Gina Johnson
Newborns need a lot of sleep, and their sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic. It is uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time, and they may sleep up to 18 hours per day. Newborns wake up frequently to feed, as their tiny stomachs get full quickly. However, it is important to ensure that newborns are getting enough nourishment and gaining weight steadily. If a newborn is sleeping too much, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, and parents should consult a pediatrician if they have any concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of sleep | Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day. |
| Feeding | Newborns wake every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed often, about every 2–3 hours. Bottle-fed babies tend to feed less often, about every 3–4 hours. |
| Sleep environment | The baby's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. Remove pillows, blankets, and unfitted sheets from the area to reduce the risk of suffocation and strangulation. |
| Safe sleep practices | Room-sharing is recommended without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Keep the baby away from smokers as secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS. |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They wake up repeatedly in the night during the first few months. |
| Bedtime routine | Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. |
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What You'll Learn
Sharing a room with your newborn
However, room-sharing can also lead to sleep deprivation for parents, especially if they are woken by every baby sound and movement. It can also cause problems in the parents' relationship if they feel they cannot be intimate near the baby. Furthermore, studies have shown that babies who share a room with their parents are more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night, increasing the risk of accidental suffocation and strangulation.
To ensure the safety of your newborn while room-sharing, it is important to follow safe sleep practices. The AAP recommends that babies should never share a bed with their parents but should always have their own safe sleeping space, such as a crib, bassinet, or playpen. This sleeping space should be free of soft bedding, sleep wedges, pillows, blankets, and other items that could cover the baby's head.
Ultimately, the decision to share a room with your newborn depends on what works best for your baby and your family. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits and make an informed decision based on the available research and recommendations.
- Keep your baby's sleeping space close to your bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants.
- Ensure that your baby sleeps on their back, as it decreases the risk of SIDS compared to side or stomach sleeping.
- Use a pacifier when putting your baby to bed, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- If you feel your baby is ready, transition them to their own room gradually, starting with naptime in their new room and gradually introducing bedtime in the new room a few nights a week.
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Safe sleep environment
Newborns sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to feed. They do not have a sense of day and night, and their tiny stomachs do not hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long. 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.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface.
- Avoid sleeping with your baby on a couch, sofa, or armchair. This increases the risk of suffocation.
- Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep space.
- Do not use comforters, bulky blankets, bumper pads, or pillow-like items in your baby's bed.
- Dress your baby for the room temperature and don't overbundle. Do not cover your baby's head while they're sleeping.
- Keep your baby away from smokers. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around a baby's neck and objects with any kind of sharp edge or corner.
- A baby should sleep in a room that is quiet, dark, and at a slightly cool temperature.
- Breastfeed if possible.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine that is consistent and predictable.
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Sleep patterns
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and sleep around the clock. They wake up every couple of hours to feed, no matter the time of day. According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18–19 hours a day. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed. 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's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. Room-sharing involves placing the baby's crib in the parents' bedroom instead of a separate nursery. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. However, the AAP advises against bed-sharing, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Instead, babies should be placed on their back to sleep in a safety-approved crib or bassinet next to the adult bed.
To create a safe sleep environment, it is important to ensure that the baby's sleep surface is firm, flat, and level. The crib should only contain a fitted sheet covering the mattress, removing any pillows, blankets, or soft toys that could pose a risk of suffocation or strangulation. Additionally, babies should be dressed according to the room temperature to avoid overheating, and their heads should not be covered while sleeping. It is also crucial to keep them away from secondhand smoke, as it increases the risk of SIDS.
As babies grow, their sleep patterns change, and they will need fewer night feeds and may sleep for longer stretches. Some babies may sleep for 5 to 8 hours or longer at night, but this varies, and some babies may take longer to sleep through the night. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes calming activities, such as bathing, reading, or singing, can help signal the end of the day and soothe babies to sleep.
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Establishing a routine
Be Flexible and Follow Your Baby's Lead
In the early days, it's important to be flexible and follow your baby's cues. Your newborn's sleeping and feeding habits will vary, and it's essential to pay attention to their unique body language and signals. Feed your baby when they're hungry, and let them sleep when they're tired. This "responsive settling" approach can help you and your baby feel more in control. For example, you might try a simple routine of feed, play, sleep, but be prepared to adapt if your baby shows signs of hunger or tiredness earlier than expected.
Keep Things Calm and Consistent
While newborns can't initially distinguish between day and night, you can help them develop an internal 24-hour rhythm by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low, and avoid playing or talking too much to send the message that nighttime is for sleeping. A consistent bedtime routine that includes bathing, reading, and singing can signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment
Ensure your baby's sleep environment is safe and comfortable. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitted sheet. Keep the room temperature comfortable, and avoid overdressing or overbundling your baby to prevent overheating. Remove any hazards, such as cords, ties, or objects with sharp edges, and ensure that hanging items like mobiles or draperies are out of reach.
Encourage Daytime Naps
Newborns sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns can vary. Most newborns are asleep more than they are awake, and they may take short naps throughout the day. Encourage your baby to take naps during the day to ensure they get enough sleep overall. However, don't keep them awake during the day in the hope that they will sleep better at night, as overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping.
Be Prepared for Growth and Changes
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change. Growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all impact their sleep. Be prepared to adjust your routine as your baby enters different stages of development. Remember that your baby's sleep patterns may not always align with your own sleep needs, so try to rest when your baby sleeps, and accept help from your partner or loved ones when possible.
Remember, establishing a routine takes time and patience. By being flexible, consistent, and responsive to your baby's needs, you'll gradually settle into a routine that works for both of you.
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Hunger and feeding
Newborns have tiny stomachs that can only hold a small amount of milk, so they need to be fed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours. As they grow, the intervals between feedings may gradually lengthen. Newborns also need to be fed during the night, and they often fall asleep while feeding, especially during these night feeds.
Hunger Cues
Hunger cues are signals that your baby gives to communicate that they're ready to eat. These can range from early, subtle cues to more obvious late-stage outbursts. It's important to learn your baby's specific hunger cues to avoid mistaking them for sleepy cues, which are often similar. Here are some common hunger cues to watch for:
- Rooting Reflex: Your baby turns their head towards anything that strokes their cheek.
- Sucking on Hands: Babies bring their hands or fingers to their mouths and suck on them.
- Lip Smacking: Your baby makes smacking sounds with their lips.
- Crying: This is a late hunger sign. It’s best to feed your baby before they reach this stage.
- Restlessness: A hungry baby squirms, fusses, or moves their head back and forth.
Nighttime Feeding
Nighttime feedings should be kept calm and quiet to encourage a quick return to sleep for both the baby and the parents. A calm and quiet feeding environment helps your baby eat more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of them being distracted.
Weaning Off Night Feeds
As your baby gets older, their nighttime feeding needs will change. After six months, when babies start solids, the need for nighttime calories decreases. However, it's important to consult your pediatrician or family doctor before weaning off night feeds, especially if you have concerns about your baby's weight or they have a medical condition.
Full Feedings
It's important to ensure your baby is getting full feedings instead of snacking throughout the day. Full feedings help respond to hunger needs appropriately, allow for active awake time, provide adequate daytime calories, and promote better sleep at night. If your baby is not satisfied between feedings and needs to feed very frequently, consider working with a lactation consultant or pediatrician.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you sleep when your baby sleeps. If you are unable to sleep, try to do something relaxing, such as soaking in a hot bath.
Regular exercise can help you feel less tired. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise and you can try to get out for a walk every day with your baby.
Keep your baby away from smokers. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side.
It's good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise. It's a good idea to teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime from the start.
