Miya Pearson
Newborn sleep patterns can be unpredictable, and this is normal. Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and they may only be awake for a total of 6 to 10 hours in a 24-hour period. They need to be fed every few hours, and their sleep patterns can be unpredictable in the first few weeks as they get used to the difference between night and day. It is recommended that newborns sleep in a crib or bassinet, on their back, on a firm, flat surface, without any toys, pillows, blankets, or other items that could pose a safety risk. Room-sharing is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the first 6 months, but bed-sharing is not, as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep patterns | Unpredictable and inconsistent |
| Sleep duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours per nap |
| Total awake time | 6-10 hours in a 24-hour period |
| Sleep cycles | 20-50 minutes long |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep space | Crib, bassinet, or a safe co-sleeping space |
| Sleep position | On their back, on a firm, flat surface |
| Sleep routine | Prioritise feeding needs, avoid strict schedules |
| Self-settling | Newborns will learn to settle themselves over time |
| Sleep associations | Avoid negative associations, such as holding until they fall asleep |
| Daytime naps | Aim for wake windows of 60-90 minutes, no longer than 2 hours |
| Bedtime | Varies between 7:00-10:00 PM, depending on the baby |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep cycles and patterns
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They spend most of their sleeping time in ''active' sleep or REM sleep. The total amount of sleep varies between babies, ranging from 11 to 19 hours a day. Sleep patterns in newborn babies are largely influenced by their need to be fed. They will usually wake up every 1 to 3 hours.
Babies experience two stages of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep, also known as active and quiet sleep. During REM sleep, a baby may move around more and make noises. In non-REM sleep, a baby sleeps more deeply. Newborns spend roughly equal amounts of time in REM and non-REM sleep.
As babies grow, their sleep cycles evolve, eventually resembling those of adults. By the time they are five years old, children's sleep architecture, or the time spent in each sleep stage, begins to mirror that of adults. Adults experience REM sleep after being asleep for around 90 minutes, whereas babies experience a short REM stage almost immediately after falling asleep.
It is important to note that not all babies know how to put themselves to sleep. Parents can help their baby sleep by recognizing signs of sleep readiness, teaching them to fall asleep on their own, and providing a comfortable, safe, and positive sleep environment. Establishing a bedtime routine is recommended, but it is important to ensure that the baby does not fall asleep while being fed or in someone's arms, as this may become a pattern that the baby expects.
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Safe sleep environments
The first few weeks of a baby's life can be unpredictable, and it is normal for newborns to sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. During this time, newborns can comfortably stay awake for 30 to 90 minutes before needing to sleep again.
Room-sharing without bed-sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Room-sharing keeps your baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. However, bed-sharing increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
Sleep surface and positioning
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and cover the mattress with a fitted sheet. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, including plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads.
Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS
Avoid using products or devices that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners (like wedges or incliners) or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. Instead, focus on creating a safe sleep environment and following recommendations from trusted sources, such as the AAP.
Dress your baby appropriately
To avoid overheating, dress your baby according to the room temperature and avoid overbundling. Do not cover your baby's head while they are sleeping, and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
Offer a pacifier
Some studies have shown a lower rate of SIDS among babies who use pacifiers. However, breastfeeding mothers should wait until the baby is used to breastfeeding or around one month old before offering a pacifier.
Remember, the first few weeks of a baby's life can be unpredictable, and it is important to focus on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn.
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Sleep regressions and developmental changes
Sleep regressions refer to temporary disruptions in a child's sleep patterns, which are common during periods of developmental growth and big transitions. While sleep regression can occur at any age, there are certain ages when they are more commonly observed. These include:
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 8-10 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3 years
Sleep regression at these ages is often associated with major developmental changes and milestones. For example, between 6 and 12 months, babies start to understand their separateness from their caregivers, leading to separation anxiety that can disrupt their sleep. Other factors that can contribute to sleep regression include teething, growth spurts, travel, illness, or changes in routine.
In the first week of life, it is normal for newborns to have unpredictable sleep patterns, with no set nap frequency or duration. They may sleep for 30 minutes during one nap and then 2 hours during the next, and this variability is considered typical. Newborns can usually stay awake for 30 to 90 minutes before needing to sleep again, and they may wake up frequently during the night to feed.
To promote healthy sleep habits during this time, it is recommended to focus on feeding routines and responding to your baby's hunger cues rather than trying to establish a strict sleeping schedule. Creating positive sleep associations is also important, as certain settling techniques may be challenging to maintain in the long term and can create negative sleep associations. For example, holding your baby until they fall asleep may result in them needing to be held to fall asleep every time.
While sleep regression can be challenging, it is important to remember that it is a normal part of a child's development. Maintaining healthy sleep habits, sticking to routines, and considering sleep training methods can help navigate through these periods.
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Sleep-wake rhythms and routines
Newborns sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and they don't have established sleep-wake rhythms. In the first few weeks, it's common for newborns to have their days and nights confused, thinking they're supposed to be awake at night and sleep during the day.
During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share, which involves placing the baby's crib in their bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. However, it is important to note that bed-sharing is not advised due to the increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks.
While newborns don't initially have set sleep-wake rhythms, you can start to establish a bedtime routine with your newborn to set yourself up for sleep success in the future. This might include activities such as bathing, reading, and singing, which can soothe your baby and signal the end of the day. It's important to note that this routine should prioritise your newborn's feeding needs rather than trying to enforce a strict sleeping schedule.
In the first few weeks, newborns will typically sleep for 8 to 9 hours during the day and about 8 hours at night, waking frequently for feedings. They may only be awake for a total of 6-10 hours in a 24-hour period, with most of that time spent feeding and changing diapers. Newborns can usually stay awake for around 30 to 90 minutes before needing to sleep again.
As your baby grows and their stomach capacity increases, they will be able to go longer between feedings, and their sleep patterns will start to regulate. Around 3 to 4 months, babies often settle into a more consistent 24-hour cycle of eating and sleeping. However, it's important to remember that each baby is unique, and some may take closer to a year to sleep through the night.
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Self-settling and sleep associations
A newborn's ability to settle themselves between sleep cycles is called self-settling. Babies have different temperaments, personalities, and self-settling abilities. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. In the first 3 months, they cry a lot as it is their main way of communicating.
Sleep associations help us go to sleep and go back to sleep when we wake up. Baby sleep associations might include being in the cot, being rocked, being patted, or using a dummy. It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques may be hard to keep doing long-term, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep. These can create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep.
You can help your baby learn to sleep with a predictable routine and a wind-down bedtime routine. Babies need a cue to tell them it is time to go to sleep. This could be a dark room, being swaddled, or wrapped (if they cannot yet roll over). Putting your baby to bed drowsy but awake can help them learn to associate falling asleep with being in bed alone. This can also help with self-soothing. Babies who can self-soothe sleep for longer periods and have longer total sleep times at night.
Responsive settling is a sensitive way to settle your baby when they need help going to sleep. Babies need to learn the skill of going to sleep. If you always nurse, feed, or rock your baby, they will find it harder to learn to sleep on their own. It's a good idea to feed a young baby just after they wake up instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns typically sleep between 12 and 16 hours in a 24-hour period, but this varies from baby to baby. They sleep in short bursts, usually around 20 to 50 minutes long, and may only be awake for a total of 6 to 10 hours in a day.
It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface. The mattress should be covered with a snug-fitting sheet, and there should be no plush toys, pillows, blankets, or other items in the crib or bassinet. Additionally, it is important to room-share without bed-sharing, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
Newborns should be fed every 2 to 4 hours, including overnight. It is important to 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. After that, it is okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Signs that your newborn is ready for sleep include drowsiness, quiet alertness, and yawning. They may also show signs of being tired, such as rubbing their eyes or becoming fussy. It is important to recognize these signs and establish a bedtime routine to help your baby settle for sleep.
It is important to prioritize your newborn's feeding needs and establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing. You can include activities such as bathing, reading, and singing to soothe your baby and signal bedtime. Avoid rocking or breastfeeding your baby to sleep, as they may begin to expect this every time they need to fall asleep.
