Colin Snow
Newborns need a lot of sleep—anywhere from 14 to 18 hours a day. They are growing and learning so much that all that rest plays a critical role in their rapid growth and development. However, if a newborn is sleeping too much, it could be a sign that they are missing feedings or not getting enough to eat. In rare cases, it could be a sign of a more serious medical issue such as jaundice, infections, or breathing and heart disorders. If you're worried about your newborn's sleep habits, it's always best to consult a pediatrician.
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep duration and frequency
Newborns sleep a lot—about 14 to 18 hours a day. It's normal for newborns to sleep almost constantly in the early weeks, waking only to eat and then falling back asleep. Newborn sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic, and it's uncommon for them to rest for more than a few hours at a time. As your baby gets older, their sleep patterns will become more regular, and you'll be able to tell how many hours of daytime and nighttime sleep they typically get in a 24-hour period.
Newborns don't yet have a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock. Their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them full for long, so they wake often to eat—every two to four hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping for longer than usual and missing feedings, you should wake them to eat. Breastfed newborns shouldn't go more than two to four hours without eating, and formula-fed babies shouldn't go longer than three to four hours. If your newborn sleeps all day, it's usually nothing to worry about, but if you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician.
In rare cases, a baby may sleep too much because of an underlying medical condition. Jaundice, for example, is common in newborns and can cause them to sleep more than usual. Other signs of jaundice include yellow skin and eyes, lethargy, difficulty eating, and fussiness. Respiratory infections and other minor illnesses can also cause babies to sleep more than usual, and these can be much more dangerous in newborns.
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Health issues that cause oversleeping
Newborns tend to sleep a lot—often up to 16 to 20 hours a day—and their sleep patterns can vary. However, if you're concerned that your newborn is sleeping too much, there are several health issues that may be the cause.
Firstly, it's important to ensure that your newborn is getting enough to eat. Breastfed newborns should feed every 2 to 4 hours, while formula-fed babies should feed every 3 to 4 hours. Oversleeping can interfere with weight gain if your baby doesn't wake up or stay awake for feedings. Signs of inadequate nutrition include poor weight gain, dehydration, and failure to thrive. In addition, if you are breastfeeding, letting your newborn sleep for longer than 2 to 4 hours at a time can cause your milk supply to decrease.
Secondly, in rare cases, a newborn may be sleeping too much due to an underlying medical condition. For example, respiratory infections or other minor illnesses that are typically mild in older babies can be more dangerous in newborns. Jaundice is another potential cause of excessive sleeping in newborns, characterised by yellow skin and eyes, lethargy, difficulty eating, and irritability.
If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep patterns or weight gain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, for guidance and advice. They can help you establish a healthy sleep and feeding schedule for your baby and address any underlying issues.
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How to wake a sleeping newborn to eat
Newborns need a lot of sleep, but they also need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they require. If your newborn is sleeping too much, you should wake them to feed. Here are some ways to do this:
- Brush the side of their cheek to trigger the rooting reflex.
- Gently wiggle their toes or stroke the bottoms of their feet. Most babies dislike this.
- Tickle their neck or blow on their tummy.
- Strip them down to their diaper. The cold will help wake them up.
- Change their diaper.
- Offer them a pacifier.
If your newborn is sleeping too much, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough to eat, which can lead to dehydration and weight loss. It could also be a sign of jaundice, which causes a yellow colour in the skin and eyes. In rare cases, it could indicate a serious infection or another medical condition. If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep patterns, consult a pediatrician or nursing expert.
- Rock, cuddle, and sing to your baby.
- Swaddle your baby in a light blanket.
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time (but don't force it).
- Make sure all sleep surfaces and products are safe and approved for babies.
- Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
- Let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they associate it with sleep.
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Establishing a sleep schedule
Newborns typically sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns tend to be short and erratic. They usually sleep for about 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, but this can go up to 18 or even 19 hours per day. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to feed.
As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will become more regular, and they will start sleeping for longer stretches at night. Here are some tips to help establish a healthy sleep schedule for your newborn:
Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns:
Recognize that newborns have different sleep needs and patterns compared to adults. They sleep in short stretches of about 1-2 hours at a time and may wake frequently to feed. Understanding these patterns will help you manage your expectations and identify any potential issues.
Create a Calm and Comfortable Environment:
Maintain a quiet and calm environment during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking excessively with your baby. This helps reinforce the association between nighttime and sleep. Allow your baby to fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn to associate it with sleep.
Establish a Bedtime Routine:
Develop a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or singing lullabies. Consistency is key, so try to follow the same sequence of activities each night.
Encourage Self-Soothing:
Newborns can benefit from learning to self-soothe, which will help them fall asleep independently. Offer a pacifier at sleep time, but don't force it. If your baby is breastfeeding, introduce the pacifier after breastfeeding is firmly established. Swaddling your baby (wrapping them in a light blanket) can also help soothe them and make them feel secure.
Monitor Feeding and Weight Gain:
Ensure your newborn is feeding adequately, regardless of their sleep patterns. Breastfed babies may feed 8-12 times a day, while bottle-fed newborns may feed 5-8 times a day. Consult a pediatrician or nursing expert for personalized advice. Monitor your baby's weight gain and growth progress by tracking feedings and diaper changes.
Be Patient and Adaptable:
Every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Be patient as your baby adjusts to their own schedule. Some newborns may take longer to establish a consistent sleep routine. Adapt to your baby's needs and make gradual adjustments to promote healthy sleep habits.
Remember, establishing a sleep schedule for your newborn takes time and patience. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns or if your baby exhibits any unusual symptoms.
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Sleep products and safety
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns can vary. They usually sleep for about 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period, sometimes lasting only an hour or two at a time. As they grow older, their sleep patterns become more regular, and they start sleeping for longer stretches at night.
When it comes to creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn, here are some essential products and guidelines to consider:
- Approved Sleep Products: Ensure that all sleep products, such as cribs, bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers, are approved by the relevant safety authorities (e.g., U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
- Safe Sleep Surface: Always place your baby on their back to sleep on a flat, firm, and level surface. Remove any loose items, such as soft toys, pillows, blankets, and sleep comforters, from the crib or bassinet. The "Bare is Best" approach recommends nothing but a fitted sheet in the baby's sleep space.
- Safe Sleep Environment: Create a safe nursery for your baby by removing any hazards. Avoid items with cords, ties, or ribbons that could pose a strangulation risk. Keep dangerous objects with sharp edges or corners out of reach. Ensure that hanging items, such as mobiles, wall hangings, or window blind cords, are out of the baby's reach to prevent accidents.
- Avoid Inclined Sleepers: Do not use inclined products with an angle greater than 10 degrees for infant sleep. These include rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings. Inclined sleepers have been associated with infant deaths due to suffocation and strangulation risks.
- Swaddling: Swaddling, or wrapping your baby in a light blanket, can help soothe a crying baby. However, once your baby starts trying to roll over while swaddled, it's a sign to stop this practice.
- Pacifiers: Offering a pacifier at sleep time can help soothe your baby, but it is optional and should not be forced.
- Safe Sleep Clothing: Choose footie pajamas with zippers for easy diaper changes during sleep. Inverted zippers, such as those found in Sleep 'N Play Pajamas by Cloud Island, are especially convenient.
- Baby Monitors: Consider using a baby monitor, such as the Harbor Baby Monitor, which offers video and sound capabilities, as well as access to telehealth services.
- White Noise Machines: The Dreamland Sound Machine provides gentle, rhythmic sounds to block out external noises and help your baby stay asleep.
- Health Monitoring: The Owlet Dream Sock is a useful tool that provides live health readings for your baby's pulse rate, oxygen levels, and wakings. It alerts parents if the health readings fall outside the normal range.
- Supplements: Consult your pediatrician about supplements like Mommy's Bliss Organic Baby Bedtime Drops, which can support your baby's immune system and promote restful sleep after they reach four months of age.
Remember, it's important to follow the instructions and intended use for any sleep products you purchase. Always prioritize your baby's safety and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about their sleep patterns or overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborns need a lot of sleep. They are growing and learning a lot, and all that rest helps fuel the big changes they are going through. Newborns tend to sleep for about 14 to 18 hours a day, sometimes even up to 19 or 22 hours.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping for longer stretches at the expense of feeding, you should wake them up to feed. If your newborn is sleeping all day and isn't gaining enough weight, consult your pediatrician.
Newborns might sleep more than usual due to illness or medical conditions such as jaundice, infections, or respiratory issues. They might also be going through a growth spurt or developmental leap.
Newborns follow their own schedule and it may take a few weeks for them to settle into a routine. You can help them distinguish between night and day by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and avoid playing or talking to your baby to send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
