How to Care for Your Baby at Night

A guide for parents and caregivers from the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) baby-friendly initiative. While this pamphlet is geared toward a UK audience and uses some terms and concepts that may not be relevant to US readers, it is still very useful. It includes information on sleeping positions for your baby, important safety considerations if you are thinking about co-sleeping, and more. While reading, it is worthwhile to examine how these recommendations may vary regionally and culturally. There are many safe and healthy ways to raise a baby with love and care, and this may look different from family to family, community to community.

Becoming a parent is a very special time. Getting to know your new baby and learning how to care for their needs can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, it can also be challenging, especially when you are tired and your baby is wakeful and wanting to feed frequently during the night.

SOURCE: UNICEF UK • LAST UPDATED: November 1, 2022