Ashwin Lewis
Newborns have very different sleep patterns from adults. They sleep around the clock, for 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, and do not know the difference between day and night. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. Newborns also need to be fed very frequently, about every 2 to 3 hours, and they wake up often to eat — no matter what time of day or night it is.
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually 20 to 50 minutes long
- Newborns need to be fed regularly, about every 2 to 3 hours
- Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
- Newborns have their own cues and body language to communicate hunger, tiredness or the need to interact
- Newborns should be put to sleep on their back on a firm, clear surface with no blankets or toys
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually 20 to 50 minutes long
Newborns should get 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. In the first month, newborns will start to fit their sleep into longer periods, and by around three months, they may start to learn the rhythm of day and night. During the first few months, it is important to be flexible and follow your baby's lead when it comes to sleeping and feeding.
To help your newborn sleep more at night, you can expose them to light and gently play with them during the day, and provide a dim and quiet environment at night. It is also important to create positive sleep associations and avoid negative sleep associations, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, which can result in them needing to be held to fall asleep. While it is important to establish a bedtime routine, it is also crucial to be flexible and follow your baby's cues during the first few months.
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Newborns need to be fed regularly, about every 2 to 3 hours
Newborns have small stomachs and are unable to sleep for long stretches at a time. They need to be fed regularly, usually every 2 to 3 hours, and this can be recognised by their hunger cues. Breastfed babies tend to feed more often than those on formula, as they digest breast milk faster. Newborns who are breastfed feed about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed every 3 to 4 hours.
In the first few months, it is important to offer feedings every 2 to 3 hours during the day, according to your baby's hunger cues. This allows your baby to take full feedings instead of snacking all day. Feedings can last 30 to 40 minutes during the first few weeks, and babies become more efficient eaters as they get older. If your baby has not fed in the last 2 hours, there is a good chance they are hungry. They may make sucking motions, put their hands or fingers in their mouths, or turn their head towards you and open their mouth if you gently stroke their cheek. Crying is usually a late sign of hunger.
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques may be hard to keep up in the long term, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep. This can create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep. You need to decide what is right for you and your family. Newborns need regular feeding, so they usually sleep in short periods. The first 3 months are an important time for both you and your baby to learn how to feed and to develop a routine together.
During the first few months, holding on to a rigid schedule will only steal your joy. It is important to be flexible and follow your baby's lead. Your baby's cues and body language will help you understand whether your baby wants to sleep, feed or interact with you. It is okay to go with whatever feels right at the time.
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Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
Newborns have yet to develop an internal clock, or a circadian rhythm, which is why they experience day and night confusion. They are still adjusting to life outside the womb, which was dark, noisy, and cushiony, and it takes time for them to settle into their regular sleep patterns. During the first few months, newborns will fit their sleep into longer periods, and it will take a few more months for them to get into a predictable pattern of morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon naps, along with a longer stretch of sleep at night.
To help your newborn learn the difference between day and night, you can establish a calm and relaxing bedtime routine. This routine should be slightly different from the one you use to get your baby to nap during the day. For example, your bedtime routine could include a bath, dimming the lights, reducing noise, a feed, a massage, a diaper change, and a bedtime song. The routine should end with placing your baby in their bassinet for bedtime. This will signal to your baby that it is time to wind down, prepare for sleep, and transition from daytime to nighttime.
Additionally, you can use light and darkness as visual cues for your newborn. Use daylight during the day to help your baby stay awake and expose them to natural daylight or take them outside for some sunshine. At night, dim the lights around your home to signal that it's time to get into pajamas and go to sleep.
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Newborns have their own cues and body language to communicate hunger, tiredness or the need to interact
Newborns have their own unique ways of communicating their needs and feelings to their caregivers through body language and cues. While crying is often a late sign of hunger, there are other ways newborns indicate they are hungry. For instance, they may make sucking motions, put their hands or fingers in their mouths, or turn their heads towards you and open their mouths if you gently stroke their cheek.
Similarly, newborns have distinct ways of signalling their need for sleep. If your baby is rubbing their eyes or staring with glassy eyes, it's a good indication that they are tired and need to be settled for sleep.
Newborns also communicate their desire for interaction and play. They might be ready for a break from their current activity if they turn their head away from a rattle or toy you're showing them. In such cases, you could try lying them on their back to look at a mobile or give them some quiet time. On the other hand, if your baby is making eye contact with you, smiling, or responding positively to your facial expressions and voice, it's a great time to interact and play with them.
As you and your baby get to know each other, you'll start to recognise these cues and develop your own ways of responding to them. Understanding your baby's unique language takes practice, and there will be times when you might not immediately know what they want. However, responding to their body language and cues helps your baby feel safe and secure, fostering a strong relationship that is vital to their development.
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Newborns should be put to sleep on their back on a firm, clear surface with no blankets or toys
Newborns have their own schedule and will sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to eat. They do not know the difference between day and night and do not have established sleep-wake rhythms. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. During active sleep, they may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. During quiet sleep, they will lie relatively still and their breathing will be more even. Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours a day.
To ensure the safety and well-being of newborns, it is recommended that they be put to sleep on their back on a firm, clear surface with no blankets or toys. The sleep surface should be approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards. A tightly fitted sheet is the only bedding required, as blankets, sleepers, and swaddles can pose a risk. While swaddling can soothe a crying baby, it should be discontinued once the baby starts trying to roll over.
In the early months, newborns benefit from room-sharing, where they sleep in the same room as their parents, without bed-sharing. This arrangement facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. Establishing a bedtime routine and a consistent sleep environment can promote healthy sleep habits. Keeping the lights low and maintaining a calm atmosphere during nighttime feedings and diaper changes can help signal that nighttime is for sleeping.
Additionally, it is important to follow the baby's hunger cues and feeding schedule, offering feedings every 2 to 3 hours during the day. Newborns will exhibit various signs of hunger, such as sucking motions, putting their hands or fingers in their mouths, or turning their head toward the feeder. Crying is often a late sign of hunger, and it is essential to burp the baby during and after feeding.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep for 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes. They do not know the difference between day and night and do not have established sleep-wake rhythms.
Newborns need to eat every 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Breastfed babies eat more often than those on formula, as their tummies digest breast milk faster.
Some newborns do best with a 7:00-8:00 pm bedtime, while others thrive with a bedtime between 8:00 and 10:00 pm. It's about finding what works best for your baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm surface, with nothing else in the crib or bassinet.
