Newborn Sleep: Understanding Day-Long Naps And Their Importance

Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 19 hours a day, and their sleep may happen in small chunks or on an irregular schedule. They don't have a sense of day and night and are not accustomed to schedules or the rhythms of a typical day and night. They also need to eat frequently, so they usually sleep in short periods.

While it's normal for newborns to sleep a lot, there are some instances where you should wake your baby for a feeding. For the first two to three weeks, keep a close eye on the clock and wake your baby when it's time for them to eat. Breastfed babies shouldn't go longer than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours.

If your newborn is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of illness or a change in routine. If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, talk to your doctor.

Is it normal for a newborn to sleep all day?

Newborns typically sleep between 12 and 19 hours a day. They don't have a sense of day and night and their tiny stomachs can't hold enough milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long, so they wake up frequently to eat. This can happen every couple of hours, or as often as every 1-2 hours.

Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which usually last 20 to 50 minutes. They also don't produce melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep.

It's important to make sure newborns are getting enough nourishment. For the first two to three weeks, keep a close eye on the clock and wake your baby when it's time for them to eat. Breastfed babies shouldn't go longer than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours.

If your newborn is sleeping all day, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if they are sleeping well above the recommended amount, or are sleepier than normal or difficult to wake, you should contact your paediatrician.

How much sleep is too much for a newborn?

Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 17 hours a day, with some sleeping up to 19 hours. This sleep is usually spread out over a 24-hour period and happens in small chunks or on an irregular schedule.

Most newborns sleep for around 8-9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. However, this timing varies, with some newborns sleeping for only 11 hours per day. Newborns also don't sleep in one stretch, usually sleeping for only 1-2 hours at a time.

If your newborn is sleeping so much that they aren't waking up to eat, you should talk to your doctor. Newborns should eat every 2-4 hours, and frequent missed meals could hurt their weight gain and growth.

Additionally, if your newborn is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of illness or a growth spurt. If you're concerned, it's always best to consult your doctor.

Tips for Helping Your Newborn Sleep

• Expose them to light and play with them gently during the day.
• Provide a dim and quiet environment at night.
• Keep them cool and comfortable.
• Try swaddling them.
• Feed them regularly during the day (every 2-3 hours).
• Establish a bedtime routine.

Remember, it's normal for newborns to sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns will gradually regulate over time.

What are the signs of a newborn sleeping too much?

It is common for newborns to sleep a lot—anywhere from 12 to 19 hours a day. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and are growing and developing rapidly, so they need adequate sleep to ensure they can reach important milestones. However, there are some signs that may indicate your newborn is sleeping too much.

Signs Your Newborn is Sleeping Too Much:

• They're sleeping well above their recommended amount: Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 19 hours a day. If your newborn is regularly sleeping for more than 17 hours a day, it could be a cause for concern.
• They're difficult to wake or sleepier than normal: If your baby is sleeping more soundly than usual or is hard to rouse, this could be a sign that they're sleeping too much.
• They're not waking up to feed: Newborns need to feed frequently—about every 2 to 4 hours—so if your baby is sleeping through feedings, this could indicate they're sleeping too much.
• They're falling asleep during feeds: If your baby is so sleepy that they can't complete a feeding, this could be a concern.
• They're not becoming more alert as they get older: As newborns get older, they should start to develop a more regular sleep schedule. If your baby continues to sleep excessively and doesn't seem to be becoming more alert, this could be a sign of a problem.
• They're sick and have a fever: If your baby is sleeping a lot and also has a fever, this could be a sign of illness and you should consult a doctor.

If you're concerned about your newborn's sleep habits, it's always best to consult with a paediatrician or healthcare professional. They can advise you on your baby's specific needs and let you know if there are any underlying issues.

When should you wake a newborn for feedings?

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed frequently. They wake up often to eat—whether it's day or night—and their sleep may happen in small chunks or on an irregular schedule.

For the first two to three weeks, it's important to keep a close eye on the clock and wake your baby when it's time for them to eat. Breastfed babies shouldn't go longer than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies can go three to four hours. Waking your baby to feed during this time is crucial for their nutrition and weight gain, as well as for establishing your milk supply if you're breastfeeding.

• Feed your baby during an active sleep or REM sleep period. You'll know your baby is in REM sleep when they move their arms and legs, change facial expressions, and flutter their eyelids.
• Try unswaddling them or undressing them.
• Change their diaper while singing or talking to them, or by stroking their hands and feet.
• Hold your baby upright, as this usually causes newborns to open their eyes.
• Dim the lights.
• Massage your baby's hands, feet, arms, back, and shoulders.
• Place a cool (not cold) washcloth on their forehead.

Once your baby's weight gain pattern is established, your pediatrician will likely advise you to wait for overnight feedings until your baby wakes up on their own. This usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After this, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.

How to wake a newborn for feedings

Newborns have different sleep patterns and needs, but they typically sleep for 14 to 19 hours a day. In the early days, newborns may need to be woken up for feeds as they get used to feeding and sleeping patterns. Here are some tips on how to wake a newborn for feedings:

• Undress and unwrap your baby and hold them skin-to-skin.
• Express a little colostrum by squeezing your areola and let a few drops fall into your baby's mouth.
• Change your baby's nappy as this may wake them up.
• Try different feeding positions. For example, place your baby on your lap with their legs near your tummy and their head on your knees. Gently support your baby and raise them into a sitting position.
• Give your baby a warm bath to wake them up gently.
• Gently massage their back in circular motions or stroke their feet and hands.
• Brush the side of their cheek to trigger the rooting reflex.
• If that doesn't work, try gently wiggling their toes or stroking the bottoms of their feet, as most babies dislike this.

Once your baby is feeding, you can use some of the above techniques to keep them awake and feeding. For example:

• Switch breasts each time your baby's sucking slows or they start to get sleepy.
• Take the baby off, wake them again, and start feeding on the other side.
• Use breast compressions to help your baby get more milk, which will encourage them to suck and swallow more.

It's important to note that this will change as your baby gets older, and they will probably be awake for longer. Soon enough, you will be able to relax and let your baby set their own individual feeding pattern.

Frequently asked questions