Today, we're diving into newborn sleep prep with the wonderful Katie from Sleepy Starts.
This blog post is based on our conversation in the latest episode of the Postpartum Prep Podcast. If you haven’t listened to the full episode yet, I highly recommend adding it to your queue! Katie breaks down these topics in more detail in the episode.
1. Should I do an Eat Play Sleep routine with my baby?
This is one of the most popular questions among expecting parents preparing for newborn sleep. But Katie’s short answer? No.
She explains that Eat Play Sleep routines can pull parents away from being in tune with their baby. Instead of watching for real hunger or sleep cues, parents end up watching the clock, or following a schedule that doesn’t match their baby’s needs.
This routine also comes from traditional sleep-training culture, where feeding and sleeping are intentionally separated to promote independent sleep. But as we discussed in the last episode, feeding and sleep are intrinsically linked for breastfed babies.
From a lactation perspective, breastfeeding on demand (not on a set routine) is one of the most important things to do for preventing low milk supply. So when it comes to newborn sleep prep, the real focus should be on learning to read your baby’s cues, not following a rigid pattern.
Every baby is different, and you are the expert on your baby.
2. Will contact napping create bad habits before returning to work?
Many expecting parents preparing for newborn sleep worry that holding their baby for naps will cause long-term issues. Should we be trying to get baby to sleep independently?
Katie reassures us that contact naps are not only normal - they’re expected.
Most babies prefer to nap on a caregiver. Contact naps support regulation, bonding, and nervous system development. The fear that “if I hold them now, no one else will ever be able to help them nap” is common - but not true.
Katie explains that how a baby sleeps with you is often different from how they will sleep with another caregiver. That’s because sleep is relationship-based. Babies can associate specific sleep patterns and comfort levels with specific people.
If you’re planning childcare, one helpful step is something Katie calls “matchmaking childcare.” This means intentionally introducing your baby to a secondary caregiver with warmth, presence, and clear signals of safety. When babies see you greet and connect with their caregiver, they learn that this new person is safe.
Temperament also matters. A go-with-the-flow “dandelion baby” might adapt easily, while a sensitive “orchid baby” may need a slower introduction. Both are normal.
The bottom line for newborn sleep prep: You are not ruining future naps by contact napping now. Babies can and do sleep differently with different caregivers. Their ability to adapt can often surprise us!
3. How do I prepare for newborn sleep when I also have a bed-sharing toddler?
If you have a toddler who bedshares, preparing for newborn sleep can feel like a puzzle. Katie just went through this transition herself and shares several options.
First, know that you have choices, and support makes a huge difference. A partner, family member, or postpartum doula can help make this stage easier.
For safe sleep, the goal is keeping toddlers and newborns on separate sleep surfaces or separated by an adult. Toddlers move unpredictably and shouldn’t be next to a newborn at night.
Some for newborn sleep with a cosleeping toddler include:
You in the middle: cuddle-curling around the baby, toddler behind you
Partner in the middle: you with baby on one side, partner with toddler on the other
Toddler on a floor bed or small mattress beside your bed
A gentle transition to the toddler’s own room (with lots of connection and reassurance)
If your toddler is more sensitive, preparing them for their new sibling’s arrival could start slowly with:
Daytime conversations
Practice
Emotional support
Some toddlers need you very close - others adapt more quickly than expected.
One sweet tool Katie recommends is the book Where Love Sleeps, which helps toddlers understand that connection stays even when sleep spaces change.
Want more newborn sleep prep support?
This blog only scratches the surface! For full guidance - including deeper safety tips, temperament explanations, examples, and more - listen to the full episode with Katie from Sleepy Starts.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Be sure to also listen to our previous episode, where Katie gave us an in-depth discussion about baby sleep safety guidelines. That’s an episode you definitely don’t want to miss!
You can also find her at sleepystarts.com or on Instagram @sleepystarts, where she shares free resources to help with baby sleep. Be sure to check out her free bed-sharing guide and developmental toolkits.
For more postpartum and newborn prep support, make sure you're subscribed to the Postpartum Prep Podcast!