
Newborns need a lot of sleep, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day, waking every few hours to feed. There are a number of options for where your newborn sleeps, including a bassinet, crib, playard or portable crib. It's important to choose a product that meets the latest safety guidelines and to avoid letting your baby sleep on a couch, armchair or bean bag chair. You'll also need to think about what your baby will wear to sleep, with sleeping bags and swaddles being popular options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day |
| Feeding frequency | Every 2-4 hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed |
| Sleep environment | Bassinet, crib, playard, or portable crib that meets CPSC guidelines |
| Sleeping bag | Suitable for the season and no more than 2.5 tog, with a nappy for very hot weather |
| Swaddles | At least 2, with Miracle Blankets and muslin wraps recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- Cribs, bassinets, playards, and portable cribs are all options for newborn sleep
- Newborns should be wrapped in a swaddle or a sleeping bag
- Merino blankets are a good year-round option as they are breathable
- Muslin wraps are a good option for newborns in the summer
- Newborns should be woken up to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain

Cribs, bassinets, playards, and portable cribs are all options for newborn sleep
It's important to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn. Your baby should not sleep on anything else—not a couch, armchair, recliner, bean bag chair, glider, infant pillow, or inclined sleeper. These surfaces can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To keep your newborn comfortable while sleeping, consider using swaddles or sleeping bags. Swaddles help newborns feel secure and can promote longer sleep. Sleeping bags should be suitable for the season and no more than 2.5 tog, even in winter. In hot weather, a 0.5 tog bag and a nappy may be all your baby needs.
Newborns typically sleep 14–19 hours a day, waking every few hours to feed. It's important 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, you can let them sleep for longer periods at night.
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Newborns should be wrapped in a swaddle or a sleeping bag
Sleeping bags should be suitable for the season and no more than 2.5 tog, even in winter. In very hot weather, a baby may only need a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag. Never use a sleeping bag with a quilt or duvet, as it will make the baby too hot.
When you first bring your newborn home, they can sleep in a bassinet, crib, playard or portable crib. No matter what you choose, the product should meet the latest CPSC guidelines.
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Merino blankets are a good year-round option as they are breathable
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day. They wake every couple of hours to eat. It is up to you whether your newborn sleeps in a bassinet or crib, but it should meet the latest CPSC guidelines. Merino blankets are a good year-round option as they are breathable, and newborns aren't good at regulating their temperature. They can also be used as a buggy blanket. You will need at least two swaddles, as there is not enough time to wash and dry between newborn sleeps. In the summer, consider muslin wraps if you are worried about overheating. In very hot weather, you may only need to put your baby in a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag.
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Muslin wraps are a good option for newborns in the summer
Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. They wake every couple of hours to eat, and it's recommended to wake them every 3-4 hours to feed until they show good weight gain.
Whether your newborn sleeps in a bassinet or crib is up to you, and they can also sleep in a playard or portable crib. No matter what you choose, the product should meet the latest CPSC guidelines.
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Newborns should be woken up to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain
It is important to note that 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. As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will change and they may start to sleep for longer stretches at night.
To ensure your newborn is comfortable while sleeping, you will need to provide them with a safe sleep environment and appropriate bedding. When it comes to where your newborn sleeps, you can choose between a bassinet, crib, playard, or portable crib. Regardless of your choice, make sure the product meets the latest CPSC guidelines. Avoid letting your baby sleep on anything else, such as a couch, armchair, or bean bag chair, as this can be unsafe.
In terms of bedding, it is recommended to have at least two swaddles, as newborns sleep frequently and there may not be enough time to wash and dry between sleeps. Sleeping bags are also an option, but choose one that is suitable for the season and no more than a 2.5 tog, even in winter. In very hot weather, a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag may be sufficient. Miracle Blankets and muslin wraps are also recommended for helping babies sleep and regulating their temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns can sleep in a bassinet, crib, playard or portable crib. It's important to follow the latest CPSC guidelines for safe sleep environments.
Newborns should be fed every 2-4 hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed.
It's important to consider the season when dressing your newborn for sleep. Choose a sleeping bag that's suitable for the temperature, and no more than a 2.5 tog, even in winter. In very hot weather, a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag may be enough.
You will need at least two swaddles, as there is not enough time to wash and dry between newborn sleeps. Muslin wraps are a good option for summer babies, while Merino blankets are breathable and can be used year-round.











































