Gina Johnson
Newborns generally sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day, waking up every few hours to feed. They do not know the difference between day and night and have no established sleep-wake rhythms. It is important to teach newborns that nighttime is for sleeping by keeping the lights low, being quiet, and avoiding playing with them. While it is good to get newborns used to sleeping with some noise, it is also important to keep things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Newborns should sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, as bed-sharing increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep do newborns need? | 11-19 hours a day |
| How long do they sleep for at a time? | 30 minutes to 3 hours |
| How often do they wake up? | Every 2-4 hours |
| Why do they wake up? | To be fed or changed |
| When do they start sleeping through the night? | 3-12 months |
| How can you help them sleep? | Expose them to light and play with them during the day, provide a dim and quiet environment at night |
| Where should they sleep? | In the same room as you, on their back, on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding or toys |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns sleep for 11-19 hours a day in short bursts, waking every few hours to feed
- Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
- It's important to establish a bedtime routine to help your baby sleep
- Safe sleep practices include putting your baby to sleep on their back and keeping the crib clear of toys and loose bedding
- If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional
Newborns sleep for 11-19 hours a day in short bursts, waking every few hours to feed
Newborns sleep a lot—generally anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day in their first year. This sleep is spread out into smaller chunks throughout the day and night, especially during the first few months. This is because newborns don't yet have a sense of day and night, and their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long.
Newborns usually sleep in short bursts of 2-3 hours each, and some newborns sleep for up to 4 hours at a time. They wake frequently to feed, about every 2-3 hours for breastfed babies and every 3-4 hours for bottle-fed babies. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Newborns have two different kinds of sleep: active sleep and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns move around a lot and make noises. They can be woken easily during this type of sleep. During quiet sleep, newborns are still, and their breathing is deep and regular. They are less likely to wake during this type of sleep. Each newborn sleep cycle, consisting of both active and quiet sleep, takes about 40 minutes, and newborns typically wake up for a little while at the end of each cycle.
It's important to note that there is no set schedule for newborn sleep, and the amount of sleep can vary widely from baby to baby. Some newborns may only sleep for 11 hours per day, while others may sleep for up to 19 hours. Additionally, newborns may sleep more or less than usual when they are sick or when their routine is disrupted.
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Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
The reason behind this day-night confusion is that newborns do not have a developed biological clock or circadian rhythm. They have spent nine months in the darkness of the womb, without exposure to external cues such as sunlight that help regulate sleep-wake cycles in adults. As a result, newborn babies are often born oblivious to the concept of day and night, making it common to have a newborn who sleeps all day and remains active at night.
The hormones that regulate sleep and wake cycles in adults, such as melatonin, are also not fully developed in newborns. Melatonin, which is released in response to darkness, is crucial for promoting sleep. Since newborns have limited melatonin production and no exposure to light-dark cues, their sleep-wake patterns become irregular and can lead to day-night confusion.
To help your newborn differentiate between day and night, you can:
- Expose them to sunlight when they're awake: Position their swing or playmat near a window, or take them for outdoor stroller walks. This helps regulate their circadian rhythm and teaches them the difference between day and night.
- Encourage longer stretches of sleep at night: Newborns will sleep for 14-17 hours or more in a 24-hour period. Limit daytime sleep to 2-hour naps to encourage longer stretches of sleep at night.
- Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, feeding, reading a book, or singing a lullaby, can help signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
- Create a distinction between day and night: During the day, let natural light into your home and engage your baby in activities. At night, minimize exposure to light, keep the nursery dark and quiet, and avoid playing with your baby.
- Engage with your baby during the day: Stimulate your baby in various ways, such as playing with toys, gently dancing with them, or giving them a massage. This helps promote alertness during the day and makes them more tired at night.
Remember, this phase of day-night confusion is temporary. By the time your baby reaches 6-8 weeks of age, they usually outgrow this confusion as their biological clock starts to develop and their melatonin levels increase. In the meantime, be patient, take care of yourself, and know that you're not alone in navigating this challenging but temporary phase.
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It's important to establish a bedtime routine to help your baby sleep
Establishing a bedtime routine is important to help your baby sleep. It is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and teach them healthy sleep habits. A routine can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep, and it can also be a special time set aside for you to spend with them.
It is never too early to start a bedtime routine. While newborns don't have a sense of day and night, you can begin to teach them the difference by keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feeds and changes. Try to keep the lights low and don't play or talk to your baby, so they learn that nighttime is for sleeping.
Once your baby is around six weeks old, you can start a more formal bedtime routine. This might include changing into nightclothes, reading a story, dimming the lights, singing a lullaby, and giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle. As your baby gets older, you can add in brushing their teeth, a baby massage, and other calming activities.
The key to a successful bedtime routine is consistency. Try to follow the same pattern every night and include activities that your baby finds soothing. This will help your baby relax and let them know what to expect. It's also important to be flexible and adjust the routine as your baby grows and their needs change.
A bedtime routine can help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep, and it can also improve their sleep quality. It can be a great way to promote family bonding and give your baby uninterrupted time with their caregivers.
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Safe sleep practices include putting your baby to sleep on their back and keeping the crib clear of toys and loose bedding
Newborns sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to eat. They need 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day.
Safe sleep practices are important to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Here are some key practices to follow:
Put your baby to sleep on their back
It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep, both during naps and at night. This has been shown to be the best way to reduce the risk of SUID (sudden unexpected infant death) or other sleep-related causes of infant death. Do not put your baby on their side or stomach. The rate of SIDS has decreased since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending this in 1992.
Keep the crib clear of toys and loose bedding
The crib or bassinet should only contain a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a snug-fitting sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib, including plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads. These items could cover your baby's face and airway, increasing the risk of suffocation. Instead of using loose blankets, dress your baby in a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep them warm.
Additionally, make sure the crib is placed in a hazard-free area, with no dangling cords, wires, or window coverings that could pose a strangulation risk. Keep the crib away from windows.
By following these safe sleep practices, you can help create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn.
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If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional
If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, it's important to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can help you understand what's normal and necessary for your baby's sleep patterns and address any specific concerns you may have. Here are some reasons why you should consult a healthcare professional:
- Variations in Sleep Patterns: Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns can vary significantly. Some babies sleep for long periods, while others take short naps. Some quickly adapt to sleeping through the night, while others take a longer time. A healthcare professional can guide you on what to expect and offer tailored advice.
- Feeding and Weight Gain: Newborns wake up frequently to feed due to their tiny stomachs. If you're unsure about how often to feed your baby or whether you should wake them for feedings, a healthcare professional can advise you based on your baby's age, weight, and growth rate. They can also help you establish a healthy feeding and sleeping routine.
- Sleep Safety: Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on safe sleep positions, such as placing your baby on their back, and recommend ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They can also advise on the use of sleep aids, such as pacifiers, and address any concerns about bed-sharing.
- Developmental Milestones: Babies' sleep patterns change as they grow and develop. A healthcare professional can help you understand these changes and offer advice on sleep regression, which is common during the first year. They can also provide guidance on self-soothing techniques and when to expect your baby to start sleeping through the night.
- Medical Concerns: If you're worried about your baby sleeping too much or too little, a healthcare professional can assess your baby for any underlying medical conditions. Excessive sleep could be a sign of illness, such as a cold or fever, or, in rare cases, a more serious medical issue. They can also advise on when to seek further medical attention if sleep disturbances persist or other symptoms arise.
Remember, it's always better to seek professional advice than to worry in silence. Your doctor or healthcare professional is there to support you and ensure your baby's well-being, so don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions about your baby's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep for 11 to 18 hours a day in their first year, but this varies from baby to baby. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually 20 to 50 minutes long.
Newborns wake up every couple of hours to be fed as their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long. If you're breastfeeding, feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours. If you're bottle-feeding, your baby can go 3 to 4 hours between feedings.
Some experts recommend waking your baby to feed within the first two weeks of birth if they need to gain weight. In this case, wake your baby every 3 to 4 hours for a feeding.
It is not necessary to watch your newborn sleep, but it is important to keep them in the same room as you when they sleep, both day and night, for at least the first 6 months. This can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
