
4. Keep soft objects away—no pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets near the baby.
5. Stay sober—avoid co-sleeping if you’ve used any substances that may impair alertness.
6. Sleep in a protective position—lie facing your baby, with knees bent and an arm above their head, to create a safe barrier and prevent rolling.

Night Feeds and Sleep Training
In the first six months, babies need frequent feeds to meet their nutritional needs and to support your milk supply. For breastfeeding parents, prolactin production relies on regular nursing sessions. Sleep training during this period can be counterproductive since your baby is still learning to establish natural sleep rhythms. If sleep is becoming a major struggle, consider introducing expressed milk or formula for one or two night feeds to help get a little more rest.

After Six Months & Behavioral Interventions
Behavioural interventions (sleep training) for sleep in the first six months of life is counter-productive. Young babies need night feeds to keep their caloric intake at an adequate level, and your chest needs the stimulation to produce prolactin (which keeps your milk production up). If you need to adjust their feeding to sleep more regularly, look into adding formula and/or bottles of your expressed milk as part of a support solution. After six months of life, feel free to research what type of sleep support/training may work best for your baby and yourself. Take stock of how your lactation, baby and self will do with the different approaches.

Navigating newborn sleep can feel like a big mountain to climb (and you’re TIRED!), but remember, every baby is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. Your goal during the fourth trimester should be to build a sense of safety and comfort for your newborn while maintaining sleep hygiene and healthy habits for yourself. Whether you choose to co-sleep or keep your baby in a crib beside your bed, focus on what feels right for you and your baby’s unique needs. Take it one night at a time, and know that as your little one grows, sleep will gradually become more predictable. Keep these tips in mind, prioritize safe sleep, and reach out to professionals if you need additional support along the way!