When you have a newborn, you might hear a lot about the importance of having a consistent sleep schedule. But you might be wondering: Is that even possible for a newborn?

Here’s the thing: Consistency is important, but it doesn’t mean everything has to happen at the exact same time every day. Newborns are still figuring out how to sleep, and their sleep cycles can be all over the place. Their naps may be short, wake-ups unpredictable, and feeding times can vary. That’s normal!

At the newborn stage, consistency doesn't mean a military-like schedule with feeding, napping, and wake-up times down to the minute. Instead, it’s more about flexibility within a routine. Babies thrive on predictability, but they also need flexibility as they grow and their needs change from day to day. What works one day may not work the next, and that’s totally normal.

What Does 'Consistency' Look Like for Newborns?

1. Routine, Not Schedule:

A routine means doing things in a similar order each day. For example, your baby can wake up, feed, then nap—just not at the exact same time every day. If the timing varies a bit, that’s okay. The rhythm of the day will help your baby feel secure and comfortable.

2. Follow Baby’s Cues:  

Newborns can’t always tell you when they’re tired or hungry, but they will give you clues! If you follow these signals, you’ll know when it’s time to feed or put them down for a nap—even if the timing isn’t perfect. You’re reading your baby’s cues and adjusting as needed, and that’s the essence of “consistency” at this age.

3. Flexible Wake Windows:

At this stage, babies can’t stay awake for long—usually 45 minutes to an hour. But this can change a bit every day depending on how your baby feels. Some days they may be tired earlier, while other days they might want to stay awake a little longer. That’s perfectly normal! Rather than obsessing over exact wake window lengths, aim for a range (for example, 1.5 to 2 hours) and adjust based on how your baby is acting. This can reduce stress about whether it’s “time” for a nap yet.

4. Consistent Sleep Environment:

Even if your baby’s naps and feedings aren’t always on a strict schedule, it’s helpful to have a familiar, calm sleep environment. Putting on your baby's favourite swaddle or sleep bag, for example, will help your baby recognise it’s time for sleep—no matter when that happens. Even if the timing varies a little, if the environment and cues are the same, your baby can start to anticipate sleep.

5. Don’t Stress About Perfection:

The key to consistency with a newborn is creating a general rhythm, not a perfect schedule. Every day will look a little different, and that’s okay. As your baby grows, things will naturally become more predictable, and sleep will get easier. Hang in there, you’re doing a great job!