Miya Pearson
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but their sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic, and it's uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time. Newborns sleep for 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, sometimes lasting only 1-2 hours at a time. Their sleep patterns can vary, and it can be challenging to figure out what to do. Should you wake your baby up to eat or let them sleep and miss a meal? While it is uncommon for newborns to sleep for longer than 19 hours per day unless they are ill or having feeding difficulties, it is important to consult a pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby sleeping too much.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 14-17 hours within a 24-hour period, with up to 22 hours being normal for premature babies |
| Sleep patterns | Erratic and short, with sleep lasting 1-2 hours at a time |
| Feeding | May need to be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain |
| Sleep environment | Should be safe and approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
| Sleep routine | Establishing a routine that prioritises feeding needs is important |
| Sleep concerns | Sleeping too much may indicate jaundice, infections, or other medical conditions |
| Sleep and growth | During growth spurts, newborns may sleep more and eat constantly |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep patterns
Newborns need a lot of sleep and, in a 24-hour period, newborns from 0 to 3 months will sleep for 14 to 17 hours, though it can be up to 22 hours for premature babies. As newborns grow into infants, they begin to develop a more regular sleep schedule, sleeping longer at night, though they may still wake several times to feed.
In the first few weeks after birth, it is normal for a newborn to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep. It is recommended to wake your baby every 3-4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night. It is important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and to keep the lights low, to send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
It is uncommon for a newborn to consistently sleep through feedings or to sleep for longer than 19 hours per day unless they are ill, experiencing a growth spurt, or having feeding difficulties. If you are concerned that your baby may be sleeping too much, you should consult a pediatrician.
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Establishing a sleep routine
Newborns have erratic sleep patterns and sleep for about 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, sometimes lasting only 1-2 hours at a time. While newborns need a lot of sleep, it is uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a stretch.
- Prioritise feeding needs: In the first few weeks, it is important to wake your newborn every 3-4 hours to feed until they show good weight gain. This is crucial for their nourishment and growth.
- Create a calming environment: Establish a soothing bedtime routine with low lighting and minimal stimulation. Avoid playing or talking with your baby during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Instead, keep things quiet and calm to send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
- Encourage self-settling: As your baby gets older, they will learn to settle themselves between sleep cycles. Avoid creating negative sleep associations, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, as they may then rely on this to fall asleep independently.
- Expose them to natural light: Take your baby out for walks during the day so they are exposed to natural light. This can help regulate their circadian rhythm and encourage them to be more awake during the day and sleep better at night.
- Develop a bedtime routine: Establish a calming evening routine that includes activities such as a bath, massage, and nursing. A consistent routine before bedtime can help signal to your baby that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
- Monitor their sleep stages: Keep an eye on your baby's rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, which is the light sleep stage. During REM sleep, it is easier to wake your baby than when they are in a deep sleep stage.
- Maintain a safe sleep environment: Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products are specifically designed for infant sleep and meet safety standards. Remove any hazards, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons, and keep the crib area clear of any objects that your baby can reach.
- Use a pacifier: Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it. If they are breastfeeding, wait until it is firmly established before introducing a pacifier.
- Consult with experts: If you are concerned about your baby's sleep patterns or have questions about establishing a routine, don't hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician, nursing expert, or a maternal and child health nurse for advice and guidance.
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Safe sleep practices
It is normal for newborns to sleep a lot and constantly, but only for a few hours at a time. Newborns tend to have short and erratic sleep patterns, and it is uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a stretch. They usually sleep for about 1-2 hours, though some may sleep a little more or less than this. In the first few weeks, it is normal for a newborn to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep.
- Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
- Newborns should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a crib with a mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. The crib should have spindles no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart and sides that do not drop down.
- Do not use soft bedding, comforters, pillows, loose sheets, blankets, sheepskins, toys, positioners, or bumpers in the crib or sleep area, as these can cause suffocation.
- Avoid letting your baby sleep on adult beds, couches, armchairs, or other soft sleep surfaces.
- Do not let your baby sleep on their side or stomach, as this can increase the risk of positional asphyxia and suffocation.
- Keep the baby's sleep area separate but close by, practicing room-sharing instead of bed-sharing to reduce the risk of SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome).
- If you are breastfeeding, it is important to establish a weight gain pattern for your newborn. Once this is established, you can wait for overnight feedings until your baby wakes up.
- Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm.
- Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SUIDS, such as wedges, monitors, or baby positioners, as these have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.
- Remove all items and bedding from your bed if you plan to breastfeed or comfort your baby in your bed.
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Sleeping too much
It is common for parents to worry about their newborn's sleep. This concern can help detect problems early and encourage them to seek expert advice when necessary. If you are worried that your newborn is sleeping too much, you should talk to a pediatrician.
Normal sleep patterns
Newborns often sleep in short and erratic patterns, and it is uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time. Newborns aged 0 to 3 months typically sleep 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, and up to 22 hours for premature babies. Sleep usually occurs in spurts during the day and night, sometimes lasting only 1-2 hours at a time.
When to wake your baby
It is recommended to wake your baby every 3-4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night. If your baby is younger than 4 weeks old, they should not go longer than 4-5 hours without food.
Establishing a routine
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. You can do this by developing a calming evening routine that includes a bath, massage, and nursing. Exposing your baby to natural light during the day by taking them out for walks can also help establish a routine.
Potential concerns
If your newborn is sleeping too much, it could be due to a medical condition such as jaundice, infections, or other medical procedures. It is important to monitor your baby's growth progress by keeping track of their feedings and diapers, as they may be sleeping too much because they are not getting enough to eat.
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Sleeping with eyes open
Newborns have erratic sleep patterns, and it is normal for them to sleep in short bursts of one to two hours at a time. They may sleep for up to 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, and this sleep usually happens during the day and at night.
Now, onto the main concern: sleeping with eyes open. It is understandable if you feel concerned about your baby sleeping with their eyes open. However, this phenomenon, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, is fairly common and usually harmless. Research suggests that it is related to the REM sleep phase, as babies spend more time in this phase than adults. It is also believed that a developing nervous system may contribute to this condition.
In most cases, there is no medical cause for concern, and your baby should outgrow it by the time they are between 12 and 18 months old. However, if you are worried about dry or irritated eyes, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. If the condition persists or worsens, consult a doctor for advice on eye drops or ointments to protect the cornea.
While it is generally safe to let your baby sleep with their eyes open, it is important to ensure that they are in a safe sleeping environment. Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products are approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborn sleep patterns can vary, but it's uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time. Newborns tend to sleep for about 1-2 hours at a time, and it's normal for them to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep.
Newborns need a lot of sleep. From birth to 3 months, they sleep for 14-17 hours within a 24-hour period, and up to 22 hours for preemies. From 4-12 months, 12-16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period is typical, with 2-3 hours of those being daytime naps.
It's important to create positive sleep associations and a calming evening routine for your newborn. Take your baby out for walks during the day so they are exposed to natural light, and try to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
