Evie Summers
Newborns generally sleep a lot, and it is normal for them to spend most of their time sleeping. Newborns sleep around the clock, and their sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic. They wake up to feed every two to four hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation, although some may sleep up to 18 or even 19 hours a day. Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern, but if accompanied by a fever or respiratory distress, it is important to seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep should newborns get in a 24-hour period? | 14-17 hours, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some sources state that newborns may sleep for up to 18 or even 19 hours a day. |
| How long do newborns typically sleep for at a time? | Newborns typically sleep for 1-2 hours at a time, though some may sleep a little more or less than this. |
| How often do newborns wake up to eat? | Newborns wake up about every 2-4 hours to eat, with breastfed newborns feeding more frequently (every 2-3 hours) and formula-fed babies feeding less often (every 3-4 hours). |
| Is it normal for newborns to sleep a lot? | Yes, it is normal for newborns to sleep a lot and spend most of their time sleeping. They are growing and learning quickly, and sleep helps fuel these changes. |
| What if my newborn is sleeping too much? | Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping longer than usual and displaying other symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress, contact your pediatrician. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep patterns
Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period. However, this sleep is not all at once; newborns typically wake up to eat every two to four hours. This is because their stomachs are small and they need to be fed frequently. Newborns also do not know the difference between day and night and do not have established sleep-wake rhythms. Many babies arrive in the world with their days and nights reversed, sleeping for longer stretches during the daytime.
At the end of a sleep cycle, newborns typically enter a quiet alert phase. During this time, they are very still but awake and taking in their environment. They may look at objects, respond to sounds and motion, and move actively. This phase usually progresses to the active alert phase, where the baby is attentive to sounds and sights. After this is the crying phase, where the baby's body moves erratically and they may cry loudly. It is usually best to feed babies before they reach the crying phase, as they can be so upset that they may refuse to feed.
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, can create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep. Instead, it is recommended that parents allow their baby to become sleepy in their arms and then place them in the bed while still awake, so they learn to fall asleep on their own. Playing soft music while your baby is getting sleepy is also a good way to create a bedtime routine.
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How much sleep is too much?
Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours within a 24-hour period, though this can be as high as 22 hours for premature babies. Newborn sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic, with newborns waking up to eat every two to four hours. As such, it is uncommon for newborns to rest for more than a few hours at a time.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping so much that they are not eating enough and gaining weight, you should contact your paediatrician. Signs that your newborn is sleeping too much include:
- They aren't eating 8-12 times a day or having enough wet diapers in a 24-hour period.
- They won't stay awake to eat.
- They're difficult to wake up.
If your newborn is sleeping longer than four hours at night or taking naps longer than two hours during the day, you should wake them to ensure they are feeding enough.
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Sleep and health
Sleep is crucial for newborn health, as they need a lot of rest to support their rapid growth and development. Newborns typically sleep for 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours daily. This sleep is often fragmented, with newborns waking up frequently to feed or be changed. They may sleep in short bursts, with sleep cycles lasting around 20 to 50 minutes. During these cycles, newborns experience active and quiet sleep, marked by periods of movement and crying, followed by relative stillness and even breathing.
Newborns do not initially have a sense of day and night, and it may take a few months for them to establish a rhythm. They may confuse their days and nights, sleeping for longer stretches during the day and being more alert at night. To help newborns develop a sense of day and night, parents can expose them to light and gentle play during the day and create a dim and quiet environment at night. Keeping interactions during nighttime feedings and diaper changes calm and quiet can also help signal that nighttime is for sleeping.
While newborns need plenty of sleep, occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, if a newborn sleeps for longer stretches and misses regular feedings, it is important to wake them to ensure they receive adequate nourishment. Breastfed newborns should eat every 2 to 4 hours, while formula-fed newborns can go 3 to 4 hours between feedings. If a newborn's longer sleep bouts are accompanied by a fever or respiratory distress, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
In addition to the quantity and quality of sleep, creating a safe sleep environment for newborns is essential. The sleep surface and products used should be approved by the relevant safety authorities, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is recommended to place newborns on their back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets safety standards. Soft items, such as pillows, quilts, and stuffed toys, should be removed from the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation.
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Establishing a sleep routine
Newborns tend to sleep a lot—anywhere from 14 to 18 hours a day—but only in short periods of 2 to 4 hours. They don't yet have an internal "clock" that tells them to sleep at night and stay awake during the day. As such, it's common for newborns to sleep in short bursts between feeds, both night and day.
Responsive settling
With newborn sleeping and feeding, the key is to be flexible and follow your baby's lead. Newborns often need help settling to sleep, and responsive settling can help your baby fall asleep. Keep in mind that your newborn may show signs of tiredness soon after a feed, so watch for these cues and put them down for a nap.
Keep things calm at night
When it's dark outside, keep things low-key for your baby. If you have to go into their room to feed them, keep the lights low and your voice soft. They'll soon learn that nighttime is for sleeping, so they might as well sleep when it's dark outside.
Avoid overfeeding
Contrary to popular belief, giving more formula, breast milk, or baby food will not help your baby sleep longer. Just like you when you've eaten too much, your overfed baby won't be comfortable enough to rest well.
Wind down before bedtime
As your baby gets older, it can be helpful to keep a similar bedtime routine. Too much excitement and stimulation just before bedtime can wake your child up. Spend some time winding down and doing calmer activities, like reading a book.
Look for signs of sleepiness
Your baby will let you know when they need sleep. Watch for common signs that they feel tired, such as crankiness or fussiness. Try to stay a step ahead by looking for these signs before they become overtired, as an exhausted baby will have more trouble falling and staying asleep.
Keep a sleep log
Consider keeping a sleep log to help you understand your baby's sleep patterns. This can help you identify any trends or issues that may need to be addressed.
Remember, it's important to be flexible and responsive to your baby's needs. Each baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will vary.
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Safe sleep practices
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns can be erratic, with babies waking up to eat every two to four hours. This means that newborns spend most of their time either sleeping or eating. While occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern, it is still important to follow safe sleep practices for your baby. Here are some safe sleep practices to follow:
Create a safe sleep area:
- Always place your baby on a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a crib with a mattress that returns to its original shape quickly when pressed on. The crib should have a tightly fitted sheet, and the spindles should be no wider than 2-3/8 inches apart.
- Do not use soft bedding, comforters, pillows, loose sheets, blankets, sheepskins, toys, positioners, or bumpers in the crib or sleep area. These items can increase the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of injury death in infancy.
- Decorate your baby's room as you choose, but leave the baby's sleep space empty.
Safe sleep positions:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Do not put your baby to sleep on their side or stomach.
- If your baby changes positions in their sleep, let them stay where they are.
Room sharing and separate sleep spaces:
- Room sharing is recommended, as it can help prevent SUID. Room sharing involves having your baby sleep in your room, on a separate, safe surface, like a bassinet, crib, or portable play yard.
- Do not bed share, as it can increase the risk of SUID. If you fall asleep while feeding or comforting your baby in your bed, move them to their own separate sleep area as soon as you wake up.
- Babies should not sleep on adult beds, couches, armchairs, or other soft sleep surfaces.
Other considerations:
- Do not let your baby sleep in car seats or swings, as they may not be able to keep their airway open. If they fall asleep in a car seat or swing, move them to a safe sleep place.
- 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 SUID, such as wedges or baby positioners, as these have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, and it is normal for them to sleep almost constantly, waking only to feed. Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep for up to 18-19 hours a day.
Newborns sleep a lot because they are learning and growing so quickly. Sleep helps promote learning and plays a role in memory consolidation, sensory processing, and preparing babies to explore their environments.
Newborns have tiny stomachs and wake up frequently to feed. Breastfed newborns shouldn't go more than 2-4 hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than 3-4 hours. If your newborn is sleeping for longer stretches, it is recommended to wake them to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain.
