What’s included?

Understanding Newborn Sleep

• The science behind newborn sleep

• Active vs quiet sleep (REM vs NREM)

• How newborn sleep cycles work (40–50 minute cycles)

• Why newborn sleep is fragmented

• Sleep pressure explained

• Circadian rhythm development

• How to help baby distinguish between day and night

• Differences between newborn and adult sleep

Newborn Sleep Needs

• Total sleep expectations (15–18 hours in 24 hours)

• Day vs night sleep distribution

• Wake windows (1–1.5 hours, shorter in early weeks)

• Sleep needs and nap patterns by age (0–3 months)

Routines & Daily Rhythms

• Why strict routines don’t work for newborns

• Baby-led daily rhythm

• Wake–feed–play–sleep cycle

• A sample “Typical Newborn Day”

Safe Sleep Guidance

• Safe sleep practices

• Safe sleep checklist

• Sleep space setup and hidden dangers

• Sleepwear and TOG guidance

Optimal Sleep Environment

• Light, noise and temperature recommendations

• White noise guide (how, when and where to use it safely)

• Low stimulation checklist

Early Healthy Sleep Foundations

• Realistic newborn expectations

• Overtired vs undertired signs

• Recognising early, mid and late sleep cues

Understanding Crying

• Hunger, wind, discomfort, gas and overtired cries

• How to distinguish nap cry vs feed cry

Settling Techniques

• Responsive settling (appropriate for newborns)

• Physical comforts (holding, rocking, patting)

• Verbal comforts (shushing, soft voice, singing)

• Swaddling guidance and safety

Bedtime Routine Foundations

• When to introduce a bedtime routine

• Why bedtime routines support sleep rhythms

• Tips for a successful routine

• Example bedtime routine

Feeding & Sleep

• Bedtime feeding and split feeds

• Night feeding considerations

• Dream feeds (benefits and limitations)

• How full feeds support better sleep

• Latching difficulties

• Discomfort on the back

• Reflux and silent reflux

• Colic and soothing strategies

Normal Newborn Behaviours & Challenges

• Early regressions and developmental changes

• Witching hour

• Startle reflex and how to manage it

• Contact naps (why they’re normal and how to support them)

• Bridging naps and short cat naps

Caregiver & Parent Support

• Incorporating multiple caregivers

• Supporting yourself emotionally and physically

Troubleshooting

• Difficulty settling

• Short naps

• Frequent night wakings

• Short or incomplete feeds

• Under- and overtired patterns

• Day/night confusion

• Practical strategies to improve newborn sleep