Ashwin Lewis
Newborns sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day. Their sleep may happen in short bursts of 30 minutes to three hours at a time, or on an irregular schedule. While it's normal for newborns to sleep a lot, they may be sleeping too much if they're not getting enough to eat, or if they're sleeping through feeding times. Newborns with jaundice may also sleep too much. To prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it's important to always place your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm, flat sleep surface, and keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib or bassinet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | Newborns sleep for varying durations, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours at a time, adding up to around 18 hours of total daily sleep. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns follow their own sleep patterns, with some sleeping in long stretches and others in short bursts. They gradually develop an internal 24-hour rhythm to differentiate between day and night. |
| Sleep environment | The sleep environment should be safe, with no hazards within the baby's reach. Approved sleep surfaces and products that meet federal safety standards are recommended. |
| Bed-sharing | Bed-sharing is not recommended due to the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Room-sharing without bed-sharing is advised for at least the first 6 months. |
| Sleep position | Babies should always be placed on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS and other issues like aspiration and choking. |
| Sleep aids | Swaddling with a light blanket is soothing and can be done until the baby starts trying to roll over. Pacifiers can be offered but not forced. Rocking, cuddling, and singing can also help soothe newborns. |
| Sleep routine | Establishing a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities like bathing, reading, and singing can help signal bedtime. |
| Nighttime feedings | Newborns should be awakened to feed every 3–4 hours until they show good weight gain, typically within the first few weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep practices for newborns
Sleep patterns vary from baby to baby. Newborns sleep a lot during the day and wake up repeatedly at night. They may sleep for long periods or in short bursts.
- Newborns should be put to sleep on their back, never on their side or stomach. This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and choking.
- Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
- Avoid products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern.
- Avoid hanging any items or placing objects with cords, ties, or ribbons within a baby's reach.
- Avoid using a weighted blanket, sleeper, or swaddle on or around your baby.
- Newborns should sleep in a bassinet or crib in your room or a separate room. Bed-sharing is not recommended as it raises the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for at least the first 6 months, or ideally until the baby's first birthday.
- Newborns should be immunized and exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet to prevent gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, play yard, or bassinet.
- Swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) is safe until they start to roll over (usually at 3-4 months). Stop swaddling if your baby starts trying to roll over.
- Rocking, cuddling, and singing can help soothe a crying baby.
- Newborns should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, usually within the first couple of weeks.
- Establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for the baby, such as bathing, reading, or singing.
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How much sleep newborns need
Newborns generally sleep for 12 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period. However, this can vary from baby to baby, with some newborns sleeping up to 19 hours a day. During the first three months, newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and wake frequently during the night to be fed or changed. They do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and do not know the difference between day and night.
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, may be challenging to maintain long-term and can create negative sleep associations, resulting in your newborn only being able to fall asleep while being held. Instead, it is recommended to prioritise your newborn's feeding needs over establishing a strict sleeping routine.
To help your newborn develop a sense of day and night, you can expose them to light and gently play with them during the day, while providing a dim and quiet environment at night. It is also beneficial to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and to let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it is the place for sleep.
Additionally, it is crucial to prioritise safe sleep practices for your newborn. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, never on their tummy or side, and ensure they sleep on a firm, approved sleep surface free of soft toys, blankets, pillows, and bumpers. Room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents in a separate crib or bassinet, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night while reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Bed-sharing, on the other hand, is not safe and increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
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How to get newborns to sleep
Newborns sleep a lot, around 14 to 18 hours a day, but this comes in random bursts of slumber. They have no schedule and are unable to tell the difference between day and night.
Create a bedtime routine
Having a consistent nighttime routine can help your baby sleep better and longer, with less frequent wake-ups. A regular bedtime routine can include numerous activities to help soothe your baby and get them ready for sleep. For example, you could give them a bath, put on their pyjamas, read them a story, and sing a lullaby.
Establish a wake-up time
Even if your baby was up most of the night, stick to a wake-up time. Sleeping in may seem beneficial, but it won't help you reach your goal of sleeping soundly at night.
Feed your baby right before bedtime
Feed your baby right before you plan to go to sleep so that they are full and comfortable enough to fall asleep. Feed them before they fall asleep, then move them to their crib or bassinet so they don't associate feeding with falling asleep.
Keep the room dark and quiet
Keep your baby's room quiet and dark, and use only a soft light or a nightlight for nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Blackout curtains can help keep the room dark.
Be patient
Most babies adjust to the family schedule with time and a consistent routine. In the meantime, when your baby is just a few weeks old, try gently coaxing them into following a more reasonable schedule.
Safe sleep practices
Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products you use to help your baby sleep have been approved by the relevant safety authorities. Newborns should always be placed on their back to sleep, and never sleep in your bed, as this raises their risk of suffocation, strangulation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Newborn sleep patterns
Newborns sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns vary. Most newborns are asleep more than they are awake, and they can sleep up to 18 hours a day. Newborns wake up repeatedly at night during the first few months because they need to be fed. They also wake up if they are too hot or too cold.
Newborns follow their own sleep schedule, and it may take a few weeks for their brains to learn the difference between night and day. During the night, keep things quiet and calm, and try to keep the lights low. Resist the urge to play with or talk to your baby, and let them fall asleep in their crib so they learn that it's the place for sleep. During the day, don't try to keep your baby awake in the hope that they will sleep better at night. Overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping at night than those who have had enough sleep during the day.
It is important to learn how to put your baby down for a nap or bedtime safely to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For example, don't let your baby fall asleep on a product that isn't specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as a sitting device (like a car seat), a feeding pillow, or an infant lounger. Don't use products or devices that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that can detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products you use to help your baby sleep have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
To help your baby sleep, you can swaddle them (wrap them in a light blanket) or offer them a pacifier. Be consistent with your bedtime routine, and your baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping. Rocking your baby to sleep before bedtime may lead to them expecting to be rocked to sleep after nighttime awakenings. Instead, try putting your baby into a crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake. This way, your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own.
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Newborn sleep problems
Newborns sleep a lot—around 16 to 18 hours a day—but they have tiny stomachs, so they need to wake up every few hours to feed. This means that, for the first few months, newborns invariably wake up repeatedly during the night. During this time, it can be hard for parents to get much sleep.
Common newborn sleep problems
- Overstimulation: Babies can easily become overstimulated, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep or go back to sleep.
- Overtiredness: If a baby becomes overly tired during the day, they may struggle to sleep at night.
- Illness: If your baby is ill, this can disrupt their sleep.
- Growth spurts: If your baby is going through a growth spurt, they may need to feed more often, disrupting their sleep.
- Teething: Teething pain can disturb a baby's sleep.
- Separation anxiety: From around six months, babies may experience separation anxiety, which can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Inability to self-soothe: Some babies struggle to soothe themselves back to sleep when they wake up during the night.
- Inappropriate sleep onset associations: If a baby has become accustomed to falling asleep in a parent's arms or bed, they may struggle to fall asleep independently.
- Temperature: If a baby is too hot or too cold, this can disturb their sleep.
- Noise: Noisy toys or a loud environment can make it hard for a baby to fall asleep or stay asleep.
How to prevent and address newborn sleep problems
- Establish a bedtime routine: A familiar and relaxing routine can help your baby wind down and signal that it's time for sleep. This could include bathing, reading, or singing quiet songs.
- Create a safe and comfortable sleep environment: Ensure the room is a comfortable temperature and free from hazards, such as hanging cords or toys or objects with sharp edges.
- Avoid overstimulation: Keep things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low, and avoid playing with or talking to your baby.
- Teach your baby the difference between night and day: Keep things calm and quiet at night, and don't play with your baby. During the day, don't worry about keeping the house silent—let your baby get used to sleeping through some noise.
- Swaddle your baby: Wrapping your baby in a light blanket can help soothe them and make them feel secure. Stop swaddling when your baby starts trying to roll over.
- Rock and cuddle your baby: Holding your baby close and rocking them gently can help calm them down and prepare them for sleep.
- Feed your baby before they reach the crying phase: Babies can become so upset during the crying phase that they may refuse to feed.
- Learn your baby's sleep cues: Some babies fuss or cry when they're tired, while others rub their eyes, stare into space, or pull on their ears. Put your baby down as soon as they show signs of sleepiness—they'll fall asleep more easily and quickly.
- Allow time for naps: Most newborns nap frequently throughout the day. Follow your baby's lead and let them nap when they need to.
- Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask your partner, family, or friends for help so you can get some rest.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, speak to a doctor or health visitor. They can provide advice and guidance tailored to your baby's needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep a lot, both during the day and at night. They may sleep for 30 minutes to three hours at a time and will wake up to be fed. The National Sleep Foundation says that infants up to 3 months old should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, or until the baby's first birthday. This is because of the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress that is covered by a tightly fitted sheet. Make sure all sleep products have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
Newborns will often fall asleep during a feed. Carry on feeding until they are finished or fully asleep. You can also try bathing, reading, rocking, singing, and swaddling (wrapping them in a light blanket) to soothe them to sleep.
Don't let your baby fall asleep in your arms, as they may begin to expect this. Don't use products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors. Don't use weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles, and don't hang mobiles or pictures within the baby's reach.
If you are formula feeding, ask your partner to share the feeds. If you are breastfeeding, ask your partner to take over early morning changing and dressing so you can get more sleep. If you are on your own, ask a friend or relative to help for a few days.
