How to get a 1 month old baby to sleep at night?

Nighttime sleep for a 1-month-old is very different from adult sleep. At this age, babies wake every 2-3 hours to feed — this is completely normal and a healthy developmental need.

Here's what you can do at night:

• Make the environment distinct: During night feedings, keep lights dimmed, talking and stimulation to a minimum. During the day, be bright and active. This helps baby learn the difference between night and day.
• Comfort through swaddling and warmth: You can swaddle your baby (keeping hips flexible to prevent hip dislocation) or use skin-to-skin contact for calming. Gentle rhythmic tapping on the back and "shh" sounds work well.
• Sleep safety: Always place baby on their back, on a firm, empty mattress (no pillows, blankets, or toys). Room temperature should be around 20-22°C.
• Adjust expectations: Expecting long stretches of sleep from a 1-month-old isn't realistic. Night wakings are a natural part of meeting your baby's hunger and closeness needs.

If you notice feeding difficulties lasting longer than two weeks or slow weight gain, talk to your pediatrician.