Gina Johnson
The first few weeks with a new baby can be physically exhausting for new parents, so it's important to rest when your baby sleeps. At two weeks old, a baby's sleep is typically erratic, and they will usually sleep for 14 to 20 hours within a 24-hour period. They will wake up every two to four hours to feed and may take short or long naps throughout the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 14 to 20 hours in a 24-hour period |
| Wakefulness | Awake for 30-90 minutes at a time |
| Feeding | Feed every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep cues | Look for individual sleepy cues |
| Bedtime routine | Start a bedtime routine to set up good sleep habits |
| Sleep position | On their back, in their own bed |
| Sleep space | Keep the crib/bassinet clear of toys, blankets, etc. |
| Room-sharing | Safe to room-share, but avoid bed-sharing |
| Soothing | Swaddling and rocking can help soothe the baby |
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What You'll Learn
A 2-week-old baby should sleep for 14-20 hours in a 24-hour period
A 2-week-old baby's sleep can be erratic, and they may sleep for short and long periods over 24 hours. During this time, they won't have a set sleep schedule, but you can pay attention to their awake windows and sleepy cues to determine if they need more sleep.
At 2 weeks old, babies often need to sleep again after being awake for 30 to 90 minutes. They may be in their sleep space for 9 to 12 hours, but they won't sleep for the entire duration. They will still need to wake up overnight for feedings and comfort. Their longest stretch of awake time may be around 10 pm or later.
It is recommended that newborns up to 3 or 4 months old get 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, usually waking every two to four hours to eat. They may sleep for 14 to 20 hours in a 24-hour period.
It is important to note that each baby has a different sleep pattern. Some babies may start sleeping through the night (for 5 to 6 hours) by 2 to 3 months, while others may take longer.
To ensure your baby's safety, follow these recommendations:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
- Keep the crib or bassinet free from any toys, pillows, blankets, or loose items that could pose a hazard.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
- Avoid covering your baby's head while they sleep.
- Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it.
- Ensure your baby gains weight appropriately in the first few weeks, and then it is okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
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They wake up every 2-4 hours to eat
At two weeks old, a baby will sleep for around 14-16 hours a day. However, they will wake up regularly to feed. Newborns need to eat frequently, and you can expect your baby to wake up every 2-4 hours to eat. This is because their tiny tummies can only hold a small amount of milk at each feed. During the first few weeks of life, a baby's stomach is the size of a cherry, so they need to be fed often to get enough nourishment.
Feeding your baby during the night is essential for their growth and development. Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding in the first few weeks of life. Waking your baby to feed them if they are sleeping for longer stretches is recommended. This is especially important if your baby is jaundiced, has lost more than 7% of their body weight, or has not regained their birth weight by the two-week mark.
As a parent, you can expect your sleep to be disrupted during this time. It can be helpful to nap during the day when your baby is sleeping or rest when your baby is resting to ensure you are getting adequate sleep. Feeding your baby on demand is essential for their growth and will help them gain weight and develop appropriately.
During the night, your baby may feed more slowly and sleepily, so be prepared for feeds to take longer. Some babies may also cluster feed during the night, which means they feed more frequently over a shorter period. This can be perfectly normal and is something to discuss with your health visitor or pediatrician if you are concerned.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding and sleeping. Some babies may feed more frequently, especially if they are going through a growth spurt or are breastfed (as breast milk is digested more quickly). Always seek professional advice if you are concerned about your baby's feeding or sleeping patterns.
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They won't have a set sleep schedule yet
A two-week-old baby will sleep for about 16 to 20 hours a day, but this will be spread out over multiple naps. At this age, babies do not have a set sleep schedule and will wake up multiple times during the night to feed and seek comfort. They will need to sleep again after being awake for around 30 to 90 minutes.
During the first few months, a baby's sleep-wake cycle may be confusing and challenging. It is normal to see short and long periods of sleep over 24 hours, and you should not expect much predictability when it comes to sleep until after the 3-4 month mark. Newborns up to 3 or 4 months old typically need 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, usually waking every two to four hours to eat.
Biologically, due to their immature sleep cycle, two-week-old babies tend to be light sleepers. Their sleep difficulties should begin to improve after six weeks of age. During the first few weeks, feedings can last 30 to 40 minutes, and babies tend to become more efficient eaters as they get older. It is important to watch your baby's hunger cues and feed them accordingly.
To help your baby develop a healthy sleep schedule, you can start a bedtime routine. 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 is important to find what works best for your baby. Additionally, room-sharing can be beneficial during the first few weeks, as it keeps the baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. However, bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
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Daytime sleep is unpredictable, with 5-6 hours spread over many naps
A two-week-old baby's sleep can be erratic and unpredictable. At this stage, they will need to sleep again after being awake for around 30 to 90 minutes. They won't have a set sleep schedule yet, but you can look out for sleep cues to determine if they need more sleep.
Daytime sleep will be unpredictable, with 5-6 hours spread over many naps. This is because a baby's sleep-wake cycle is still immature and confusing during the first few months. They will also need to wake overnight for feedings and comfort.
It is important to follow your baby's hunger cues and feed them every 2-3 hours during the day. Breastfed babies may feed more often, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed less frequently. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first few weeks.
It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to distinguish between night and day. To help with this, keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, and avoid playing with or talking to your baby. This will reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
Remember, each baby has a different sleep pattern, and it's normal for a 2-week-old to wake frequently during the night and day in the first few months.
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Safe sleep practices include placing them on their back and keeping soft objects away
At two weeks old, a baby's sleep is controlled by sleep pressure and hunger, so it's normal not to have a specific sleep schedule or number of naps. During the day, a baby might sleep for 5-6 hours spread over many naps.
Safe sleep practices are important to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing a baby on their back to sleep, whether swaddled or not. This recommendation has been in place since 1992 and has significantly reduced the rate of SIDS. It's also important to use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or cradle, and cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Keep soft objects, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, and quilts, away from the baby's sleep area. The crib or bassinet should be placed in a safe location in the same room where the parents sleep, preferably away from any heaters.
Additionally, it's recommended to room-share without bed-sharing. While room-sharing is safe and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night, bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. It's also important to watch out for other hazards, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around a baby's neck and objects with sharp edges or corners within the baby's reach.
Breastfed babies should be fed every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a little longer, about 3-4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2-week-old baby needs about 14 to 20 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
A 2-week-old baby can stay awake for 30 to 90 minutes before needing to sleep again.
Feed your baby every 2 to 4 hours, or whenever they show hunger cues.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and keep soft items like pillows and blankets out of the crib.
There is no universal bedtime for newborns, but you can start by establishing a bedtime routine that works for your baby. Keep things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings, and let your baby fall asleep in their crib to associate it with sleep.
