Herbie Murray
Newborns have different sleep patterns, but they generally sleep more than they are awake, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Newborns wake up frequently to feed, as their tiny stomachs can't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them full for long. They also don't have a sense of day and night yet and need time to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm. While it can be exhausting for new parents, there are strategies to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits, such as differentiating between night and day and creating a calm and quiet environment at night.
Can I sleep if my newborn is awake?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep do newborns need? | 14-19 hours over a 24-hour period |
| How often do newborns wake up? | Every 2-4 hours |
| Why do newborns wake up? | Hunger, discomfort, teething, growth spurts, illnesses, thirst, gas, temperature, attachment to parents |
| How to get a newborn to sleep at night? | Establish a routine, differentiate between night and day, create a calm and quiet environment at night, swaddling, sleep training |
| How to get more sleep as a parent? | Sleep when the baby sleeps, ask for help from your partner or family, accept car "cat naps", move slowly and talk quietly |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns wake up frequently to feed
Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they get hungry soon after feeding and need to be fed frequently. They also do not have a sense of day and night yet and will sleep around the clock. This means that newborns will wake up frequently to feed, about every 2-4 hours, depending on whether they are being breastfed or bottle-fed. Breastfed babies feed more often, about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, about 3-4 hours between feedings.
It is important to wake your newborn to feed if they sleep for longer stretches, especially within the first couple of weeks, to ensure they gain weight. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time during this period. As your baby grows, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer stretches.
To optimize your newborn's sleep, you can try different strategies for sleep training, such as teaching them to fall asleep on their own. It is also beneficial to hold your newborn often, as this can help them feel calm and safe, which can translate to better sleep. Additionally, you can swaddle your baby, which involves wrapping them in a light blanket, to soothe them and help them settle down.
As a new parent, it is essential to prioritize your own rest as well. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps, and don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. Instead, get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise, as this will help them understand that night-time is for sleeping. Remember, it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently, and these short bursts of sleep and wakefulness are an important part of their growth.
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Hunger, thirst, discomfort, and illness can disturb sleep
Hunger is a common reason why newborns wake up during the night. Their tiny tummies can only hold a small amount of milk, so they need to be fed every few hours. Breastfed babies, in particular, tend to feed more often, about every 2–3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, typically 3–4 hours. Newborns can also wake up hungry because they digest milk quickly.
Thirst may also be a reason why newborns wake up. While this is less commonly discussed than hunger, it is still important to ensure that your baby is adequately hydrated.
Discomfort can also disturb a newborn's sleep. For example, teething can cause discomfort in a baby's gums, and being tucked up close with a parent can help ease this. Swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) can also help to soothe a crying baby. However, if your baby starts trying to roll over, this is a sign that you should stop swaddling.
Finally, illness can also be a factor in newborn sleep disturbance. If you think your baby is experiencing an undiagnosed illness or allergy, it is important to consult your doctor. Illnesses and allergies can affect how your baby sleeps, and getting the appropriate care can help both you and your baby get some rest.
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Establish a daytime routine to encourage night-time sleep
Newborns sleep around the clock and wake up every couple of hours to feed. They do not have a sense of day and night yet, and it takes time for them to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm. As such, it is important to establish a daytime routine that helps them learn the difference between night-time and daytime.
Firstly, ensure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day. Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. During the day, open the curtains and play games with your baby. Don't worry about keeping the house silent or preventing everyday noises when they sleep. This will help your baby learn that daytime is for being awake and active.
Secondly, establish a bedtime routine to help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include a bath, reading a book, or other calmer activities. A full feeding before bed is also important, but ensure your baby is awake during this feeding. You can also try to keep the bedtime routine consistent, as babies thrive on predictability.
Thirdly, teach your baby to fall asleep on their own. This can be done through sleep training methods, such as responsive settling or formal sleep training for babies 5 months and older.
Finally, remember that every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to establishing a daytime routine. Be prepared to experiment and change up your routine as your baby grows and enters different stages.
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Sleep training methods can help babies fall asleep independently
As a new parent, you may be wondering if you can sleep while your newborn is awake. The answer is: it's best not to. Newborns wake up frequently throughout the night. They also haven't yet developed a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock. This means that you'll need to be awake and available to feed and care for them even during the night.
Understand your baby's sleep needs
Newborns need to get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. As your baby grows, they'll need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer stretches.
Create a safe sleep environment
Follow recommendations for a safe sleep environment for your baby. Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface. Keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items out of the crib or bassinet. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
Stick to a consistent bedtime
Consistency is essential in sleep training. Create a bedtime routine and stick to it every night. This will help your baby develop a sleep schedule and learn that nighttime is for sleeping.
Allow your baby to learn to self-soothe
By putting your baby down when they're getting drowsy, they'll get used to falling asleep on their own. When they wake up at night, they'll be able to put themselves back to sleep without your help because they've practiced.
Try different sleep training methods
There are several sleep training methods you can use, such as the fading method or the check and console method. The fading method involves continuing with whatever method you use to help your baby fall asleep (such as rocking or nursing) but gradually decreasing the amount of time you spend doing it. The check and console method involves checking on your baby and consoling them before they start to cry.
Be patient and consistent
Sleep training takes time and consistency. It's okay to experiment with different methods and combine approaches to find what works best for your baby. Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
Remember, it's important to talk to your paediatrician or health visitor if you have concerns or need advice about your baby's sleep.
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Safe sleep environments are essential for newborns
Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they wake up frequently to feed. They also haven't yet developed a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock. This can be a challenging time for parents, who understandably want to get some rest themselves.
The good news is that safe sleep environments are essential for newborns, and there are several things you can do to help your baby sleep and keep them safe while they do so. Firstly, it's important to remember that newborns need a lot of sleep—anywhere from 14 to 19 hours over a 24-hour period. So, if your baby is awake for more than six-hour chunks of time during the day, you may have a sleep problem.
To help your baby sleep, try to keep them awake a little longer during each waking period during the day. This will increase their need for sleep later. You can also try playing with them for a few minutes after a feeding instead of letting them fall asleep. However, don't keep them awake during the day in the hopes that they'll sleep better at night. Overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping at night.
It's also important to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends always placing your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a fitted sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, and keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, and bumper pads out of your baby's sleep area.
Additionally, dress your baby for the room temperature and don't overbundle them. Avoid covering their head while they sleep, and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch. It's also a good idea to keep your baby's room quiet and dark at night, using only a soft light or a night light for feedings and diaper changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can try to sleep when your baby sleeps. Newborns wake up frequently to feed and it is normal for them to be awake at night for short periods during their early months. If you are exhausted, ask your partner, friends or family to help with the feeds or other tasks so you can get some rest.
Newborns do not have a sense of day and night yet. You can help them learn this by creating a calm and quiet environment at night, and a bright and playful environment during the day. You can also establish a wake-up time and stick to it, even if your baby was up most of the night.
Newborns need a lot of sleep, ranging from 14 to 19 hours over a 24-hour period. They wake up frequently to feed and will sleep in short bursts.
Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat and attention during the day. Watch for signs that they are sleepy, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or fussing, and put them down for a nap. Swaddling can also help soothe your baby to sleep.
