Herbie Murray
Newborns have unique sleep and feeding patterns that differ from those of older babies and children. In their first few weeks of life, newborns will sleep around the clock and eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times a day. They will sleep for 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, and some may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. During this time, newborns and their parents are likely to be settling into a routine, and it may take a few weeks for the newborn's brain to distinguish between night and day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often newborns eat | Every 1.5 to 3.5 hours, or 8 to 12 times a day. |
| How long newborns sleep | 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day. |
| Newborns' stomach size | Roughly the size of an egg. |
| How to know if a newborn is hungry | Sucking motions, putting hands or fingers in their mouths, turning their head towards you and opening their mouth if you gently stroke their cheek. |
| How to know if a newborn is sleepy | Yawning, drooping eyelids, looking away, fussing, eye rubbing. |
| How to help a newborn sleep | Responsive settling, following the newborn's body language, keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, keeping the lights low, resisting the urge to play with or talk to the baby, and letting the baby fall asleep in the crib. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns should eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times a day
Newborns have tiny stomachs, about the size of an egg, so they need to be fed frequently. They should eat at least eight times a day, or roughly every two to three hours, including overnight. This equates to 24 to 36 feeds over a 24-hour period.
Breastfed babies tend to feed more often than formula-fed babies, as they digest breast milk faster. However, it's important to note that every baby is unique, and their feeding needs may vary. The key is to provide nourishment regularly to ensure they stay hydrated, satisfied, and growing healthily.
During the first few weeks, your baby will sleep about 16 hours a day, usually in 2- to 4-hour stretches, at any time of day or night. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so they wake often to eat, no matter the time. They will also fall asleep while feeding, which is fine.
In the first few months, it's best not to stick to a rigid schedule. Instead, get to know your baby and their hunger cues. Feed on demand and keep an eye on wet diapers in a 24-hour period. Signs of hunger include sucking motions, putting hands or fingers in the mouth, or turning the head with an open mouth when you stroke their cheek. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
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Breastfed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies
Newborns follow their own schedule and it may take a few weeks for their brain to distinguish between night and day. During the first few weeks, feeding takes up a lot of time and newborns will eat roughly every 2-3 hours. Within this range, breastfed babies tend to feed more often than formula-fed babies. This is because breast milk is easier to digest than formula, so newborns tend to wake up more frequently to feed.
Breast milk is always available, unlimited, and served at the right temperature, whereas formula feeding requires planning and preparation. Breast milk is also more convenient when you are out and about. Breast milk is also known to be the "perfect food" for a human baby's digestive system, as it is easily digested by newborns. It is also packed with antibodies and other germ-fighting factors that pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen their immune system.
Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. They are also less likely to become obese or develop diabetes. Breastfeeding may also help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, there are certain problems that can get in the way of breastfeeding for some mothers, such as breast tenderness, nipple soreness, and breast engorgement or fullness.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn care, and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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Newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day, in 2-4 hour stretches
Newborns sleep in cycles of 2-4 hours between feeds at night. During the first few weeks, newborns will snooze about 14-17 hours a day, usually in 2-4 hour stretches, any time of day or night. They don't have a sense of day and night and will wake often to eat, no matter the time.
Newborns have tiny stomachs, about the size of an egg, so they need to be fed around the clock to stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up. They will eat frequently, about 8-12 times a day, and this will be about every 2-3 hours. Breastfed babies will feed more often than those on formula, as their tummies digest breast milk faster.
It's important to follow your baby's hunger cues and feed on demand. Crying is a late signal of hunger, so watch out for early clues such as sucking motions, putting hands or fingers in their mouths, or turning their head towards you and opening their mouth if you stroke their cheek.
During the first few months, it's best not to hold your baby to a rigid schedule. You and your baby will settle into a routine over the next few weeks or months. It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to know the difference between night and day. You can help them learn this difference by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and nappy changes. Keep the lights low and don't play with or talk to your baby. This will send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
You can also begin a bedtime routine with your newborn to set yourself up for sleep success in the future. Some newborns do best with an early bedtime of 7:00-8:00 pm, while others are content later in the evening and thrive with a bedtime between 8:00 and 10:00 pm.
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Newborns don't have a sense of day and night
During the first few weeks, feeding can take up a lot of time. Newborns will feed roughly every 2-3 hours, with formula-fed babies typically going longer between feedings than breastfed babies. This is because breast milk digests faster than formula. Newborns will typically consume 1-3 ounces per feeding, with about 8-12 feedings over 24 hours.
In the first few months, it's important to offer feedings every 2-3 hours during the day according to your baby's hunger cues. This will allow them to take full feedings instead of snacking all day. Feeding on demand and keeping an eye on wet diapers in a 24-hour period is essential to ensure your newborn is well-nourished.
As your baby grows, they will become more efficient eaters. Some newborns may engage in cluster feeding, feeding every 30 minutes to an hour in the evenings. This is normal and is thought to be the baby's way of filling up for a longer sleep at night. Strategic daytime feeding can also help promote longer stretches of nighttime sleep. For example, some experts recommend waking your newborn from a daytime nap if it's been more than three hours since they've eaten.
It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to develop a sense of day and night. There are no tricks to speed this up, but keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes can help. Maintaining low lighting and avoiding the urge to play or talk to your baby will signal that nighttime is for sleeping. Establishing a bedtime routine and letting your baby fall asleep in their crib at night can also aid in developing a sense of day and night.
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Routines and bedtime vary for each newborn
Newborns often need help to settle to sleep. You can use responsive settling to help your baby fall asleep. With newborn sleeping and feeding, the key is being flexible and following 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’s OK to go with whatever feels right at the time. It’s also OK to try to do things in a similar order if that feels right for you and your baby. For example, you could try a simple routine of feed, play, sleep.
Babies start to recognize routines as early as 8-12 weeks old. Beginning a bedtime routine with your newborn can set you up for sleep success moving forward. Some newborns do best with an early bedtime of 7:00-8:00 pm. These newborns, when kept up past 8:00 pm, start to become fussy and overtired. On the other hand, some babies are content later in the evening and thrive with a bedtime between 8:00 and 10:00 pm. These later-bedtime babies often treat any attempt at an earlier bedtime like a nap. It’s all about finding what works best for your baby.
Newborns will eat roughly every 2-3 hours. Within this range, formula-fed babies can typically go longer between feedings than breastfed babies. This is simply because breast milk typically digests faster than formula. At this age, babies will typically drink 1-3 ounces per feeding with about 8-12 feedings over 24 hours. Breast milk, formula or a combination of both provides your baby with all the nutrition they need for the first several months of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns eat very frequently, with most sources suggesting they will eat every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times a day. This is because they have small stomachs and are growing rapidly. Breastfed babies tend to eat more often than formula-fed babies as they digest milk faster.
Newborns sleep a lot, with most sources suggesting they will sleep 14-17 hours a day. They do not have a sense of day and night and will sleep whenever they are not eating. They will sleep in short cycles of 2-4 hours.
Babies will give hunger cues when they are hungry. They may make sucking motions, put their hands in their mouths, or turn their head towards you and open their mouth. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
In the first few weeks, it is important to be flexible and follow your baby's lead. You can try a simple routine of feed, play, sleep. It is recommended that you let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it is the place for sleep.
