Ashwin Lewis
Newborns have different sleep patterns than older children and adults. They sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to eat. While there is no set rule about waking a newborn, there are some guidelines and tips that can help parents make informed decisions about their baby's sleep. For instance, newborns should get 14 to 19 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and it is recommended to wake them every 3 to 4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain. Additionally, keeping a consistent sleep schedule for newborns can help them sleep more consistently and deeply over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep should newborns get? | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| How often do newborns wake up? | Every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed every 3-4 hours. |
| How long do newborns nap for? | Naps can be anywhere between 20-120 minutes during the first few months. |
| Should you wake a newborn to preserve a schedule? | No, newborns follow their own schedule. However, if your newborn is sleeping through feeds, it is recommended to wake them to ensure they are getting enough to eat. |
| How to establish a sleep schedule? | Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking to your baby to signal that nighttime is for sleeping. |
| How does a newborn's sleep change over time? | As newborns grow, they will need fewer night feeds and may sleep for longer stretches. |
| What are some tips for helping a newborn sleep? | Swaddling, rocking, and singing can soothe a crying baby. Room-sharing is safe, but bed-sharing is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. |
| How does a newborn's sleep affect the parent's sleep? | The first few months can be challenging for parents, who may need to get up multiple times during the night to tend to their baby. |
| What are some signs to contact a pediatrician? | If your newborn rarely seems alert and active, or if they seem lethargic and difficult to wake, consult a doctor. |
| How does a newborn's sleep impact the parent's schedule? | Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake-up time for your newborn can help establish a regular sleep schedule, which is beneficial for both the child and the parent's long-term sleep quality. |
| How does feeding impact a newborn's sleep? | Prioritize feeding during the day to ensure adequate calorie intake, which can help promote longer stretches of sleep at night. |
| What are some factors that can impact a newborn's sleep? | Sickness, teething discomfort, and temperature (being too hot or cold) can disturb a newborn's sleep. |
| How does a newborn's sleep compare to an older baby or toddler? | As babies grow into toddlers, they will need less sleep. Toddlers (2-4 years) typically need about 12-14 hours of sleep, including naps. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns should get 14–19 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period
Newborns have different sleep patterns than older babies and toddlers. They do not have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to feed. As such, newborns need more sleep than older babies and toddlers, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending 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' sleep patterns are weakly regulated, and they may take 3–4-hour chunks of sleep around the clock. It is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping newborn during the day, as hunger will usually wake them up. However, if your newborn is sleeping through feeds, it is important to wake them to ensure they are getting enough to eat. This is especially important in the first few weeks until your baby shows good weight gain. After this, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It is important to keep in mind that every baby is different, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal when it comes to newborn sleep. Some newborns may experience day-night confusion, sleeping more during the day than at night. If this is the case, it may be necessary to focus on correcting this confusion by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes and resisting the urge to play with or talk to your baby. This will help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
In terms of sleep environment, it is recommended to put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a snug-fitting sheet. Keep the sleep area free of plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other items that could pose a safety hazard. It is also important to dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating or becoming too cold, as this can disturb their sleep.
Finally, while it is important to prioritize your newborn's sleep, it is also crucial to maintain regularity in their sleep schedule. This means keeping bedtime and wake-up time consistent, even on weekends and holidays. This will help your baby develop a healthy sleep routine and ensure they are getting consistent and deep sleep over time.
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Long naps are normal for newborns, but can disrupt their sleep schedule
Newborns follow their own sleep schedule and tend to sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to feed. They do not yet have a sense of day and night, and it may take a few weeks for their brains to develop this distinction. During this period, it is normal for newborns to take long naps, which can last for 3–4 hours at a time. However, long naps can also disrupt their sleep schedule and confuse their internal clock, making it harder for them to fall asleep at bedtime and increasing the likelihood of night-time wakefulness.
To maintain a consistent sleep schedule for your newborn, it is important to establish a routine. While it is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping newborn, you may need to do so to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition and staying on their growth curve. This is especially important if your doctor has instructed you to wake your baby for night feedings or if they are not gaining weight steadily.
As your newborn grows, their sleep patterns will gradually change. After the first few weeks, it is typical for newborns to sleep for longer periods at night, and the frequency of night feedings will decrease. By the time they reach 6 months to a year old, night feeds may no longer be necessary, and their total sleep time will reduce to around 12 to 15 hours.
It is worth noting that every baby is unique, and their sleep needs can vary. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day, while others may require less sleep. Additionally, factors such as illness, growth spurts, or developmental milestones can impact their sleep patterns. If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep habits or if they seem excessively sleepy, it is always best to consult your pediatrician.
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Newborns wake every few hours to eat
Newborns have tiny stomachs and wake up every few hours to eat, no matter the time of day or night. They sleep around the clock, and their internal clock is still developing, so it's normal for them to take long naps. According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over 24 hours, but some may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day.
Breastfed babies feed more frequently, about every 2–3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed less often, typically every 3–4 hours. It is recommended to wake your newborn every 3–4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first few weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Newborns follow their own schedule, and it may take a few weeks for them to learn the difference between night and day. It is advised to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, with low lighting. This helps reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products for your newborn are approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards.
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A baby's sleep environment should be safe and meet federal safety standards
Newborns follow their own sleep schedule, and it may take a few weeks for them to settle into a routine and for their brains to distinguish between night and day. During this time, it is important to keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and resisting the urge to play with or talk to your baby will help signal that nighttime is for sleeping.
Additionally, bed-sharing with infants is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. Instead, room-sharing is a safer alternative, and it is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep.
To promote safe sleep for your newborn, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by trusted sources, such as the CPSC and healthcare professionals. Their recommendations are based on extensive research and are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being during sleep.
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A baby's sleep and feeding patterns are linked
In the first few months, a baby's sleep and feeding patterns are linked. Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They wake frequently during the night to be fed or changed. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, which is usually within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Breastfed babies feed more often, about every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed less frequently, about every 3-4 hours. The first 3 months are an important time for parents and babies to learn how to feed and develop a routine together. During this time, it's normal for newborns to cry a lot as it is their main way of communicating.
Research has shown that a mother's sleep is linked to her reports of infant sleep and feeding behaviours in the early postpartum period. For example, shorter infant sleep durations at night during postpartum week 2 were associated with shorter maternal sleep durations and higher levels of maternal stress.
To help your baby develop an internal clock or circadian rhythm, keep them in bright or sunny spaces during the day and remove bright lights at night. It's also important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. A 20- to 30-minute bedtime routine can help your baby calm down and know it's time for sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day.
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.
Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed. 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 of time at night.
Newborns follow their own schedule and it may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to know the difference between night and day. It is recommended to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and to let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it's the place for sleep.
It is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping newborn during the day. However, if your newborn is consistently sleeping longer than 2-3 hours during the day and missing feedings, you may need to wake them to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
