Miya Pearson
Newborns sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day—but in short bursts, waking up frequently to feed. They don't have established sleep-wake rhythms and don't know the difference between day and night. Their sleep cycles are much shorter than adults, at around 40 minutes, and they spend more time in REM sleep. Newborns also need help falling asleep and soothing themselves when they wake up. Parents can help newborns sleep by establishing a bedtime routine, exposing them to light and playing with them during the day, and providing a dim and quiet environment at night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep time | 11-19 hours a day |
| Daytime sleep | 8-9 hours |
| Night-time sleep | 8 hours |
| Feeding frequency | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep cycle length | 40-50 minutes |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep surface | Firm, tight-fitting mattress |
| Sleep environment | Dim and quiet |
| Self-soothing | Some newborns can self-soothe |
| Bedtime routine | Recommended |
| Sleep training | No products can prevent SIDS |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles
Sleep cycles consist of active sleep and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. This is followed by a quiet alert phase, where the baby is still awake but calm and taking in their environment. They may stare at objects and respond to sounds and motion. After this, they enter the active alert phase, where they are attentive to sights and sounds and move actively.
Newborns will usually sleep in short stretches because of hunger and the need to be changed regularly. They will typically wake up every 1 to 3 hours. At around 4 to 8 weeks, their sleep will start to respond more to light and dark, rather than hunger, and they may begin to sleep for longer.
It is important to note that the total amount of sleep varies between babies. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 or even 19 hours a day, while others may sleep for as little as 11 hours. Additionally, the sleep cycles of newborns differ from those of adults, with more 'active' or REM sleep. Newborns spend 50% of their sleep in REM, compared to 20% for adults.
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Sleep cycles are usually 20-50 minutes long
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles. These sleep cycles are usually 20 to 50 minutes long and consist of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. This is a normal part of the sleep cycle, and it is common for newborns to wake between these cycles. As they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep.
It is important to note that newborns do not have a sense of day and night, and they sleep around the clock. They wake frequently to feed, as their tiny stomachs cannot hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long. Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day.
To help your newborn sleep, you can establish a bedtime routine and provide a dim and quiet environment at night. Exposing them to light and gently playing with them during the day can also help them sleep more at night. It is recommended to place your baby on their back to sleep, as this is safer and provides airway protection.
Additionally, it is important to recognise that newborns may not know how to put themselves to sleep. They may need help to recognise signs of sleep readiness and to create a comfortable and safe sleep environment. While rocking or breastfeeding a baby to sleep is common, it is important to ensure that the baby does not fall asleep in your arms, as this may become a pattern that they expect.
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Newborns sleep a lot during the day and night
Newborns sleep a lot—generally around 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep for up to 18 or even 19 hours a day. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long.
During the first few weeks, room-sharing is a safe option that keeps your baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, as bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
To help your newborn sleep more at night, expose them to light and gently play with them during the day, then provide a dim and quiet environment at night. You can also help your baby sleep by recognizing signs of sleep readiness, teaching them to fall asleep on their own, and providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
Remember, every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn sleep. It's important to be patient and understanding as you and your baby learn and adjust to each other's needs.
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They wake up frequently to feed
Newborns have small stomachs, so they wake up frequently to feed. They sleep around the clock, and because they don't have enough breast milk or formula in their tiny stomachs to keep them full for long, they need to feed often—regardless of the time of day or night. Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over 24 hours, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day.
Breastfed babies tend to feed more frequently, about every 2 to 3 hours. Bottle-fed babies feed less often, typically every 3 to 4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed. It is recommended to wake your baby every 3 to 4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which is usually within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
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. During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. This involves placing the baby's crib in the parents' bedroom, making it easier to manage night-time feedings, comforting, and monitoring. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
Newborns' sleep patterns are primarily influenced by their need to feed. They typically sleep in short stretches of 1 to 3 hours due to hunger and the need for regular diaper changes. Around 4 to 8 weeks, their sleep starts to be influenced more by light and darkness rather than just hunger. After 8 weeks, they may begin to sleep for longer periods.
It's important to note that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns can vary. Some babies may not sleep through the night until they are closer to one year old. It's recommended to consult a doctor to determine if it's necessary to wake a baby for feedings and to monitor any changes in their sleep patterns.
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Safe sleep practices include placing your baby on their back
Newborns sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to feed. They sleep for 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day. Their sleep is in short bursts of 20-50 minutes, and they wake between sleep cycles.
Babies should be placed on their backs for naps and at night until they are 1 year old. Once they can roll from back to stomach and vice versa, you can leave them in the position they choose after starting sleep on their back. If they can only roll one way, you can reposition them onto their back if they roll onto their stomach during sleep. It is important to stop swaddling your baby once they start rolling over on their own to reduce the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.
To create a safe sleep environment, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat, and level sleep surface. Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib. Use a sleeper or a thin blanket tucked around the crib mattress only as far as the baby's chest.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns require anywhere from 11 to 19 hours of sleep per day, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Newborns sleep in short bursts, typically ranging from 20 to 50 minutes long. This is known as their sleep cycle.
Newborns will usually wake up every 1 to 3 hours due to hunger and the need to be changed regularly.
Crying is a newborn's primary means of communication. It could be a sign of hunger, the need to be changed, or a desire to settle back to sleep. Holding your baby close, wrapping them in a light blanket (swaddling), or rocking them gently may help to soothe them.
It is recommended that newborns be placed on their back to sleep, on a firm, tight-fitting mattress that meets current safety standards. Soft objects, such as pillows, quilts, and stuffed toys, should be removed from the crib to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and choking.
