Howcome My Newborn Only Sleeps When Held?
Imagine a new mom, named Sarah, who has just brought her precious newborn baby, Emily, home from the hospital. Emily is a beautiful bundle of joy, but she seems to only doze off when cradled in her mother’s arms. Throughout the day and night, Emily snoozes peacefully as long as Sarah holds her close and she can feel the warmth of her mother’s body. Sarah cherishes these moments of intimacy, finding solace in the deep bond she shares with her baby. However, as delightful as it is to cuddle her sleeping infant, Sarah soon finds herself yearning for a moment to attend to her own needs—perhaps to eat, rest, or take care of chores. But whenever she tries to carefully lay Emily in the crib, Emily wakes up fussing and crying until Sarah picks her up again.
Sarah starts feeling sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, wondering how to manage her own rest while meeting her baby’s constant need for closeness. It seems like her newborn only sleeps when held closely in her mother’s arms. But this can also be dangerous if she drops her baby while asleep. Also, sleeping with a baby on a couch or bed could increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. But by understanding the reasons behind this behavior, she can manage her baby’s sleep more safely and confidently.
3 Reasons Why Your Newborn Only Sleeps When Held
- Security and Comfort: Newborns are accustomed to the warmth and comfort of being in the womb. Being held closely mimics this environment, making babies feel secure and safe.
- Human Contact: Babies crave human touch, especially in the early stages of life. The closeness and gentle rocking motion while being held can be soothing and help them fall asleep more easily.
- Developing Sleep Patterns: Newborns have irregular sleep patterns and spend most of their time sleeping. As they adjust to life outside the womb, they may find it challenging to settle into a deep sleep without the comfort of being held.
5 Ways To Encourage Your Baby To Sleep Without Being Held
While it might be challenging initially, there are gentle methods you can employ to encourage your baby to sleep without constantly being held.
1.) Establish a sleep routine
Create a consistent bedtime routine involving activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, or lullabies. This signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down and prepares them for sleep. Ensure the sleeping area is safe, with no loose bedding or toys that could pose a suffocation risk. The room should be at a comfortable temperature, and the crib or bassinet should meet safety standards.
2.) Try Swaddling
Swaddles are more comfortable because they mimic the feeling of being inside a womb. They also recreate the feeling of being held by providing a sense of security. Try swaddling your baby snugly in a soft fabric, ensuring it’s not too tight, allowing freedom for hip movement.
3.) White noise or gentle music
4.) Offer your baby a pacifier
Pacifiers are a great way to help your baby fall asleep. Start by offering your baby a pacifier, until they are drowsy but not fully asleep, then gently place them in their crib or bassinet. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently. But avoid exposing your infant to pacifiers too early after birth or it may lead to breastfeeding difficulties. In a previous article on 3 Things to know about pacifier use in newborns, we talk about this in more detail.
5.) Seek support and guidance
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a lactation consultant for additional support and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Changing sleep habits takes time. So just be patient and consistent with the strategies you choose because It might take a while for your baby to adjust to a new routine.
While it’s common for newborns to prefer sleeping while being held, there are safe methods to encourage them to sleep independently. By understanding their needs, establishing routines, and creating a safe sleep environment, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits over time. So embrace this phase with patience, love, and support, knowing that it’s a part of your baby’s natural development.
