Miya Pearson
Newborns have different sleep patterns compared to older babies, children and adults. They sleep in short bursts during the day and night, and wake up several times at night to be fed. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn sleep, understanding their sleep patterns and behaviours can help parents and caregivers establish a routine that prioritises their feeding needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 12-19 hours in a 24-hour period |
| Sleep pattern | Short bursts of 20-50 minutes |
| Sleep cycle | No fixed schedule or rhythm |
| Feeding frequency | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep and feeding | May sleep after feeding; may wake up to feed and go back to sleep |
| Sleep improvement | Takes a few months to settle into a routine |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep patterns
Newborn babies have very different sleep patterns from older babies, children and adults. They do not have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking up to feed every few hours. They sleep for around 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, but this can be as much as 18 or even 19 hours. Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and they don't sleep in one stretch.
During the first few weeks, it is normal for a newborn to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep. They may sleep for only 1 to 2 hours at a time, and it is common for them to doze off during a feed. As they grow, they will start to fit their sleep into longer periods and will gradually learn the difference between night and day. By the time a baby is around 3 months old, they might regularly be having a longer sleep at night, but they will still wake at least once to feed.
It can take a few months for a baby to get into a predictable sleep pattern, and even then, their sleep patterns will continue to change as they grow and enter different stages. Growth spurts, teething and illnesses can all affect how a baby sleeps.
It is important to note that room-sharing with a newborn is safe, but bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
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Feeding schedules
Newborns generally sleep for 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. They do not know the difference between day and night and have tiny stomachs, so they sleep and wake frequently. This is normal and an important part of their growth.
Newborns feed very frequently, and this is not a problem that needs to be solved. Breastfed babies feed more often, about every 2–3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed less often, about every 3–4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
During the first few months, it is important to get to know your baby and learn about their needs for sleep, feeds, play, and settling. A simple, flexible routine can help your baby and make you feel more in control. For example, a routine of feed, play, sleep. It is important to watch your baby's cues and respond accordingly. If your baby shows signs of tiredness soon after a feed, it is time for them to sleep.
It is also important to help your baby develop an internal clock or circadian rhythm. You can do this by keeping them in bright or sunny spaces during the day and removing bright lights at night. Keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes can also help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
- Make a 20- to 30-minute bedtime routine to help your baby calm down and recognize that it is time for sleep.
- Feed your baby at the start of their bedtime routine so they don't rely on feeding to fall asleep.
- Keep naps as part of your baby's daytime routine.
- Avoid keeping your baby up longer during the day, as this can lead to overtiredness and make it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
- When your baby wakes up at night for a feeding, try to avoid talking or playing, as this will send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
- If your baby is fussy, it is okay to rock, cuddle, and sing to help them settle down. Swaddling can also be soothing.
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Sleep environment
Newborns sleep differently from older babies, children, and adults. They usually sleep in short bursts during the day and night and wake up several times at night. They do not have a sense of day and night and hence sleep around the clock, waking up to eat every couple of hours. Newborns should 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.
- Room-sharing: During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. This involves placing the baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in the same room as the parents, instead of in a separate nursery. This arrangement facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
- Sleep position: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Put them on a firm sleep surface, with nothing else in the crib or bassinet—just a mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
- Approved sleep products: Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products you use are specifically designed for sleeping babies and approved by the relevant safety authorities. For example, do not let your baby fall asleep on a feeding pillow or an infant lounger. Additionally, do not use 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.
- Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature in the baby's sleep environment. Being too hot or too cold can disturb their sleep.
- Noise: It is good to get your baby used to sleeping with some background noise. You don't need to worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. During the day, open the curtains and go about your regular activities without worrying too much about creating noise.
- Light: During the day, keep the curtains open to distinguish daytime from night-time.
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Sleep safety
Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 19 hours a day in short bursts, as their tiny stomachs cannot hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them full for long. They do not have a sense of day and night and will wake up frequently to feed. As they grow, they will need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer.
- It is recommended to room-share without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This can help lower the risk of SIDS.
- Do not let your baby fall asleep on products that are not designed for sleeping babies, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers.
- Avoid using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing.
- Do not use weighted products, such as weighted blankets or sleepers.
- Only use products that meet federal safety standards for infant sleep, as approved by the relevant safety commission.
- Keep the room dimly lit and minimise noise to help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
- Establish a bedtime routine, such as giving your baby a bath, singing a lullaby, or reading a book. Feeding your baby at the start of the routine can help them understand that sleep is not dependent on feeding.
- Teach your baby the difference between night and day by keeping them in bright or sunny spaces during the day and removing bright lights at night.
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Sleep and health
Newborns typically sleep for 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 or even 19 hours a day. They usually sleep in short periods of 1 to 2 hours at a time, known as sleep cycles, which are around 20 to 50 minutes long. During the first few months, newborns wake up frequently, sometimes every couple of hours, to feed. They have tiny stomachs that cannot hold enough milk or formula to keep them full for long. As a result, they need to be fed often, regardless of the time of day or night.
Breastfed babies tend to feed more frequently, about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies may go slightly longer, around 3 to 4 hours. It is important to ensure that newborns are fed whenever they show hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking, or sticking out their tongue. Younger babies, especially those under one month old, may need to be woken up to feed as they might not wake up on their own when hungry.
As newborns grow, they gradually develop a more predictable sleep schedule. By the end of the first month, they start to fit their sleep into longer periods, and by 3 to 6 months, they may settle into a routine with naps in the morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon, along with a longer stretch of sleep at night. However, it is important to remember that each baby is unique, and there can be significant variations in sleep patterns from baby to baby.
The sleeping environment is crucial for newborn safety and comfort. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. While having the baby's crib in the same room as the parents is safe, putting the infant in bed with the parents increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related hazards. To create a safe sleep environment, always place the baby on their back on a firm sleep surface, without any toys, pillows, or loose items in the crib. Additionally, ensure that all sleep products have been approved by the relevant safety organizations and meet federal safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns generally sleep for only about 1-2 hours at a time, and they don't know the difference between day and night. They wake often to eat, no matter what time it is, and will sleep again after feeding. However, it is not necessary to wake most older newborns to feed. Babies younger than four weeks old should not go longer than 4-5 hours without food.
Newborns need around 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.
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20-50 minutes long. They wake up several times at night to feed. By the end of the first month, newborns start to fit their sleep into longer periods.
Breastfed babies feed about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed every 3-4 hours.
By the time a baby is around three months old, they might regularly be having a longer sleep at night of about 4-5 hours. However, you can expect that your baby will still wake at least once each night.
