If you’re reading this at 3am with a baby on your chest, you’re not alone. The newborn phase is beautiful, chaotic, emotional, and let’s be honest... it’s exhausting.

The good news is that most of the sleep challenges new parents face are normal, temporary, and easier to manage once you understand what’s going on.

Here’s a simple guide to help you through those early weeks, with practical tips you can start using today.    

1. Why newborns wake so often

It’s not you, it’s biology.

Newborns have:

• tiny tummies

• immature sleep cycles

• a strong startle reflex that jolts them awake

• no sense of day and night yet

This means they wake frequently and unpredictably. It’s normal, even if it feels never-ending.

The good news:
By 8 to 12 weeks, sleep naturally becomes a little more predictable.

2. Understanding the startle reflex

Most early wake-ups aren’t hunger-related.
They’re caused by the Moro reflex, which is when babies jolt their arms suddenly as if they’re falling. It’s totally normal and peaks around six weeks.

This is why newborn swaddling helps so much.
It keeps arms contained, reduces the sudden “fling” movement, and helps babies stay settled between cycles.

3. The power of a consistent wind-down routine

This doesn’t need to be perfect or fancy.
Just repeat the same simple steps before sleep:

• Dim the lights

• Quick nappy change

• Short cuddle

• Gentle swaddle

• Rocking or shushing

• Down for sleep

Babies learn through repetition, not length.
Three minutes of consistency beats 30 minutes of chaos.

4. Swaddling done right

Swaddling helps newborns feel secure, calm, and supported.
But it only works if the swaddle is:

• snug around the torso

• stretchy enough to mimic the womb

• secure enough to prevent escapes

• easy to use when you’re tired

If your baby is breaking free, crying during wrapping, or refusing to settle, the swaddle is usually the issue, not your baby.

5. What to do when your baby starts rolling

This is the moment most parents panic.
Rolling means it’s time to transition out of traditional swaddling.

A simple approach that works:

• Start with one arm out

• Give them a few days to adapt

• Move to both arms out once they’re confident

• Then shift to a sleep sack for long term comfort

This gradual transition helps avoid the dreaded “four-month sleep regression free fall”.

6. Nighttime is hard for everyone

You’re not doing anything wrong if:

• your baby wakes frequently

• you can’t put them down

• naps are short

• nights feel longer than days

Newborn sleep is messy and unpredictable.
Parents often blame themselves when it’s really biology doing its thing.

7. Give yourself permission to rest

You don’t need to “fix” sleep in the first few months.
You just need to survive, stay calm, and support your baby through their development.

Little things that help:

• nap when you can

• simplify your routine

• ask for help

• say no to visitors

• take shortcuts proudly

Your only job right now is caring for your baby and yourself.

8. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone

Every parent who has walked this path has had nights when they thought they were failing.
You are doing an incredible job in the hardest season.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed, speak to a professional or someone you trust.

If you’re looking for sleep support through the newborn and rolling stages, our swaddles and sleep sacks are designed to make settling simpler and more comforting for both you and your baby.

Explore Burrito Baby