Colin Snow
Figuring out a newborn's sleep schedule can be challenging for new parents. Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period, with sleep cycles lasting 20 to 50 minutes. During the first few weeks, newborns should be fed every 3 to 4 hours, and naps should not exceed 2 hours during the day. Instead of focusing on the number of naps or hours of daytime sleep, it's more important to pay attention to your baby's overall mood and energy levels to evaluate if they're getting sufficient rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep in a 24-hour period | 12-17 hours |
| Number of naps | 5-6 |
| Daytime sleep | 2-3 hours |
| Nighttime sleep | 5-6 hours |
| Wake windows | 35-90 minutes |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep routine | Diaper change, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling |
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What You'll Learn
A 3-week-old baby should sleep 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period
A 3-week-old baby should sleep for a total of 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period. However, this is just a guideline, and the range of normal sleep for infants up to 3 months old is quite wide. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day, while others may sleep as little as 12 hours.
At 3 weeks old, babies typically sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They may sleep for 5 to 6 hours spread out over many naps. It is normal for newborns to wake every couple of hours to eat, and they should be fed according to their hunger cues, about every 2 to 4 hours. Breastfed babies should eat as much as they want, but a general rule of thumb is roughly 16 to 24 ounces of breast milk or formula in 24 hours.
To ensure your baby is getting enough sleep, pay attention to their overall mood and energy levels. Look out for their individual sleepy cues and wake windows, which can range from 35 to 90 minutes, to determine when to offer them the opportunity to sleep. Avoid letting any one nap go longer than 2 hours during the day, and limit daytime snoozes to 3-hour stretches to prevent your baby from getting into the habit of sleeping too much during the day.
In the first few weeks and months, it is important to prioritise your newborn's feeding needs rather than trying to establish a strict sleeping routine. You can begin to settle into a routine over the next couple of months, and babies start to recognize routines as early as 8 to 12 weeks old. A simple bedtime routine can include changing a diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying your baby down in a safe sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet.
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They should be fed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain
A three-week-old baby is still a newborn and will need to be fed frequently, both during the day and at night. Newborns typically feed every two to four hours, which equates to around eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period. This frequent feeding helps increase a mother's milk supply and gives the baby practice at sucking and swallowing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns be fed "on demand", meaning parents should watch their baby for hunger cues and feed them whenever they seem hungry, rather than following a strict schedule. Crying is a late hunger cue, so it is ideal to try and feed your baby before they get to that stage. Other hunger cues include increased alertness and restlessness, lip-smacking, and opening and closing their mouths.
The amount of milk a baby consumes at each feeding will depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Formula-fed babies typically go longer between feedings than breastfed babies because breast milk is digested faster than formula. At three weeks old, a baby will typically drink one to three ounces per feeding. By the end of the first month, formula-fed babies may be taking around three to four ounces at each feeding.
It is important to ensure that your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate. In the first few weeks of life, if your baby does not wake up in the middle of the night to eat, you should wake them. The AAP recommends waking newborns to feed after four to five hours of sleep if they don't wake on their own. This helps to ensure that your baby gains weight and also assists in offering adequate stimulation for your body to maintain your milk supply.
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Daytime naps should be limited to 2-3 hours
It's important to remember that all babies are different, and there is a wide range of normal sleep behaviours for a three-week-old. Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18–19 hours per day. This sleep is usually spread out over many naps, with sleep cycles lasting around 20 to 50 minutes.
At three weeks old, your baby won't have a set sleep schedule, but you can start to establish a bedtime routine. A simple bedtime routine could include changing a diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, swaddling, and laying your baby down in their crib or bassinet. During the day, it's important to limit daytime naps to 2-3 hours to prevent your baby from getting into the habit of sleeping for long stretches during the day. Instead, aim for wake windows of around 60-90 minutes, and keep an eye out for your baby's individual sleepy cues.
It's also crucial to prioritise your newborn's feeding needs. Wake your baby every 3–4 hours to feed until they show good weight gain and have established a pattern of weight gain. Breastfed babies should eat as much as they want, but a general rule is roughly 16 to 24 ounces of breast milk or formula in 24 hours. Feedings can last 30-40 minutes during the first few weeks, and you can offer daytime feedings every 2-3 hours according to your baby's hunger cues.
Remember, these recommendations are just estimates, and it's more important to gauge your baby's overall mood and energy levels to evaluate whether they're getting enough sleep.
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A simple bedtime routine can help
A three-week-old baby should get around 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. However, instead of focusing on a specific number of hours or naps, it is more important to pay attention to your baby's overall mood and energy levels to evaluate if they are getting enough sleep. During these early weeks, your baby will wake up frequently during the night for feeding and comfort.
A bedtime routine can also be a great opportunity for one-on-one time with your baby and can encourage a secure attachment. It can be a peaceful time for you to relax and connect with your baby and can help you wind down after a long day.
As your baby grows, you may need to change your routine. Be prepared to adapt as your baby enters different stages, as growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect their sleep.
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Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating
At three weeks old, babies typically sleep for around 5-6 hours over many naps throughout a 24-hour period, gradually building up to 14-17 hours of sleep. It's important to pay attention to your baby's overall mood and energy levels to determine if they're getting enough rest, rather than focusing solely on the number of naps or hours of sleep.
Crying is a newborn's primary means of communication, and it's important to remember that it isn't a reflection of your parenting skills. Babies cry to express a range of needs, from hunger and discomfort to the need for comfort and attention. While it can be challenging, it's important to remain calm and patient when dealing with a crying baby. Here are some tips to soothe a crying baby:
- Ensure they don't have a fever. In babies, a fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C), and medical attention should be sought if this is the case.
- Check if they are hungry or need a clean diaper.
- Rock or walk with the baby, sing or talk to them, or offer a pacifier.
- Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or hold them close against your body, taking slow, calm breaths.
- Give the baby a warm bath or pat/rub their back.
- Place the baby across your lap on their belly and rub their back, or put them in a swing or vibrating seat.
- Reduce stimulation by swaddling the baby and placing them in a crib with dim lighting.
- If nothing seems to work, put the baby in a safe place and take a short break before trying again.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help from friends, family, or other caregivers when you need a break. Additionally, if you're concerned about your baby's crying or are finding it difficult to cope, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for advice and support.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, newborns sleep between 12 and 19 hours in a 24-hour period.
Daytime naps should not exceed two to three hours at a time.
Feed your baby every three to four hours, or according to their hunger cues.
You can establish a bedtime routine with steps like changing their diaper, putting on pajamas, singing a lullaby, and swaddling. It's also important to reinforce the difference between day and night by not tiptoeing around while they nap during the day.
It's normal for babies this young to not sleep through the night. Instead of focusing on a specific number of hours, pay attention to their overall mood and energy levels to evaluate if they're getting enough rest.
