Newborn Sleep Guide: What Pediatricians in the US Recommend

When you bring home a newborn, one of the biggest questions every American parent has is: How do I help my baby sleep safely and well? While every baby is different, pediatricians across the US consistently emphasize the same core principles—safety first, realistic expectations, and gentle routines that support healthy sleep development from day one.

This guide breaks it all down in a way that feels doable, reassuring, and backed by expert recommendations.

Safe Sleep Comes First (Based on AAP Guidelines)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updates its safe sleep recommendations regularly, but the fundamentals remain consistent. Here’s what pediatricians want every US parent to know:

Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
This reduces the risk of SIDS and is the safest position during the first year.

Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
Cribs, bassinets, and play yards that meet current US safety standards are recommended.

No soft bedding or loose items.
That means no pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or positioners.

Room-share—but don’t bed-share.
Keeping baby’s sleep space in your room for at least 6 months lowers risk, but the AAP strongly advises against sharing the same bed.

Avoid overheating.
Light layers, breathable fabrics, and appropriate room temperatures (68–72°F) help keep babies safe.

Keeping these rules simple helps parents stay consistent even during those foggy 3 a.m. feeds.

A Realistic Week-1 Routine That Works

Newborns aren’t ready for strict schedules, but they can benefit from predictable rhythms. Pediatricians recommend gentle structure starting in week one:

Feed–Wake–Sleep pattern
After each feed, give baby a few minutes of wake time—diaper change, gentle talking, a bit of tummy time during the day—before laying them down drowsy.

Short wake windows
Newborns usually last only 45–60 minutes before becoming overtired.

Day and night cues

• Daytime: Bright rooms, normal household noise, naps anywhere.

• Nighttime: Dim lights, quiet voices, quicker feed/diaper routine.

A simple bedtime routine
It can be just 3–5 minutes: feed, swaddle (if appropriate), a short cuddle, then into the bassinet. It doesn’t need to be fancy to be effective.

Myths Many American Parents Still Hear (and Why They’re Wrong)

Even in 2025, well-meaning advice often conflicts with pediatric guidance. Here are common myths doctors continually correct:

“A newborn should sleep through the night.”
No. Newborns wake frequently for feeds because their stomachs are tiny. Full-night sleep typically develops between 4–6 months.

“Adding cereal to the bottle will help baby sleep longer.”
Pediatricians strongly advise against this—it isn’t safe and doesn’t improve sleep.

“You should keep the baby awake more during the day so they sleep at night.”
Overtired babies sleep worse, not better.

“Swaddling guarantees better sleep.”
Swaddling helps some babies, but not all—and must be stopped once baby shows any sign of rolling.

“Newborns need complete silence.”
Most sleep better with gentle white noise because it mimics the womb.