Colin Snow
Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and they don't have a sense of day and night. They sleep around the clock, waking often to eat—every two to four hours. In a 24-hour period, newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day. Establishing a bedtime routine is recommended, but it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for newborn sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep cycles | 20-50 minutes long |
| Sleep cycle stages | Active sleep, quiet sleep, quiet alert phase, active alert phase, and crying phase |
| Sleep cycle movement | Newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly during active sleep |
| Sleep cycle breathing | More even during quiet sleep |
| Sleep duration | 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period; some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day |
| Nap length | 20-120 minutes |
| Wake windows | 35-60 minutes for babies 0-4 weeks, 60-90 minutes for babies 4-12 weeks |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours, depending on breastfed or bottle-fed |
| Sleep surface | Separate, flat, and firm surface without any bumpers or loose bedding |
| Sleep environment | Quiet and calm with low lights |
| Sleep routine | Establish a routine, but avoid rigid schedules; let the baby fall asleep in the crib at night |
| Self-soothing | Swaddling, rocking, cuddling, and singing can help soothe the baby |
| Sleep associations | Positive sleep associations are important; avoid holding the baby until they fall asleep |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep cycles
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and do not know the difference between day and night. They sleep around the clock, waking often to eat, no matter the time of day.
Sleep cycles consist of active sleep and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns 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. It is normal for newborns to wake between sleep cycles. As they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep. This ability to settle themselves between sleep cycles is called self-settling.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. Newborns wake every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed more often, about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed less frequently, about every 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 your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, may be challenging to maintain in the long term. Rocking, cuddling, and singing can help soothe a fussy baby, and swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket) can also be calming. However, if your baby starts trying to roll over while swaddled, it's a sign to stop.
There is no set schedule for newborn sleep, and it can vary from baby to baby. Most babies don't start sleeping through the night (6-8 hours) until at least 3 months of age, but this can differ significantly. Some babies don't sleep through the night until closer to 1 year. It's important to be prepared to change routines as your baby grows and enters different developmental stages. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all impact a baby's sleep patterns.
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How to settle newborns to sleep
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They don't have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking often to eat. 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.
To settle newborns to sleep, it's important to create positive sleep associations and a bedtime routine. You can rock, cuddle, and sing to your baby as they settle down, and swaddling can also help to soothe them. However, be careful not to swaddle too tightly, and stop swaddling if your baby starts trying to roll over. You can also offer your baby a pacifier at sleep times, which has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
It's a good idea to teach your baby the difference between night and day from the start. During the day, expose them to light and gently play with them, and at night, provide a dim and quiet environment. Let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it's the place for sleep. Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and don't play with or talk to your baby.
In the early weeks, your baby is likely to doze off during a feed. Carry on feeding until they finish or are fully asleep, and take this opportunity to rest yourself. Don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep—it's good to get your baby used to sleeping through some noise.
Be prepared to change routines as your baby grows and enters different stages. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect how your baby sleeps. If you're struggling, speak to your health visitor or a maternal and child health nurse for advice.
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How long newborns should sleep
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They don't have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to be fed. It's important to keep in mind that there is no set schedule at first, and many newborns confuse night and day. Generally, newborns sleep a total of about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and a total of about 8 hours at night. However, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day.
Newborns should be fed every 2-3 hours, according to hunger cues. It's important to feed babies before they reach the crying phase, as they can become so upset that they may refuse food. Breastfed babies feed more often than bottle-fed babies, usually about every 2-3 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It's important to establish a bedtime routine for your newborn, but be aware that they may not know how to put themselves to sleep. You can help your baby by recognising signs of sleep readiness, teaching them to fall asleep on their own, and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment. Swaddling can help to soothe a crying baby, but be careful not to restrict their leg movement or use thick blankets, as this can increase the risk of hip dysplasia and overheating.
In terms of sleep surfaces, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should always be placed on their backs on a separate, flat, and firm surface without any loose bedding. Only products labelled as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard should be used for infant sleep. It's also important to ensure that all sleep products have been approved by the relevant safety authorities.
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Safe sleep practices for newborns
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and need to be fed or changed frequently during the night. Here are some safe sleep practices for newborns:
Safe sleep environment
It is important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products used for the baby are approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants always be placed on their backs for sleep on a separate, flat, and firm surface without any bumpers or loose bedding. Only products labelled as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard should be used for infant sleep.
Room-sharing and bed-sharing
The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Place the infant's crib near your bed for more convenient breastfeeding and parent contact during the first six months. Infants can be brought into the parents' bed for feedings and comforting but should be returned to their own crib for sleep. Bed-sharing with adults, siblings, or other children is not recommended.
Sleep schedule
Newborns typically sleep around 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, including naps during the day. However, it is important to understand that each baby has its unique sleep pattern, and there is no one-size-fits-all sleep schedule. Be prepared to adjust your routine as your baby grows and enters different developmental stages. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all impact your baby's sleep patterns.
Sleep cues and routines
Recognize your baby's sleep cues and establish a bedtime routine. This may include activities such as rocking, singing, or reading a story. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep while eating or in your arms, as this may become a pattern that disrupts their ability to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
Safe sleep practices
To promote safe sleep, offer your baby a pacifier at sleep times, which has been linked to a lower rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, ensure your baby's crib or sleeping area is free from hazards, and follow safe swaddling practices, allowing enough room for your baby's hips and legs to move freely.
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How to establish a sleep routine for newborns
Establishing a sleep routine for newborns can be challenging, as they have their own sleep patterns and sleep for short bursts throughout the day and night. Here are some tips to help you establish a sleep routine for your newborn:
Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns typically sleep for about 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, but this can range from 12 to 19 hours. Their sleep cycles are usually short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes, consisting of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, they may move, cry out, or breathe irregularly. In contrast, they lie relatively still with even breathing during quiet sleep. It's normal for newborns to wake between sleep cycles, and they may go through a crying phase before falling back asleep.
Create a Sleep Schedule
Although newborns don't initially follow a set schedule, you can start establishing a routine by keeping things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Avoid playing or talking with your baby at night, and keep the lights low to signal that nighttime is for sleeping. Let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night to associate it with sleep. During the day, don't try to keep your baby awake in the hopes of better nighttime sleep. Instead, aim for wake windows of 60-90 minutes and naps no longer than 2 hours.
Recognize Sleep Readiness
Look for signs that your baby is ready for sleep, such as staring at objects, responding to sounds, or becoming fussy. Feed your baby before they reach the crying phase, as they may refuse to feed at that point. Offer feedings every 2-3 hours during the day, following their hunger cues.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Create a calming bedtime routine, such as playing soft music or using a pacifier (for babies over one month or those adjusted to breastfeeding). Avoid rocking or breastfeeding your baby to sleep, as they may start expecting this to fall asleep. Instead, place them in their bed while they are still awake to teach them to fall asleep independently.
Provide a Safe Sleep Environment
Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for the first six months. Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a separate, flat, and firm surface without loose bedding.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Be prepared to adjust your routine as your newborn grows and enters different developmental stages.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Sleep Foundation says newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. However, some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day. Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long.
Newborns wake up every couple of hours to eat. They may also wake up more often if they are going through a growth spurt and need to eat more frequently.
You can help your newborn sleep by creating a bedtime routine and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment. It is also important to teach your baby to fall asleep on their own and to expose them to light and play with them during the day so they can learn the difference between day and night.
