Can Both Parents Sleep While Newborn Sleeps? 5 Practical Strategies That Work
When your newborn finally drifts off to sleep, a wave of relief often follows only to be replaced by the lingering question: Can both parents sleep while the newborn sleeps? It's one of the most pressing concerns for exhausted new parents trying to balance safety, recovery, and connection.
At Sleep Child O Mine, we understand how overwhelming early parenthood can be. Sleep isn’t just a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Let’s explore how both parents can rest (yes, really), and how to do it safely and sustainably.
1. Understanding the Sleep Challenge in the Newborn Phase
Newborns sleep frequently, but in short, irregular bursts. This fragmented rhythm can make it feel impossible for both parents to rest at the same time, especially when you're adjusting to around-the-clock feeding, diaper changes, and soothing.
Sleep deprivation impacts everything: your mood, your healing, your ability to connect with your baby, and even your relationship with your partner. That’s why this question: Can both parents sleep while newborn sleeps? It isn’t just practical. It’s essential to family well-being.
2. The Short Answer: Yes, With the Right System
The truth is, both parents can sleep while the newborn sleeps, but it requires planning, clear communication, and a shared understanding of responsibilities.
Newborn care doesn’t have to mean that one parent suffers while the other survives. With the right setup, you both can access restorative rest, even if it’s in shifts.
3. How to Make It Work: Practical Tips for Shared Sleep
Create a Nighttime Shift Schedule
Dividing the night into manageable shifts (e.g., one parent from 8 PM–2 AM, the other from 2 AM–8 AM) ensures each person gets a solid stretch of rest.
This method:
Reduces resentment and burnout.
Allows each parent to fully rest without the “on-call” mental load.
Encourages shared responsibility.
Even if your baby wakes often, you know help is coming at the shift change.
Nap Strategically During the Day
When your baby naps, at least one parent should too. If it’s safe and practical, both parents can nap while the newborn sleeps, especially if you use a safe sleep space like a bassinet near your bed or living room couch.
Use baby monitors for peace of mind, and be mindful of daytime visitors, chores, or distractions that can eat into your rest window.
Leverage Postpartum Support
Whether it’s a family member, night doula, or postpartum coach, bringing in extra support can allow both parents to rest simultaneously. A trained professional, like those from Sleep Child O Mine, can care for your newborn while you catch up on much-needed sleep.
4. Addressing Safety: Is It Okay for Both Parents to Sleep at the Same Time?
Yes, as long as your baby is in a safe sleep environment, it’s absolutely okay. Here’s what that looks like:
Baby sleeps on their back in a firm, flat bassinet or crib.
No loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals.
Room-sharing is encouraged, but bed-sharing is not recommended for sleep-deprived parents.
If both parents are napping, avoid reclining on couches or chairs with baby in arms these are not safe sleep setups.
5. Building a Rhythm That Works for Your Family
Sleep systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. Every family’s rhythm will look different depending on feeding choices (breast/chestfeeding vs. bottle), parental leave schedules, mental health, and even personality.
At Sleep Child O Mine, we work with parents to create custom sleep and recovery plans that honor your lifestyle and protect your peace.
Here’s what we often help families establish:
Realistic expectations for newborn sleep
Shift and nap strategies for both parents
Gentle infant sleep routines to support longer stretches
Supportive conversations around shared parenting
Real Talk: You Deserve Rest, Too
If you’re Googling “Can both parents sleep while the newborn sleeps?” you’re likely already running on empty.
You’re doing everything you can for your baby.
But what if rest didn’t have to be your last resort?
Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
And needing it doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human. It makes you a more present, responsive parent.
Book a Rest Strategy Session with a certified postpartum sleep coach at Sleep Child O Mine.
Together, we’ll create a plan that honors your baby’s rhythms and your body’s need to recover.
Final Thoughts
Yes, both parents can sleep while their newborn sleeps with intention, support, and flexibility. Whether you’re two weeks into parenthood or two months deep, it’s not too late to reclaim your rest.
Let’s create space for sleep, healing, and connection together.