What To Do When Your Baby Only Wants to Sleep in Your Arms
Navigating the early days and months of a newborn’s life can feel like a crash course in parenthood. One of the most common challenges parents face is the delicate dance of getting their baby to sleep. Many newborns seem to only want to sleep when they’re being held, which can bring about exhaustion and frustration for new parents. But fear not—there are strategies and solutions to help manage this phase while ensuring both you and your baby get more restful sleep.
Why Newborns Prefer Sleeping in Your Arms
Lounging in your comfortable maternity clothes and rocking your baby to sleep sounds easier than it is. You will need to educate yourself on why your newborn prefers sleeping in your arms. Let’s take a look at why your newborn prefers this.
First Three Months of Your Baby’s Life
Often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” the first three months after delivery are a period of significant adjustment. Babies are transitioning from the secure, warm environment of the womb to the outside world. Sleeping in your arms provides them with a sense of security, warmth, and the soothing rhythm of your heartbeat, replicating some of the comforts of the womb.
Safety When Sleeping
Babies are always going to feel most comfortable when they are close to their parents. This provides a sense of safety, therefore, allowing your new little one to sleep better when they are in your arms.
Underdeveloped Sleep Cycles
Newborns have short sleep cycles and are easily awakened. The movement, sounds, and even involuntary muscle twitches can startle them into waking up.
Ways to Help Your Little One Sleep
While it’s natural for newborns to want to sleep in your arms, helping them transition to independent sleep is crucial for your well-being and theirs. Below are a few ways to try to help your baby through this transition.
Establish a Bedtime Routine and Stick To It
Creating a predictable and calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This routine can include:
- Giving your new little one a warm bath
- Rocking your baby gently
- Ensuring they are not hungry
Consistency is key. Over time, these actions will help your baby associate them with sleep.
Swaddling
Swaddling can mimic the feeling of being held by providing warmth and a snug environment. Many babies find the sensation comforting because it prevents the startle reflex, which can wake them up prematurely. Ensure that you swaddle correctly for safety and stop swaddling as your baby begins to roll over.
White Noise
The sounds of the womb are akin to constant white noise. Using a white noise machine can help recreate this environment and soothe your baby to sleep. It also helps to mask other background noises that might disrupt their sleep.
Comforting Touch
If your baby starts fussing when placed down, try keeping a hand on their chest or gently patting and rocking them until they settle. This can provide reassurance and help ease them into sleeping independently over time.
Use a Sleep Sack
Using a wearable blanket or sleep sack can help keep your baby warm and provide a sense of security without the risk of loose blankets that could pose a suffocation hazard. Choose a sleep sack appropriate for their age and developmental stage.
Daytime Sleep
Help your baby differentiate between day and night. Ensure they get plenty of natural light during the day and create a dim, quiet environment for night-time sleep. This helps their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, to regulate more quickly.
Managing Expectations and Practicing Patience
It’s important to understand that no baby is alike. What may work for your friend’s child might not work for yours. You will want to make sure to find the right sleeping arrangement that works for your little one through experimentation and practice.
Success Takes Time
Gradual changes can often yield the best results with minimal stress for both you and your baby. If your baby only sleeps in your arms, start with short periods of independent sleeping and gradually increase the time. Celebrate the small wins and remain patient throughout the process.
Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of your newborn is not an easy task and can be overwhelming, especially if your baby always wants to sleep in your arms. You have to make sure to take care of yourself during this time whether that is going to the gym, going shopping for a new maternity dress, or simply reading a book.
Take Advantage of When Your Baby Sleeps
The advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” can be challenging to follow but is helpful. Even short naps throughout the day can help refresh and recharge you.
Accept Support
Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help with meals, household chores, or older children. Delegating tasks can relieve your stress and allow you to focus on your and your baby’s well-being.
Stay Connected
It is very important to prioritize yourself during this new time in your life. You want to try and engage in activities that can recharge you and bring you happiness. Whether it is a quick phone call to a friend, shopping for a new cute maternity dress, or a walk outside, finding small ways to prioritize yourself can make a difference.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider if Needed
Understandably, at this time you may feel overwhelmed or be struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety. Just remember you are not alone. You may want to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and support while maneuvering through this challenging time.
Practice Patience Through This Phase
Having a newborn is challenging in itself, but having a newborn who only wants to sleep when they are in your arms can be even more challenging. You do not want to forget that with a new baby, each time in their life is a stage and they will grow out of it. However, it is important to understand their needs and learn how to encourage your baby to change their habits.
Being patient is important to help you through this time. Your new little ones will eventually grow accustomed to sleeping by themselves. Until then, cherish the moments of closeness, knowing you are providing comfort and security to your new bundle of joy.
