How to Help Your Newborn Sleep (Simple Tips That Actually Work)
If you’re reading this, you’re likely in those early days with your newborn—equal parts beautiful and exhausting.
Sleep can feel unpredictable at first. One minute your baby is calm and settled, and the next everything shifts. I remember that feeling so clearly as a new mom.
Over the years, both as a mom and as a newborn photographer, I’ve learned that it’s often not about doing more; it’s about a few simple, gentle adjustments that help your baby feel calm and secure.
These are the same approaches I use during my in-home newborn sessions to create a relaxed, sleepy environment for your baby.
(Always consult your pediatrician for medical guidance.)
Use Gentle Background Noise
Yep, that is right…make some noise. Now, I don’t mean that you should start clanking pans around, but rather utilize white noise. Get yourself a sound machine. I prefer the Baby Shoosher for my studio, but I used a regular white noise machine for my own babies. The sound emulates what the babies hear in utero, which is similar to the sound of a vacuum. This noise is familiar to them and soothes them to sleep.
Swaddling (When Done Well) Changes Everything
The swaddle is the ultimate soothing device. However, the swaddle has to be done right. Throw away those velcro tab swaddles…they will never swaddle your baby correctly. You need a large square swaddle blanket. You can use a flannel one or a muslin one. I loved the Swaddle Designs Brand Ultimate Flannel and used that for my babies. They include a helpful tutorial on how to correctly swaddle. They also have a muslin version that is fantastic. I also use these muslin versions from Amazon in my studio. They are a great size and swaddle well. For my photo sessions, I love the jersey knit blankets as they come in fun colors and often have matching headbands or hats. Milkmaid Goods makes a beautiful stretchy swaddle blanket in an array of fun colors and patterns. They even have matching robes for moms, which is great for a Fresh 48 photo session. If you want a blanket with a personalized touch to use in your photo sessions, Caden Lane makes a great swaddle blanket. If you aren’t sure how to swaddle a baby, click this link for a great tutorial from The Happiest Baby Blog.
Movement Helps Babies Settle
When babies are in utero, they become used to movement. The baby is jiggling around in mom’s womb, so it makes sense that movement will help the baby sleep. If a baby is fussing, you may find that rocking the baby will help soother him. However, you should never shake your baby. Every baby is different…some like the swing, some like a vibrating bouncy seat. The key is finding what works. I find squatting up and down while I hold the baby often helps coax sleep.
A Full Belly Goes a Long Way
One of the simplest ways to encourage sleep is making sure your baby is well-fed.
A full, content baby is much more likely to relax and fall asleep naturally.
This is why, before every newborn session, I recommend feeding your baby right beforehand so we can ease into a calm, sleepy start.
Don’t Be Afraid of a Pacifier
This is a controversial one. The sucking motion helps encourage sleep for babies. I often use this as a tactic in my studio when the baby can’t seem to rest. I know that if you are nursing, it can cause nipple confusion, but it is a great tool to use during a photo session. If you want to introduce it at home, wait until your nursing routine is established to utilize one. This is the pacifier I use in the studio . This was my daughter’s favorite pacifier.
Keep the Environment Warm + Cozy
For newborn photo sessions this is an absolute must. Babies are used to being warm and cozy in mom’s womb. Therefore, a home that is warmer will naturally encourage a sleepy baby. I would not advise you to keep your own home overly hot. In fact, during my sessions, after I capture any portraits needed of the baby, I ask my clients to lower the heat to a more comfortable temperature.
More Info
Harvey Karp’s book and blog, “The Happiest Baby” was a lifesaver to me as a first time mom. I highly recommend reading his book and blog. He utilizes the 5S’s method to help soothe a baby and it really does work like a charm. Here is the link to his site.
A Gentle Note: You’re Not Doing It Wrong
This is the part that matters most.
Newborn sleep is not consistent—and it’s not something you can fully control.
Some days will feel easier than others. Some nights will be longer. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
It simply means you have a newborn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for newborns to struggle with sleep?
Yes—newborns typically sleep in short stretches and are still adjusting to life outside the womb.
When do newborns start sleeping longer stretches?
Most babies begin to develop longer sleep patterns around 6–12 weeks, though every baby is different.
Natrural and Relaxed Newborn Sessions
If you’re a new parent in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, or St. Augustine, this stage can feel like a blur of sleepless nights and constant change. Those early days go by faster than you expect, even when they feel long in the moment. If you’re thinking about documenting this time with an in-home newborn session, you can find more details here. My sessions are not posed or propped, but are focused on you as a family. You can see past newborn sessions here.
*Disclaimer…I am not a medical professional and you should always consult your doctor.
