Figuring out Sleep for a Newborn

lbenjell • April 20, 2021

A sleep survival guide to the first few weeks of your infant’s life

Written by: Lamis Benjelloun

Do you ever feel like the person who coined  “sleep like a baby” probably never got to spend time with a baby?  I mean, seriously, moms of newborns KNOW that babies never sleep, especially at night.

You’d be surprised, or not, to know that newborns do actually sleep a lot.  Their sleep needs are high (Did someone say 17 hours of sleep?) and their reliance on their mother is big.  In fact, the first three to four months of a baby’s life are known as the fourth trimester and sleep is very unorganized during that time.

Oftentimes, newborns sleep a lot during the day, leaving them awake much of the night.  This is known as Day/Night Confusion.  Another newborn experience that makes sleep difficult is colic.  These two topics are covered in separate blog posts as linked.

Focus on awake times instead…

Newborn sleep is not governed by your regular 24 hour clock.  Their circadian rhythms are immature and their sleep cycles are bi-phasic, unlike those of an adult.  This means that for half the time they are asleep, they are in light active sleep and for the other half, they are in deep sleep.  What does that look like for us?  This is the main culprit behind baby waking up as soon as we try to lay him in their crib after he has fallen asleep in our arms.  This is also the reason newborns make so many noises in their sleep.

Simply put, we know that sleep is messy during the first few weeks of a baby’s life: this translates into irregular sleep periods as well as inability to fall asleep on their own.  When we realize this, we can begin to take a load off the parents shoulders and instead of focusing on how long the sleep is or how baby fell asleep, we can focus on offering sleep every 45-60 minutes, even if assisted (by mom or a rocking chair or what have you).  Babies have a short capacity to stay awake and when we offer sleep at short intervals, we allow them to relieve the sleep pressure thereby preventing them from getting overtired.  If you have at all struggled with your child’s sleep, you know that overtired is the enemy: it is the way to make sure that baby will have an even harder time falling asleep. 

When baby smiles…

The first real sleep milestone happens when baby reaches around 6 to 8 weeks.  Your child is now more aware of her surrounding and this period is marked by her ability to smile “on purpose”.  When you show up, baby can now look at you and smile, showing that he recognized you and is happy to see you.  At this point, you will find that it becomes ever so important to dedicate a consistent sleep space that’s dark cool and quiet as much as possible to avoid distractions at nap and bedtime.  Baby also naturally starts needing an earlier bedtime and you will find that they are more capable of longer stretches of sleep during the first half of the night.

If self-settling is a skill you would like your baby to acquire gently , you can start practicing it as early as this stage.  Lay baby drowsy but awake in her crib for her first nap of the day and see if she will fall asleep.  If she fusses at all, pick her up and help her fall asleep in whatever way you choose.  You can try again tomorrow if you wish: afterall, practice makes perfect!

Tools to help…

Before I sign off here, I want to leave you with two tools that can help you set the stage for healthy sleep habits:

  1. Diversifying soothing methods: When possible, try to avoid relying on just one way to soothe baby.  I know its tempting to stick to the formula that works but when you difersify how you soothe your baby and even who soothes your baby, there is a lower probability that a certain action or person will be associated to falling asleep.
  2. EAT/PLAY/SLEEP:  A newborn mama’s day is a very unstructured and hard to plan.  Having said that, it helps to plan to feed baby as soon as they wake up instead of right before sleep.  This way, there is always an activity right before bed that does not involve breastfeeding or a bottle.  Tracy Hogg introduces the concept of EASY in Secrets of The Baby Whisperer through which she encourages parents to always have an activity between feeding and sleeping. Of course, during the first few weeks of baby’s life, that activity will just be changing a diaper or putting PJ’s on: it might not necessarily be a play or physical activity.
  3. Stop, wait and listen: Since infants spend a significant amount of type in active sleep, they may move, make sounds and cry in their sleep.  So before you jump in and scoop them out of their crib at the first whimper you hear, I want you to stop.  Take a minute and listen: Is baby really awake or are they just making sleep sounds?

Life with a newborn is amazing but can be a time of total chaos and confusion.  So instead of worrying about whether your baby is sleeping enough focus on recovering, bonding with your baby and offering them sleep often (every hour for example).  And remember to enjoy it, seasons change quickly for infants and what seems so difficult today will be a distant memory sooner than you think!

Top 4 Tips for Buying the Right Car Seat in 2025 — UAE Parents’ Guide

By Sophie Huang • September 29, 2025
Choosing a car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving your child the best protection on every journey . In the UAE, where we drive long distances, face busy roads, and deal with extreme heat, the right car seat matters more than ever. But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Here are our top 4 tips to make car seat shopping easier — and safer. 1. PRIORITIZE SEATS THAT UNDERGO THE TOUGHEST CRASH TESTING Not all car seats are created equal. Many parents think if a seat is “legal,” it must be safe — but that’s not always true. ECE R44 : The most basic standard, now phased out in Europe. ECE R129 (i-Size) : Stricter testing with better head, neck, and side-impact protection. The Swedish Plus Test : The toughest crash test in the world — and the gold standard. What makes the Swedish Plus Test so important? It’s the only test that measures neck forces on a child’s body in a crash. Seats that pass prove they can keep neck loads below dangerous limits — a key factor in preventing serious injury. Many car seats fail completely under this extreme test, which shows just how high the bar is. 👉 If a car seat has passed the Swedish Plus Test , you can be confident it offers the highest level of safety for your child. 💡 Remember: Legal does not always mean safe . Go beyond the minimum. 2. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND AGE — EVEN THE SMALLEST ONES Every child grows differently, and size matters when it comes to safety. Preemies and smaller babies : Standard carriers often don’t provide the right fit. They need extra support for the head, neck, and body, plus proper harness positioning. Twins or multiples : Planning seating for two (or more) at once requires careful choice so every child gets the safest setup. As children grow, their height and weight percentiles determine how long a seat will last. We recommend car seats with at least a 25kg weight limit and 125cm height limit , which allow for extended rear-facing travel . Why rear-facing ? Research shows it is up to 5 times safer than forward-facing for children up to 6–7 years old. Better crash force distribution across the strongest part of the body. Superior head and neck protection , preventing the whip-forward motion that can cause spinal injury. Cocoon-like shell protection against front and side impacts. 💡 Bonus for UAE parents: The BeSafe Go Beyond with Preemie Inlay was designed with neonatal nurses to support even the tiniest babies. It features a removable wedge for better harness fit and breathable mesh fabric — keeping your baby safe and cool in our hot weather. 3. MATCH THE CAR SEAT TO YOUR CAR AND LIFESTYLE Your car seat needs to fit not just your car — but your daily routine . Multiple cars? Choose a seat that’s easy to install/uninstall. Growing family? Invest in a seat with a long lifespan that can be passed down. Seat placement? Consider if it will go behind the passenger, in the middle, or side by side with another child seat. Bigger families? Narrow but safe seats can fit 3-across or work well in 7-seaters, without compromising protection. Example from our family setup: Mummy’s car : BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia (8y) + BeSafe Stretch for Leo (5y). Daddy’s car: Axkid One3 for Leo + BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia. The Axkid One3 was chosen because Daddy often removes the seat, and installation takes under 30 seconds . 👉 Key takeaway: The “best seat” isn’t the one your friend uses — it’s the one that fits your child, your car, and your lifestyle . 4. DON'T COMPROMISE — BUY FROM A CHILD CAR SEAT SPECIALIST Buying from a specialized retailer ensures peace of mind: They recommend a seat that fits your child, car, and routine . They install it correctly and show you how. If the seat doesn’t fit, they won’t install it — and they’ll help you find one that does. They’ll reinstall it whenever you need , for example when changing cars, at no extra cost. At Safety On Board , we offer 1-1 car seat consultation and hands-on support to make sure your child rides safely every time. FINAL THOUGHTS A car seat isn’t just another baby item — it’s life-saving equipment. Whether you’re bringing home a preemie, juggling twins, or moving a big kid into a booster, the right seat + the right suppor t makes all the difference. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us and book a consultation with us. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your child, your car, and your family. Because every child in the UAE deserves the safest ride 💛 Sophie Huang is the founder of Safety on Board , the UAE’s first child car seat specialist. She is also a mom of 2 and an internationally certified car seat expert . With a passion for keeping children as safe as possbile on UAE road, she guides parents in choosing and installing the safest car seats. Sophie believes safety can be simple, stress-free, and empowering for every parent.

Prepare for Sleep During Your Beach Trip (with a Baby)

By lbenjell • June 10, 2025
There’s something magical about a beach holiday — the sound of waves, salty air, and the promise of slow days in the sun. But let’s be honest: traveling to the beach with a baby isn’t exactly a vacation unless sleep is part of the equation. Whether you're heading to a resort, renting a seaside villa, or visiting family by the coast, here’s how to set your baby up for restful sleep — so everyone gets to enjoy that ocean breeze. Step 1: Know That Sleep Needs Don’t Take a Holiday Babies are creatures of habit. Their little bodies thrive on rhythm and predictability — even on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or go with the flow! It just means that your baby’s sleep needs are still there, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep things (mostly) on track. Step 2: Your Beach Baby Sleep Packing List Here’s your ultimate baby sleep packing list for a beach trip, broken down by category: Sleep Environment Essentials : Portable travel crib or bassinet – Choose one your baby is already familiar with if possible. Fitted sheets – Bring 2-3 just in case of sand, spills or spit-up. Also bring a gently used one to remind baby of home as he/she adjusts to the new sleep environment. Portable blackout blinds – Beach homes and rentals often have light, sheer curtains. White noise machine or app – Helps block out unfamiliar sounds like waves (yes, they can be loud!) or street noise. Baby monitor (if you’ll be in a larger space or stepping outside during naps). For more on the ideal sleep environment, have a read here . Comfort + Routine : Lovey or comfort object (if age-appropriate and safe for sleep). Sleep sack – Choose a breathable, summer-weight one. Favorite bedtime book – Familiarity brings comfort. Pacifiers – Always bring extras! Nightlight – A soft, warm one if needed for feeds or changes during the night. Weather + Climate Considerations : Lightweight, breathable pajamas – Think cotton or bamboo Fan – If your rental lacks good airflow or AC Bonus Tip: Have a “Nap-on-the-Go” Kit **For beach days that cut into nap time: Clip-on stroller fan Stroller or baby carrier your baby can sleep in Portable white noise machine Extra sun hats + baby-safe sunscreen (for after 6 months old) Step 3: Keep the Routine (Even on the Coast) Try to mirror your bedtime routine as closely as you can. If you usually do bath → PJs → book → feed → sleep, stick with it — even if it’s a quick version. Babies love the predictability, and it helps signal that it’s time to wind down, even in a new environment. Also, aim for naps in a darkened room when possible, especially after a stimulating beach outing. And if one nap has to happen in the stroller under a palm tree? That’s totally okay. Just go back to the routine as soon as you can. Getting There: Travel Day Tips Time your departure around naps if possible Use familiar sleep items (like the sleep sack or pacifier) during flights or drives Offer extra feeds — travel is dehydrating, especially in hot weather Keep expectations flexible – sleep may not be perfect, and that’s fine Beach trips with a baby can be full of joyful memories and restful nights — as long as you plan for sleep. With the right gear and mindset, your little one can stay well-rested and content, giving you more time to soak up the sun (or at least drink your coffee while it’s still warm!). And remember: sleep doesn’t have to fall apart just because you’re away from home. If you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to adjust things before, during, or after a trip, I’m here to help you build a personalized plan that fits your family’s travel style. Book your discovery call here .

Snug and Safe: How Baby Sleep Bags Protect Your Little One

By Guest author: Belinda Kirk • October 7, 2024
October is SIDS Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a time to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk and help protect our little ones.. At Hushabye, safety is at the heart of our brand. Our focus is on providing parents with safe and high-quality baby sleepwear, such as sleep bags, that offer a safer alternative to traditional blankets. What is a baby sleep bag? A baby sleep bag, also known as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a specially designed garment for infants and young children to wear during sleep. The primary purpose of a sleep bag is to keep the baby warm and comfortable, but it also serves as a safe and convenient alternative to traditional blankets and quilts in a crib or cot.