What to Do When Your Newborn Refuses to Sleep

15 October 2025

So, you’ve brought your sweet little bundle of joy home, and instead of drifting into peaceful slumber, they’ve decided to throw an all-night rave in their crib. You’re staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, wondering if babies come with a return policy. (Spoiler: they don’t.) But before you start googling “sleep-deprived parenting support groups”—take a deep breath. We’ve all been there.

Newborns refusing to sleep isn't just common; it’s practically a rite of passage. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s easy. Let’s break down what’s going on behind those baby blues (or browns) and what you can actually do about it—starting tonight.

The Newborn Sleep Myth (aka Sleep? What's That?)

Let’s debunk a myth right out of the gate: Newborns don’t sleep like adults. Say it with me: “My newborn is not broken. They’re just new.”

These tiny humans have spent the last nine months in a cozy, warm, dark waterbed. Suddenly, they’re in a loud, bright, cold world—and it takes time to adjust. Newborn sleep patterns are irregular, unpredictable, and often downright maddening.

In fact, most newborns sleep in bursts of 2–4 hours for the first few weeks. So, if you're fantasizing about a solid 8-hour snooze session—put that dream on ice for a bit. It’s temporary, promise.

Why Is My Newborn Refusing to Sleep?

1. They're Just…Being a Newborn

The first few weeks of life are confusing. Your baby doesn’t know day from night yet (can you blame them?). Their internal clock—called the circadian rhythm—needs a little time to develop. Until then, sleep schedules are all over the place.

2. Hunger Games (The Baby Edition)

If your newborn is hungry, they’re not sleeping—end of story. Newborn tummies are teeny-tiny, so they need to feed often. Sometimes every 2–3 hours. And yes, that includes 2 AM, 4 AM, and 6 AM snacks.

3. Gas, Reflux, or Tummy Troubles

Babies are gassy little creatures. They’ve just started digesting real food (well, milk, but still), and their digestive system is working overtime. Gas pain, reflux, or constipation can make laying flat unbearable.

4. They’re Overstimulated (Or Over-Tired)

You know that feeling when you’re so tired you can’t even sleep? Babies get that too. If your little one skips a nap or has way too much stimulation (think: grandma’s house with 16 cousins), they may get cranky and wired.

5. They're Missing You

Yup—sometimes your baby just wants to be close to you. They’ve been held 24/7 in the womb, so being alone is basically the wild west to them. Separation anxiety can start early, especially at night. (Cue the tears—yours and theirs.)

Sleepy Baby Troubleshooting: What to Try

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here are real, tried-and-tested things you can do when your newborn refuses to sleep (without losing your own sanity in the process).

1. Master the Swaddle

If you’ve ever seen a burrito, you know how cozy they look. Babies love that same snug feeling—because it mimics the womb. Swaddling helps reduce the startle reflex (when their arms flail and wake them up). Just make sure you're using safe swaddling techniques.

Can’t master the swaddle? No shame! Use Velcro swaddle sacks—because who has time for origami at 2 AM?

2. Embrace White Noise

Newborns aren’t big fans of silence. Remember where they came from? The womb is LOUD—think heartbeat, blood flow, digestive noises.

White noise machines are like spa music for babies. The consistent sound helps them feel secure and drowns out environmental noise (like your neighbor’s dog who apparently hates silence too).

3. Create a Mini Bedtime Routine

Yes—even newborns can benefit from a bedtime routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Think: diaper change, warm bath, gentle lullaby, swaddle, and feed. Doing this every night helps signal “Hey, it’s time to chill.”

Babies thrive on predictability, so keep it simple and consistent. Repeat after me: bath, boob (or bottle), bed.

4. Implement Day/Night Training

Want to help your baby know the difference between day and night? Then become their personal tour guide!

During the day: keep things bright, talk to them, don’t worry about “noise.” During the night: keep lights low, voices quiet, and interactions minimal. This subtle messaging helps build their circadian rhythm.

It’s like teaching your baby: “Hey, we party during the day, and at night, we hibernate.”

5. Feed. Burp. Then Wait.

Newborns often fall asleep while nursing or drinking from a bottle. Totally normal. But if they don’t burp before laying down, that trapped air can cause major sleep disruptions.

After feeding, take 5–10 minutes to burp them upright. Or try the old “sit-on-your-shoulder-and-pat-their-back” move. Gentle bouncing can help too. Once they belch like a tiny lumberjack—you’re good.

6. Try the Magic of Motion

Your baby spent 9 months being gently rocked inside you. So lying still in a crib? Totally foreign.

Rocking, bouncing, baby swings, car rides—motion can be the superhero of sleep. Don’t be afraid to use it (safely of course). Baby-wearing can also help them drift off while staying close to your heartbeat. Just be ready for a workout.

7. Room Temperature Check

Too hot or too cold, and your baby’s sleep will be a no-go. The sweet spot? Somewhere between 68–72°F (20–22°C).

And while we’re here—skip the fleecy blankets and stick to breathable sleep sacks to avoid overheating. A sweaty baby equals a cranky baby.

Things You Can Do (That Aren’t Baby Related) When You’re Losing It

Let’s be real: when your newborn won’t sleep, it’s not just frustrating—it’s soul-crushing. Sleep deprivation is no joke. So here’s how you can help yourself cope:

Tag-Team It

If you have a partner or family support, use them. You don’t get a parenting medal for doing it all solo. Take shifts. Even 2–3 consecutive hours of sleep can feel like a mini-vacation.

Ditch the Pressure

Instagram may be showing you cute sleeping newborns wrapped in fairy lights—but behind the scenes, those parents are just as tired.

Unfollow anyone who makes you feel like you’re doing it wrong. There’s no “perfect way” to get your baby to sleep. Just your way.

Power Nap Like a Pro

Forget the dishes, the laundry, and yes, even your latest Netflix binge. If your baby sleeps for 20 minutes—you sleep for 20 minutes. Think of it as recharging your parental battery.

Talk to Someone

If you're feeling overwhelmed (and who isn’t?), talk to a friend, a partner, or even a therapist. Postpartum emotional waves are real. Don’t suffer in silence.

Things NOT to Do (Please, I’m Begging You)

- Don’t let your newborn cry it out. Their little nervous systems aren’t ready for that yet.
- Don’t overload your baby with stimulation right before bed.
- Don’t use unsafe sleep props (looking at you, fluffy pillows and sofa naps).
- Don’t compare your baby to someone else's unicorn sleeper.

Your journey is uniquely yours—and perfectly messy.

When to Call in the Pros

Okay, so you’ve tried everything and your newborn still refuses to sleep. When should you worry?

Call your pediatrician if:
- Baby isn’t gaining weight properly
- They’re crying inconsolably for long stretches
- They seem in pain or have physical symptoms (fever, vomiting)
- Something just doesn’t feel “right” to you

Trust your gut. You’re not paranoid—you’re a parent.

Final Thoughts: This Too Shall Pass (Even If It Feels Like Forever)

Right now, your life might feel like a blur of diapers, spit-up, and sleepless nights. But one day, you’ll blink, and your baby will be outgrowing their crib. You’ll almost miss those late-night snuggles. (Key word: almost.)

For now? Take it one night at a time. Try what works. Ditch what doesn’t. And remember: you’re doing a great job—even if your shirt is on backwards and your coffee’s gone cold...again.

Sleep will come back. So will your sanity. Hang in there, brave parent.