Evie Summers
Newborns typically sleep much of the day and night, waking only for feedings every few hours. There is no set schedule at first, and newborns may confuse their days and nights. Generally, newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night. Newborn sleep patterns are mostly affected by the need to be fed and the need to be changed regularly. They will usually wake up every 1 to 3 hours. At around 4 to 8 weeks, a newborn's sleep will start to respond more to light and dark, and they might begin to sleep for longer. Newborns also have differences in how alert they are during the time they are awake. When a newborn awakens at the end of the sleep cycle, there is typically a quiet alert phase, followed by an active alert phase and then a crying phase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average sleep | 8-9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night |
| Sleep patterns | Sleep on and off through the day and night |
| Sleep cycles | Start their sleep cycle and spend most of their sleeping time in 'active' sleep |
| Sleep duration | 10-18 hours |
| Sleep intervals | Wakes up every 1-3 hours |
| Sleep environment | Safety-certified bassinet, crib, or play yard in their parents' room |
| Sleep position | Placed on their back |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns sleep about 8-9 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night
- Newborns sleep in short stretches, waking up every 1-3 hours due to hunger
- Safe sleeping practices include removing soft objects from the crib and using a sleeper instead of a blanket
- Newborns can be light sleepers, easily woken up from REM sleep
- Newborns may sleep better with soothing methods, but these should be weaned off to encourage independent sleep
Newborns sleep about 8-9 hours in the daytime and 8 hours at night
Newborns typically sleep for around 8-9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. However, this sleep is rarely in one long stretch, and newborns usually wake up every few hours for feeding. In fact, newborns often confuse day and night, staying awake at night and sleeping during the day.
Newborns are not accustomed to the schedules and rhythms of a typical day and night. They may sleep in small chunks and on an irregular schedule. Their sleep patterns can be challenging for new parents to navigate, as there is no set schedule at first. It can be difficult to know how long and how often a newborn should sleep.
There are ways to help your baby sleep. You can establish a bedtime routine, but it's important not to let your baby fall asleep while eating or in your arms, as this may become a pattern that they expect. You can also teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime by opening the curtains and playing games during the day, and not worrying about everyday noises when they sleep. At night, you can comfort and reassure your baby by patting and soothing them, and repeating this consistently.
Additionally, it's important to provide a safe sleep environment for your newborn. The crib should not contain any soft objects such as pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, or soft crib bumpers. If using a blanket, tuck it in around the crib mattress only as far as the baby's chest, and make sure their head remains uncovered. You can also consider using a sleeper as an alternative to blankets.
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Newborns sleep in short stretches, waking up every 1-3 hours due to hunger
Newborns typically sleep in short stretches, waking up every few hours due to hunger. This is because they have small stomachs and tiny tummies, so they need to be fed frequently. Breastfed newborns may feed every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, typically 3-4 hours between feedings. It's important to wake your newborn to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain, usually within the first couple of weeks.
During the first two months of life, newborns will sleep in short bursts of about 30 minutes to three hours at a time. They will then be awake for about two hours before falling asleep again. This is a normal and important part of their growth. Newborns may also experience a "'quiet alert phase' after waking up, where they are still and take in their surroundings. This is followed by an "active alert phase" where they are attentive to sights and sounds, and finally, a "crying phase" where they may become upset and require soothing.
To help your newborn sleep, you can establish a bedtime routine and teach them to fall asleep independently. Recognizing signs of sleep readiness and providing a comfortable and safe sleep environment are crucial. It's also important to keep the room calm and quiet during nighttime feedings so that your baby associates night-time with sleep, not activities.
Additionally, you can help your baby develop an internal clock or circadian rhythm by exposing them to bright or sunny spaces during the day and reducing bright lights at night. This will help them regulate their sleep-wake cycles. However, it's important to note that newborns cannot initially tell the difference between day and night, and it takes time for them to develop this 24-hour rhythm.
In terms of clothing, newborn sizes typically fit babies in the 5-8 pound range, while 0-3 month sizes cater to 8-12 pound infants. Each baby is unique, so don't be concerned if your newborn quickly outgrows the newborn size. It's recommended to have two outfits and a sleeper per day for the first three months, as newborns can be messy with diaper leaks and spit-ups.
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Safe sleeping practices include removing soft objects from the crib and using a sleeper instead of a blanket
Safe sleeping practices are essential to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths, such as accidental suffocation. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines for creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn, focusing on removing soft objects from the crib and using a sleeper instead of a blanket:
Remove Soft Objects from the Crib:
It is crucial to keep the crib clear of any soft objects that could pose a suffocation or strangulation hazard. This includes pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and soft, pillow-like crib bumpers. These items can accidentally cover your baby's face, restricting their breathing and increasing the risk of SIDS. Instead, opt for a firm, flat, and level sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib with a fitted sheet covering the mattress.
Use a Sleeper Instead of a Blanket:
Instead of using blankets, consider using a sleeper, also known as a sleep sack or wearable blanket. A sleeper is a garment that covers your baby's body and keeps them warm without the risk of covering their head. It is essential to ensure that your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep to reduce the risk of suffocation. If you do use a blanket, tuck it snugly around the crib mattress, only as far as your baby's chest.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment:
In addition to using a sleeper and removing soft objects from the crib, there are other safe sleeping practices to consider. Firstly, always place your baby on their back to sleep from birth. This recommendation has significantly contributed to reducing SIDS deaths. Additionally, ensure that the crib is free of any hazards, such as loose items or bedding that could entangle or cover your baby's face. Keep the crib next to your bed to facilitate easy monitoring and breastfeeding without sharing the same sleeping surface.
Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns:
Newborns typically sleep about 8 to 9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night, waking up every few hours for feedings. They may confuse their days and nights, staying awake at night and sleeping during the day. Establishing a bedtime routine is beneficial, but avoid letting your baby fall asleep while eating or in your arms, as they may come to expect this. Recognize signs of sleep readiness and teach your baby to fall asleep independently in a safe and comfortable environment.
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Newborns can be light sleepers, easily woken up from REM sleep
Newborns are light sleepers and can be easily woken up from REM sleep. This is because newborns spend about 50% of their daily sleep time in REM sleep, which is a light sleep stage characterised by rapid eye movement, body movements, and dreams. During REM sleep, neural connections are highly active, supporting cognitive development and memory consolidation.
Understanding a newborn's sleep cycles is essential for parents to create a conducive environment for healthy sleep habits. Newborns typically experience two sleep stages: REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. While NREM is a deep sleep stage, REM sleep is a light sleep stage where newborns can be easily awakened by noises or movements. This is why it is important to ensure a calm and quiet environment for your newborn during sleep.
To optimise your newborn's sleep, there are several recommendations to consider. Firstly, establish a bedtime routine to help your baby recognise sleep cues and settle into a sleep pattern. Secondly, create a safe sleep space by following guidelines from trusted sources like the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which advise against the use of pillows, quilts, and soft toys in the crib. Instead, opt for a sleeper or a thin blanket tucked around the crib mattress, ensuring your baby's head remains uncovered.
Additionally, it is recommended to offer a pacifier at sleep times, as studies have shown a lower rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among babies who use them. However, breastfeeding mothers should introduce a pacifier only after the baby is used to breastfeeding or around one month old. Furthermore, while room-sharing is advised, bed-sharing is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Understanding your newborn's sleep patterns and preferences can help you tailor your approach to their unique needs. Some newborns may be more sensitive to their surroundings, struggling to sleep in noisy or stimulating environments. Others may be easily soothed by specific methods, such as swaddling or holding them close. As your baby grows, their sleep cycles will gradually align with adult sleep patterns, with a reduction in REM sleep and longer periods of deep sleep.
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Newborns may sleep better with soothing methods, but these should be weaned off to encourage independent sleep
Newborns typically sleep about 8 to 9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night, waking up every few hours to feed. They may also experience a mix-up in their sleep cycles, staying awake at night and sleeping during the day. While newborns may sleep better with soothing methods, it is important to wean them off this dependence to encourage independent sleep.
Soothing methods can include holding the baby close, swaddling, or offering a pacifier. While these techniques can be effective in calming a crying baby, it is important to gradually reduce their reliance on them. For example, parents can try putting their baby down when they are drowsy but still awake, allowing them to fall asleep on their own. This helps them get into the habit of self-soothing and falling asleep independently.
Another aspect of encouraging independent sleep is creating a consistent bedtime routine. This may include establishing a specific bedtime and sticking to it every night. It is also important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the baby to sleep, such as removing pillows, quilts, and other soft items from the crib.
Additionally, the food given to newborns can impact their sleep quality. Warm milk before bed can have a soothing effect, and certain nutritious foods can promote better sleep. For example, foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey and dark leafy greens, can help the body produce the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
Sleep training is another method to encourage independent sleep. This involves allowing the baby to cry for gradually increasing amounts of time before the parent re-enters the room. This helps the baby learn to self-soothe and eventually fall back asleep on their own. While this method may be uncomfortable for some parents, studies have shown no long-term negative effects on the child's emotions or behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep on and off through the day and night, waking every few hours to feed. They sleep around 8-9 hours during the day and about 8 hours at night.
You can help your newborn sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and exposing them to light and play during the day. You should also be mindful of the sleeping environment, ensuring they are sleeping on their back on a firm, flat surface, and that cribs are free from soft toys, pillows, and loose blankets.
After a quiet alert phase of taking in their surroundings, newborns will enter an active alert phase, where they will be attentive to sights and sounds and move actively. This will be followed by a crying phase, where the baby will move erratically and may cry loudly. This is a good time to feed your baby and implement soothing techniques, such as swaddling.
