One minute they’re snoozing sweetly in your arms... the next? Wide awake the second you try the bassinet transfer. Sound familiar?
If you’ve found yourself bleary-eyed at 3 a.m., searching “why won’t my newborn sleep?”—you’re not alone. And here’s the good news: you’re not doing anything wrong.
Newborns wake often, and there are real, developmentally appropriate reasons why. Understanding what’s going on behind those middle-of-the-night wake-ups can bring a little clarity—and a lot more calm—to your nights.
Read on for 5 frequently asked questions about newborn sleep
Why Do Newborns Wake Up So Often?
Short answer? They're built that way.
Newborns have very small tummies—about the size of a golf ball—which means they need to eat frequently, usually every 2 to 3 hours, day and night. It’s not just hunger—it’s how they grow and thrive.
Here’s what else can lead to frequent wake-ups:
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Newborns have immature sleep cycles, with only two stages instead of four like adults. Their lighter sleep includes lots of movement and noise (grunting, twitching, squirming), which can seem like they’re waking. If it’s not feeding time, wait about 5 minutes—they’re often just transitioning and will settle back to sleep on their own.
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Rapid development: Their brains and bodies are changing fast, and sleep patterns can shift weekly.
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Sensory overload: After 9 months in a cozy, dark womb, the outside world can feel overwhelming. Bright lights, loud sounds, and new sensations take time to adjust to.
And yes—grunting, twitching, and noisy sleep are all completely normal for newborns. They may look awake, even when they’re still asleep.
What If My Baby Won’t Sleep in the Bassinet?
You’re not the first parent to tiptoe away from a bassinet like it’s a ticking time bomb. Many newborns resist the bassinet, especially in the early weeks.
Why?
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It’s unfamiliar: After months in a snug, warm womb, a wide, still sleep space can feel foreign.
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They’re overtired: Ironically, the more tired your baby is, the harder it can be to fall—and stay—asleep.
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Set your baby up for sleep success by creating a consistent environment from day one—use blackout curtains, a sound machine, and a red light. This makes the eventual transition from bassinet to crib much smoother, since the sleep space already feels familiar and comforting.
Try:
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Try the new HALO BassiNest Connected 3.0, which has soothing rocking motion setting, soft vibration, and white noise - all built into the bassinet!
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A HALO® SleepSack® or swaddle to mimic the snug feel of the womb—without loose blankets.
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White noise to replicate familiar sounds from before birth.
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Keeping the room comfortably cool—between 68–72°F (20–22°C) is ideal.
Note: Only rock them to sleep if they are overtired or if you cant get them to sleep with gentle hand pressure on chest and shushing.
My Baby Only Sleeps When Held—Help!
Yes, your newborn wants to be held. A lot. Your warmth, heartbeat, and movement are incredibly soothing—reminders of the womb. It’s comforting for them… and sometimes exhausting for you.
To gently encourage independent sleep:
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Start a calming bedtime routine: Keep it simple and consistent. A warm bath, short book, and cuddles can signal that sleep is coming.
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Lay them down awake: Use your hand to apple very gentle pressure to their chest and shush them. This helps build self-soothing skills, gradually.
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Offer comfort without picking them up right away: Your voice or gentle pats may be enough.
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Stick with it: Habits take time to shift, and that’s okay.
Why Is My Baby Sleeping at Night but Skipping Daytime Naps?
If nighttime is improving but naps are a mess—you’re not imagining it. Daytime sleep can be harder because:
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Babies get overtired fast: Watch for early sleep cues like eye rubbing or zoning out.
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They may be overstimulated: Too much activity before nap time can make it hard to wind down.
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The environment matters: Bright lights and noise can disrupt naps.
Try:
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A brief nap routine—like a lullaby or rocking in a dim room.
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Using blackout curtains and turning off screens during nap time.
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Staying consistent. Even short naps are a win in the early days.
And remember: more daytime sleep can actually support better nighttime sleep—not the other way around.
When Will My Baby Sleep for Longer Stretches?
We hear you: you're dreaming of a solid stretch of sleep.
Many babies begin sleeping longer—around 5 to 6 hours at a time—by 4 to 6 months. But this varies. Some do it earlier, some later.
What helps:
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Efficient feeding: Babies who get full feeds may stay asleep longer.
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A calming bedtime routine: Repetition helps your baby know what to expect.
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A consistent sleep environment: Darkness, quiet, and comfort make a big difference.
Even after 6 months, night wakings still happen. Teething, growth spurts, and developmental leaps can all cause sleep disruptions. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
The Bottom Line: This is Hard
Newborn sleep is messy, magical, and ever-changing. Your baby will wake often. They may need to be held or contact nap. That’s not spoiling them—that’s meeting their needs.
Most days in the newborn stage you will have to contact nap and that is never a failure.
With time, patience, and support (plus a few helpful tools like HALO® sleepwear), your baby will find their rhythm. And so will you.
You've got this. Truly.
Shop Sleep Must-Haves
Resources Referenced
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American Academy of Pediatrics. “Sleep and Your Baby.” https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/default.aspx
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment.” https://www.cdc.gov/sids/SafeSleep/index.htm
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Mayo Clinic. “Newborn and Baby Sleep: What Parents Need to Know.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-sleep/art-20046091
Disclaimer: The information provided by HALO is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to you and your baby.
