Setting Newborn Sleep Pattern Babies develop consistent sleeping habits gradually.  Sleeping patterns develop by about 3 months of age.  Here are some tips for recognizing and encouraging consistent baby sleep patterns.  When a baby is sleeping regularly, the parents can get better sleep, too. Newborn babies sleep often, but not for long stretches at a time.  Very young infants need to eat and sleep on demand.  Therefore, it is best to respond as quickly as possible to your baby's sleep and eating needs. Usually, a baby will follow a pattern similar to eat, poop, sleep, quiet alert time, repeat.  Observe your baby for when he or she is at one of these stages, and what step usually follows.  If it helps, chart the steps and look for patterns. Always, unless you want a whole passel of other problems, have the baby sleep alone in his or her bed.  A new baby will be very comforted and sleep well when cocooned in a receiving blanket while being held.  They can get very used to being held and may develop a bad habit.  As stated, encourage them to sleep alone and in their bed or bassinet.  It is very tempting to put the baby in bed with you but don't make it a habit.  It is unsafe and is contrary to developing a long term sleeping pattern. Don't stress if your new baby will not sleep alone. He or she may be resistant at first.  Keep focussed on the prize which is a long term sleeping pattern.  A schedule doesn't come easily for an infant.  Try wrapping the baby in a receiving blanket and place the newborn on his or her side, never on their tummy.  Do this several times a day.  Increase the schedule gradually as the baby gets used to sleeping alone and at scheduled times. At dusk darken the bedroom where the baby sleeps and discourage stimulation other than quiet time.  Keep the household quiet and somber.  At nightfall take care of the needs of the baby; sleep, eat, and poop.  Then, of course, lay the baby down again.  Resist with the baby.  This will only disrupt the cycle you are trying to imprint.  This tip will encourage your newborn to sleep at night and be awake during the daytime. You might have the baby stay in his or her bassinet in your room.  Easy access during nursing is helpful and creates a bond that dad can get in on.  Mother, dad and baby will all sleep better at first.  Be careful about bed clothes.  Pillows and blankets can smother a baby or you can roll on top of him or her and not even know it. By about three months of age, it is fine to put the baby to sleep in a crib, even in another room.  It is important for the baby to learn to sleep alone, and this is the best age to begin that.  The longer you wait, the harder it will be for the baby to develop this habit.  It may be necessary to comfort the baby with singing, patting, or a little cuddle and then return to the crib many times for the first 1-2 weeks.  Gradually, the baby will learn how to sleep alone during the night, and baby's sleep and parent's sleep will be easier. After a while you will notice, almost as if by accident, that your baby sleeps and baby naps at regular intervals effortlessly.  Your household has returned to "normal" and everyone is getting a good nights sleep too.   Watch for my article on the next hurdle - getting baby to sleep through the night. Read also: