Nights with a newborn often consist of many short cycles of sleep, feeding, and soothing. It is normal for nights to feel intense and unpredictable because newborns do not yet follow a circadian rhythm. They also need to feed frequently due to their small stomach size, which naturally leads to fragmented nighttime sleep.

There are, however, ways to create a calmer atmosphere. One of the most effective strategies is keeping evenings gentle and predictable: dim lighting, low noise, and slow movements help signal nighttime to your baby. Skin-to-skin contact can settle your baby’s breathing and digestion, making it easier for them to fall back asleep after feeding.

Preparing your night space can also reduce stress. Keeping diapers, blankets, water, and feeding supplies within reach allows you to respond quickly without fully waking yourself or the baby. Feeding your baby at the earliest hunger cues — before crying — often makes nighttime transitions smoother.

Remember that nights evolve. After a few weeks, many babies naturally begin forming more consistent rhythms as their digestion and hormone cycles mature. Challenging nights are not a sign that anything is wrong; they are a normal part of early infancy.

Alma’s tips

• Create a calm night environment with dim light and soft movements.

• Respond to early hunger cues to avoid escalation.

• Skin-to-skin helps soothe your baby between feeds.