Gina Johnson
Newborns typically sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day, in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They do not know the difference between day and night and do not have established sleep-wake rhythms. Newborns wake frequently during the night, often because they need to be fed or changed. At around three months of age, they may start to learn the rhythm of day and night. Sleep patterns in newborn babies are mostly affected by the need to be fed. They will usually wake up every 1 to 3 hours. As they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep | 14-18 hours a day |
| Daytime sleep | 8-9 hours |
| Nighttime sleep | 8 hours |
| Sleep cycle | 2-3 hours |
| Feeding cycle | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep without feeding | Babies usually start sleeping through the night (6-8 hours) without waking up to feed from 3 months of age |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep environment | Crib or bassinet, not in bed with parents |
| Sleep routine | Establishing a bedtime routine is a good idea |
| Sleep readiness | Recognizing signs of sleep readiness and teaching the baby to fall asleep on their own |
| Sleep disturbances | Ear infection, overstimulation, or changes in development |
| Sleep and light | From 6 months old, sleep patterns are more impacted by light and dark |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns sleep a lot, but in short bursts
During the first few months, newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night. They must wake up every few hours to eat, as they have small stomachs. Most babies do not start sleeping through the night (6 to 8 hours) until they are at least 3 months old, but this can vary, and some babies do not sleep through the night until they are closer to 1 year old.
There is no set schedule for newborns at first, and they often confuse day and night, thinking they are supposed to be awake at night and sleep during the day. This can be frustrating for parents, but it is important to remember that newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb and are establishing their own sleep patterns.
Parents can help their newborns sleep by recognizing signs of sleep readiness, teaching them to fall asleep on their own, and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment. Establishing a bedtime routine is recommended, but it is important to ensure that the baby does not fall asleep while eating or in someone's arms, as this may become a pattern that the baby expects. Instead, it is suggested that parents allow their baby to become sleepy in their arms and then place them in their bed while they are still awake.
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They have no set schedule and often confuse night and day
Newborns sleep a lot—about 14 to 18 hours a day—but they have no set schedule and often confuse night and day. During the first few weeks of life, newborns typically sleep for two to three hours, wake up to feed for an hour, and then go back to sleep. This can be challenging for parents, but it's essential to remember that this is only temporary. Newborns need to eat frequently, and their small stomachs can only hold enough food to last a few hours.
The lack of a set schedule in newborns' sleep patterns is due to several factors. Firstly, newborns' internal clocks are still adjusting to the outside world. In the womb, they experienced constant motion and the sound of their mother's heartbeat, creating a soothing environment that is difficult to replicate after birth. As a result, newborns often find it challenging to distinguish between day and night, and their sleep patterns can be erratic.
Additionally, newborns' sleep patterns are influenced by their developmental stage. During the first few months, they are growing and developing rapidly, which can disrupt their sleep. They may also experience growth spurts during this period, leading to increased appetite and more frequent feeding, further disrupting their sleep schedule.
It's important for parents to understand that newborns' sleep patterns will gradually regulate over time. By the time they are three to six months old, most babies will start sleeping for longer stretches at night and may even sleep through the night. Establishing a bedtime routine and creating a conducive sleep environment can also help newborns regulate their sleep patterns and adjust to a schedule that works for the family.
While the early months can be challenging for parents, it's important to remember that newborns' sleep patterns are natural and will evolve with time and patience.
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Sleep patterns begin forming in the womb
Sleep patterns in newborns are varied and unpredictable. Newborns sleep for a total of about 16 to 18 hours a day, but in very short stretches of 2 to 3 hours, as they need to feed frequently. They also tend to confuse day and night, staying more alert in the former.
Research has shown that sleep patterns begin forming during the last months of pregnancy. A 2009 study on fetal sheep found brain activity indicating early, immature sleep cycles. Another study, in 2010, tracked fetal heart rates and found regular sleep and waking patterns.
During the last three months in the womb, neural connections grow rapidly during REM sleep. A week before birth, REM sleep increases from nine to 12 hours a day. A 2008 study showed that the more a baby sleeps in utero, the less they sleep after birth. This means that newborns who slept more in the womb have more mature sleeping patterns after birth.
Babies in the womb spend most of their time sleeping, but they do have moments of wakefulness. They move during both sleep and wake cycles, and they can hear sound in the second trimester. By the seventh month, their eyes will start moving rapidly as if they were dreaming. This indicates that their brains are moving between REM and non-REM sleep, and that adult-like sleep cycles are developing.
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Babies need to be taught how to fall asleep
Newborns typically sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, but they wake up every few hours to feed. They also tend to confuse night and day, staying more alert in the night. This can be very challenging for parents, especially since newborns need to feed many times a day and cannot be put on a schedule.
Sleep training is a common way to teach babies to fall asleep independently. One method is the "cry it out" or "extinction" method, where the baby is left to cry until they fall asleep without comfort. While this may seem harsh, it is said to be more difficult for the parent than the baby. With consistency, the baby should fall asleep on their own within three to four nights. Another technique is the "wake and sleep" method, which involves swaddling the baby, creating white noise, and feeding and burping them before bed. The baby is then gently roused after falling asleep, and their eyes are barely opened. After a few seconds, the baby will close their eyes and drift off again.
It is important to note that sleep training should be based on the baby's development. Traditional sleep training is typically recommended between four and six months, before babies get too used to rocking or nursing to sleep. However, the "wake and sleep" method can be started earlier. Additionally, parents should be mindful of any recent disruptions in the baby's life, such as travel or a new nanny, and wait for things to settle before attempting sleep training.
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Parents can help newborns sleep better
Newborns typically sleep for 16 to 18 hours a day, but in very short stretches of about 2 to 3 hours as they need to feed frequently. They also do not have a sense of day and night and may be more alert at night.
Establish a bedtime routine
Having a bedtime routine is a good idea. This could include activities like a warm bath, nursery rhymes, lullabies, softly spoken stories, or playing soft music while the baby is getting sleepy. It is important to be consistent and do the activities in the same order every night so that the baby learns what to expect.
Avoid letting the baby fall asleep while feeding or in your arms
If the baby falls asleep while feeding or in your arms, this may become a pattern, and the baby may start expecting to be fed or held in order to fall asleep. Instead, parents should try to put the baby down when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps the baby learn to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own.
Provide a safe and comfortable sleep environment
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents, not in bed with the parents. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. It is important to always place the baby on their back to sleep and use a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a fitted sheet.
Minimize stimulation before bedtime
Too much excitement and stimulation before bedtime can make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep. Instead, spend some time winding down with calmer activities like reading or singing lullabies.
Recognize signs of sleep readiness
Babies may show signs of being ready for sleep, such as staring at objects, responding to sounds and motion, or moving erratically and crying loudly. Recognizing these signs can help parents establish a bedtime routine and create a calm environment to facilitate sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep for about 16 hours a day, but this can vary between 11 and 19 hours.
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long.
Newborns wake up to eat about every 3 hours. However, you should wake your baby to feed every 3 to 4 hours until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks.
You can help your baby sleep by creating a bedtime routine, establishing sleep associations, and providing a safe and comfortable environment.
Most babies start sleeping through the night (6 to 8 hours) by 3 months of age, but this can vary, and some babies don't sleep through the night until closer to 1 year.
