Ashwin Lewis
Newborns sleep a lot — typically between 14 and 20 hours a day. But their sleep patterns are unpredictable and vary from baby to baby. They sleep in short bursts, usually just a few hours, and wake frequently to feed. After the first month, you might notice patterns emerging as a clue to your baby's future sleep habits. You can help your baby sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and recognising signs of sleep readiness. It's also important to always place your baby on their back to sleep, as side-sleeping has a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Sleep Hours | 16-20 hours a day |
| Sleep Pattern | Unpredictable and varies from baby to baby |
| Sleep Duration | Short bursts during the day and night |
| Sleep Position | On their back |
| Sleep Environment | Firm surface, free of soft toys, blankets, pillows, and bumpers |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours, according to hunger cues |
| Sleep Schedule | Difficult to establish in the first few weeks |
| Sleep Cycles | 4 stages of Non-REM sleep and REM sleep |
| Bedtime Routine | Diaper change, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns sleep 14-20 hours a day
Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 20 hours a day. However, this varies from baby to baby and can be unpredictable, with newborns sleeping in short bursts throughout the day and night. It is not uncommon for a newborn's sleep pattern to change from day to day. They may sleep substantially less one day and then "catch up" by sleeping more the following day.
During the first month, newborns' sleep cycles can vary, and they may sleep for eight to nine hours at night, with the rest of their sleep occurring during the day. Newborns usually wake up several times a night to feed, as their stomachs are small, and they need to be fed every few hours. Breastfed newborns should not go more than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed newborns can go up to three to four hours.
As newborns grow older, their sleep patterns may start to become more regular. By the time a newborn is around three months old, they might regularly be having longer sleep at night, such as around four to five hours. However, it is still normal for them to wake up at least once each night.
It is important to establish a safe sleep environment for newborns. They should always be placed on their back on a firm surface, free of soft toys, blankets, pillows, and bumpers. Establishing a bedtime routine can also help set the tone for bedtime and avoid overstimulating the baby. Additionally, recognising signs of sleep readiness and providing a comfortable and safe sleep environment can help your newborn sleep well.
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Sleep patterns are erratic
During the first month, newborn sleep cycles can be unpredictable and vary from day to day. A newborn baby might sleep for a few hours at a stretch, and then suddenly sleep for much longer or shorter periods. It is not uncommon for a newborn's sleep pattern to change from day to day. They may sleep substantially less than usual one day and then "catch up" by sleeping more the following day.
Newborns typically sleep for around 16 to 20 hours a day, with eight to nine of those hours occurring at night. However, it is not unusual for a newborn to sleep for up to 17 hours or even 22 hours in the case of preemies. As they approach the three-month mark, they may start sleeping for longer stretches at night, and by the time they are six months old, they may be sleeping for 10 or 11 hours at a stretch.
While it is important to establish a bedtime routine, it is also crucial to remember that every baby's sleep patterns and needs are unique. Some newborns may do best with an earlier bedtime of 7:00-8:00 pm, while others may thrive with a later bedtime between 8:00 and 10:00 pm. Ultimately, the number of hours your newborn sleeps is not something you can control, and it is more important to focus on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
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Sleep cycles vary in the first month
Sleep is critical for newborns, who need lots of it to stay healthy. However, their sleep patterns tend to be short and unpredictable, varying from baby to baby. In the first month, newborns sleep for about 16 to 20 hours a day, with eight to nine hours of sleep at night and the rest during the day. Their sleep comes in short bursts, and they wake up frequently to feed.
- Drowsiness: The baby's eyes droop, and they may open and close them.
- Light sleep: The baby moves and may startle or jump at sounds.
- Deep sleep: The baby is quiet and does not move.
- Very deep sleep: The baby is still quiet and motionless.
After the four stages of non-REM sleep, the baby enters REM sleep. These cycles may occur several times during sleep. Newborns may awaken as they transition from deep sleep to light sleep and may struggle to fall back asleep in the initial few months. When a newborn awakens at the end of a sleep cycle, they typically experience a quiet alert phase.
While it's essential to ensure newborns get enough sleep, it's also crucial to prevent them from sleeping too much. Breastfed newborns, for instance, shouldn't go more than two to four hours without feeding, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours. If a newborn sleeps longer than four hours, they may need to be awakened to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Additionally, it's important to establish a bedtime routine for newborns. This can involve activities such as changing their diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying them down in a crib or bassinet. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help set the tone for better sleep habits as the baby grows older.
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Safe sleep positions are important
Newborns tend to sleep for 14 to 20 hours within a 24-hour period. Their sleep patterns are usually erratic and unpredictable, with newborns sleeping in short bursts throughout the day and night. They also wake up frequently to feed, as their stomachs are small and they need nourishment every few hours.
As your baby gets older, their sleep patterns will start to become more regular. By the time your baby is around three months old, they might regularly be having longer stretches of sleep at night, such as around 4-5 hours.
While it can be challenging to establish a sleep schedule for newborns, there are some things you can do to encourage good sleep habits and ensure safe sleep positions:
It is crucial to place your baby on their back when putting them down for a nap or bedtime. Side-sleeping and sleeping on the stomach have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) than back sleeping. Soft surfaces, loose bedding, and overheating with too many blankets also increase the risk of SIDS. Always ensure your baby sleeps on a firm surface free of soft toys, blankets, pillows, and bumpers.
Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, it is important not to let your newborn sleep for more than two to four hours at a time, as this can impact their weight gain and your milk supply. Similarly, formula-fed babies should not go longer than three to four hours without feeding.
Bedtime Routines
Establishing a bedtime routine can be beneficial and help set the tone for better sleep. A simple routine can include changing a diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying your baby down in their crib or bassinet. Babies start to recognize routines as early as 8-12 weeks old.
Recognizing Sleep Readiness
It is important to recognize the signs that your baby is ready for sleep. Some signs may include drowsiness, yawning, rubbing eyes, and fussiness. Teaching your baby to fall asleep on their own is also essential, as they may not be able to establish their own sleep patterns, especially when it comes to falling asleep.
Safe Sleep Outside the Crib
Sometimes, you may need to snuggle your newborn to help them fall asleep. If you or another caregiver are awake and closely supervising, this can be safe. However, it is crucial to ensure that your baby does not fall asleep while eating or in your arms, as this may become a pattern, and they may always expect to be held to fall asleep.
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Sleep patterns are unpredictable for the first few weeks
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. In the first few months, newborns typically wake up several times at night to be fed. Newborns need to be fed every few hours, so it's important to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Breastfed newborns should not go more than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed newborns should not go longer than three to four hours.
During the first month, you may notice patterns emerging as clues to your baby's future sleep habits. Between one and three months, your baby might start waking less often and having longer periods of sleep at night. By the time your baby is around three months old, they might regularly be having longer sleep at night, such as around four to five hours. However, you can still expect that your baby will wake up at least once each night.
While it's important to be attentive to your baby's needs, trying to establish a sleep schedule during the first few weeks is usually fruitless. Instead, focus on creating a bedtime routine to set the tone for bedtime and avoid overstimulating your baby. A simple bedtime routine can include changing a diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying your baby down in their crib or bassinet. It's also important to ensure your baby sleeps in a safe position and environment. Putting your baby to sleep on their back is the safest position, and they should sleep on a firm surface free of soft toys, blankets, pillows, and bumpers.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to sleep for 14 to 20 hours within a 24-hour period. This sleep is usually split into short bursts throughout the day and night.
Newborns should feed every 2 to 4 hours, or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Breastfed newborns shouldn't go more than 2 to 4 hours without eating, and formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than 3 to 4 hours.
It's best not to establish a sleep schedule for your newborn in the first few weeks. Instead, focus on creating a bedtime routine to set yourself up for sleep success moving forward. This could include changing a diaper, putting on pyjamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying your baby down in their crib or bassinet.
Experts agree that putting a baby to sleep on their back is the safest position. Side-sleeping and sleeping on the stomach have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
