Ashwin Lewis
The first month of a newborn's life is a steep learning curve for parents and babies alike. One of the most important things to know is how much sleep your baby needs. While every baby is different, most newborns will sleep for 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. This is because they need to be fed and changed regularly. However, they do not yet know the difference between day and night and have not established sleep-wake rhythms. So, how long should a one-month-old baby sleep for at a stretch?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep time | 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period |
| Number of naps | 5 daytime naps |
| Longest stretch without feeding | Age in weeks plus one hour |
| Feeding frequency | Every 2-3 hours |
| Sleep position | On their back |
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What You'll Learn
A one-month-old baby should sleep 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period
A one-month-old baby should sleep for 14 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period. This includes daytime naps, which can number up to five. However, it's important to remember that every baby is unique and their sleep patterns can vary. Some babies may sleep for longer stretches of up to five hours at a time, while others may wake up more frequently for feedings.
During the first month, it's normal for parents to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Newborns can be very unsettled during this time, with lots of feeding, diaper changes, and sleep. They also go through a stage of increased crying, which can be difficult to soothe. This crying is their main form of communication, so it's important to respond calmly and consistently.
To promote healthy sleep for your one-month-old, there are several things you can do. Firstly, establish a flexible routine that meets your baby's developmental needs. This includes creating positive sleep associations through a bedtime routine with consistent steps like bathing, reading, and singing. You can also try swaddling your baby, which can provide a smooth transition from the womb to their new environment. Just make sure to stop swaddling when they show signs of rolling over.
Additionally, prioritize your newborn's feeding needs over a strict sleeping routine. This means responding to their hunger cues and feeding them on demand, both during the day and at night. As they approach the one-month mark, you can start teaching them the difference between day and night by exposing them to light and gently playing with them during the day, while keeping the environment dim and quiet at night.
Remember, the first few months are a critical time for you and your baby to learn and develop a routine together. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as this helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep their sleep area free from any potential hazards, such as plush toys, pillows, and loose blankets.
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Babies should sleep on their back to prevent SIDS
A one-month-old baby should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This will typically be in the form of lots of little naps, totalling up to eight hours of daytime sleep. At night, the longest unbroken sleep can range from five hours to eight hours.
It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs from the very beginning, for both day and night sleeps, to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Sleeping on their back is the safest sleep position for babies, carrying the lowest risk of SIDS. Research shows that babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to get fevers, stuffy noses, and ear infections. It is easier for babies to look around the room and move their arms and legs when on their backs.
The back-sleep position also helps to prevent choking. When a baby is sleeping on its stomach, fluids from the stomach can exit the oesophagus and pool at the opening for the trachea, making choking much more likely. When a baby is on its back, the windpipe lies on top of the oesophagus, so fluids have to work against gravity to enter the trachea. Healthy babies naturally swallow or cough up fluids—it's a reflex that keeps the airway clear.
Babies who are placed to sleep on their sides are more likely to fall onto their stomachs, which is the position associated with the highest risk of SIDS. The earlier you start placing your baby on their back to sleep, the more quickly they will adjust to the position.
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Swaddling is OK until they start to roll over
The first month of caring for a newborn is a steep learning curve for new parents, and sleep is a big part of that. The good news is that your baby will start sleeping longer stretches at night as their sleep cycle gets closer to yours.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, infants up to 3 months old should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This will usually be in the form of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer "sleeping through the night" stretch after a late-night feeding. However, it's important to remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will depend on their individual cues.
Swaddling is a popular way to help your baby sleep and recreate the cozy feeling of the womb. It involves wrapping your baby in a light blanket to help them feel secure and calm. It's important to only use swaddling blankets that are specifically designed for this purpose and to follow safe swaddling practices.
Swaddling is generally considered safe until your baby starts to show signs of rolling over, which is typically around 3 to 4 months of age. However, some babies may start rolling as early as 2 months, so it's important to monitor your baby's development and adjust accordingly. If your baby is fussier and more active, they may also be at risk of overheating while swaddled, so keep an eye out for sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
To swaddle your baby safely, follow these steps:
- Spread out a swaddle blanket and fold one corner down.
- Place your baby lying face-up on the blanket, with their head above the folded corner.
- Using one hand to hold your baby in place, pick up the left corner of the blanket and bring it across your baby's body.
- Tuck the blanket between their right arm and body, under their lower back and bottom.
- Gently straighten your baby's left arm so it's against their side.
When your baby starts trying to roll over, it's time to stop swaddling and transition to a sleep sack or wearable blanket. These can be used until your baby is about 2 years old or reaches about 30 lbs. Remember, it's important to always place your baby on their back to sleep during their first 12 months, as this is the safest position to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months
A 1-month-old baby's day is mostly spent feeding, sleeping, and having their diapers changed. During the first month, it is expected that naps will vary quite a bit each day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that infants up to 3 months old get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Many will have settled into a daily sleep routine of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer "sleeping through the night" stretch after a late-night feeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months or, ideally, until a baby's first birthday. Room-sharing is when you place your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your own bedroom instead of in a separate room. This arrangement helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby at night. It also helps to keep the baby nearby, reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by as much as 50%.
Bed-sharing is not recommended for babies, especially those younger than 4 months old, born prematurely, or with low birth weight. It is assumed to be dangerous because of the risk of accidents and SIDS. However, room-sharing increases the probability of co-sleeping or bed-sharing, which can lead to unsafe sleep environments. If you choose to room-share, ensure that there are no pillows, sheets, blankets, or any other items that could cover your baby's face, head, or neck, or cause overheating. As soon as you wake up, move the baby to their own bed.
To establish a bedtime routine, you can try bathing, reading, and singing to soothe your baby and signal the end of the day. Swaddling, or wrapping your baby in a light blanket, is also an option until they start to roll over (usually around 3 to 4 months old). Be consistent, and your baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping. You can also try putting your baby in a crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake, so they learn to fall asleep on their own.
It is important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products you use are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards. Keep the baby's sleep area clear of plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other items that could pose a hazard. Dress your baby according to the room temperature to avoid overheating, and keep them away from secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of SIDS.
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A bedtime routine can help signal the end of the day
The first month of caring for a newborn involves a lot of feeding, diaper changes, and sleep. During this time, newborns don't follow a set routine or sleep schedule, and they won't have a set bedtime. Instead, focus on ensuring they get enough sleep and identifying activities that relax and soothe them. This knowledge will help you establish a bedtime routine when the time is right.
Start early: You can begin implementing a bedtime routine as early as you like. Some parents start as early as two weeks, and consistency is key. The earlier you start, the sooner your newborn will associate the routine with sleeping.
Be consistent: Consistency in your bedtime routine will improve your chances of success. For example, if your baby sleeps after a 7 pm feeding and wakes up at 2 am to eat, try waking them for a late-night feeding at 11 pm instead. Then, put them back to sleep until an early morning feeding at 5 or 6 am. It may take a few nights, but consistency will help your baby adjust.
Create a soothing environment: Before bedtime, create a calm and relaxing environment for your baby. You can give them a bath, put on a clean diaper, and apply lotion to moisturize their skin. Newborns also love skin-to-skin contact, so feel free to incorporate that into your routine.
Use swaddling: Swaddling your baby can help them feel cozy and secure. It's important to use a light blanket, and you should stop swaddling when your baby starts to show signs of rolling, typically around three to four months.
Sing a bedtime song: Singing a lullaby or a simple song can signal to your baby that sleep time is approaching. They will start to recognize the song as a cue for bedtime.
Top up with a feed: Before putting your baby down, offer a bottle or a breastfeeding session to ensure they're not hungry soon after they fall asleep. A full tummy can help maximize their sleep time.
Remember, every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns will depend on their individual cues. Be patient and flexible as you establish a bedtime routine, and always prioritize your baby's safety during bedtime.
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Frequently asked questions
A 1-month-old baby should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day.
A 1-month-old baby typically sleeps in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes. If your baby is napping for two hours, it is recommended to wake them to feed them. Prioritising daytime calories helps babies get on track with their days and nights, stay on their growth curve, and work towards longer stretches of night sleep.
It is important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Holding your baby until they fall asleep can create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep. Instead, try putting your baby into a crib or bassinet while drowsy but still awake. This way, your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own. Make sure that all sleep surfaces and products you use have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards.
