Newborn Sleep Challenges (And How We Help Parents Overcome Them)

If you’re in the first few months of life with a new baby, chances are that sleep is top of mind, and probably in short supply. Those early weeks can bring unpredictable wakeups, short naps, and lots of questions about what’s “normal.” You’re not imagining it. Newborn sleep is complex, and even the calmest babies can throw their parents a curveball. But we want to help you overcome those Newborn Sleep Challenges!

At Well Supported Family, we’ve supported thousands of families through the newborn stage. While every baby is different, some sleep challenges come up time and again. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common, and how we help parents navigate them with confidence.

My Baby Only Sleeps When Held

Newborns prefer human contact over cribs in the early weeks. It’s biologically normal, but also exhausting when your arms are the only place your baby will sleep. We help families gently introduce independent sleep habits by offering strategies that combine soothing touch, swaddling, and gradual transitions to the bassinet or crib.

Short Naps and Catnapping

Frequent 20 to 40-minute naps can leave babies (and parents) overtired. We work with families to understand sleep cycles, recognize sleep cues, and adjust the timing of feeds and naps to promote longer stretches of rest. Sometimes just a few small tweaks to routine or environment can make a big difference.

My Newborn has Day-Night Confusion

Newborns don’t come with a built-in circadian rhythm. That’s why many seem more alert at night than during the day. We guide parents through gentle ways to reset baby’s internal clock, like keeping daytime feeds bright and interactive and using dim lighting and quiet voices at night.

My Newborn Wakes Frequently

Waking every hour or two is common in the early weeks, especially for feeding. But sometimes, wakeups are driven by discomfort, overstimulation, or even habits that can be gently shifted. Our Newborn Care Specialists track patterns and help families understand what’s driving wakeups so they can respond with confidence.

My Baby has Trouble Falling Asleep

An overtired baby may have trouble settling, even when they’re clearly exhausted. We teach families how to recognize early sleepy cues and establish calming bedtime routines that make falling asleep feel natural and predictable.

Swaddling Woes

Swaddling can be incredibly soothing, but not every baby takes to it the same way. Our Newborn Care Specialists help parents learn safe, effective swaddling techniques, or transition out of the swaddle when the time is right. 

Sleeping in Unsafe Places

It’s tempting to let a baby snooze in a car seat or swing when nothing else works, but these aren’t safe for unsupervised sleep. We work to create a safe sleep environment and establish routines that gently guide your baby into the crib or bassinet with greater ease.

How We Help Families Feel Rested and Reassured

Every sleep challenge is easier to face with support. Whether we’re caring for your baby overnight, guiding you through a sleep plan, or simply offering reassurance during a tough week, our goal is always the same; to create a well-supported family that feels confident and cared for.

You don’t have to solve every sleep struggle on your own. With the right tools and a little guidance, your baby’s sleep (and yours) will begin to settle into a rhythm that works for everyone.