Bringing home a newborn comes with so many unknowns—especially around sleep. In those early weeks, it can feel like you’re just surviving one nap (or feeding… or diaper change) at a time. If you’re wondering when or how to start creating healthy sleep habits, you’re not alone.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all sleep plan, there are patterns and developmental stages that can help guide your approach—and make things feel a little more manageable. Here’s a general week-by-week breakdown of what to expect and focus on in those first three months:

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0–2 Weeks: Survival Mode

This is a time to recover, bond, and meet your baby’s needs however you can. Feeding to sleep, holding for naps, contact naps—it's all okay. Nothing you're doing now is creating “bad habits.” You're simply helping your baby feel safe and loved.

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2–4 Weeks: Gentle Shaping Begins

As your baby becomes a little more alert, you can start introducing small sleep foundations—like occasionally separating feeding from sleep or putting baby down while drowsy but still awake. These aren’t musts, but gentle ways to help your baby begin understanding sleep routines.

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4–8 Weeks: Practice With Support

This is a great time to work on helping your baby fall asleep in their crib or bassinet with help. That might look like shushing, patting, or rocking in place. Try not to feed to sleep every time, but don’t stress if some naps still happen in your arms. Progress over perfection!

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8–12 Weeks: Building a Sleep Foundation

Around this age, babies are often ready to try falling asleep in their crib with less assistance. That might mean laying them down calm but awake, offering brief comfort if needed, and building consistency with your bedtime routine. The goal is not independence—but confidence and security in their space.

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But Remember: Every Baby Is Different

Some babies need more help, some less. Some thrive with structure, others need flexibility. One of the most powerful things I do as a newborn care specialist is help families discover their baby’s unique sleep cues and rhythms.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure what your baby needs, I have a customizable newborn sleep plan designed to guide you through these exact stages—tailored to your baby’s temperament and your family’s goals.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

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Interested in personalized support?

Let’s work together to make sleep feel possible again. Book your free consultation call here https://littledreamers324316.hbportal.co/schedule/67d0ab7367922800265e9b07