Gina Johnson
Newborns have irregular sleep patterns and sleep for short stretches of time, usually just a few hours, and wake frequently to eat. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much sleep a newborn should get, it is recommended that newborns sleep for around 8-9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. However, some newborns may sleep for only 11 hours a day, while others may sleep for up to 19 hours. After the first four to six weeks, newborns begin to develop a more consistent sleep-wake cycle, sleeping and waking for around four hours at a time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep time | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18-19 hours a day |
| Daytime sleep | 8-9 hours |
| Nighttime sleep | 8 hours |
| Feeding | Waking up every 2-4 hours for feeding |
| Sleep surface | Approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meets federal safety standards |
| Room-sharing | Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the first 6 months |
| Bed-sharing | Not recommended due to increased risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths |
| Sleep position | On their back, not on the stomach or side |
| Swaddling | Wrapping newborn in a light blanket to soothe and help fall asleep; discontinue if the baby starts trying to roll over |
| Pacifier use | Offered at sleep times; associated with a lower rate of SIDS |
| Sleep disturbances | Growth spurts, overstimulation, developmental changes, hunger, or medical conditions |
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What You'll Learn
- Newborns sleep a lot during the day and night, waking every few hours to feed
- There is no set sleep schedule for newborns at first, and they may confuse night and day
- Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over 24 hours, says the National Sleep Foundation
- Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day
- Parents can help newborns sleep by recognising sleep readiness and providing a safe environment
Newborns sleep a lot during the day and night, waking every few hours to feed
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours a day. Newborns typically sleep for 8 to 9 hours during the day and about 8 hours at night, but this can vary, with some newborns sleeping as little as 11 hours or as much as 19 hours per day. They usually sleep for only about 1 to 2 hours at a time, though this can vary, and they wake up to eat about every 2 to 4 hours. Breastfed babies feed more frequently, about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, typically 3 to 4 hours between feedings.
During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share, which involves placing the baby's crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and can facilitate feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. However, it's important to avoid bed-sharing, as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Instead, always place your baby on their back to sleep in a crib or bassinet to ensure a safe sleep environment.
As newborns grow into infants, they gradually develop a sleep schedule and start sleeping longer at night. By the time they reach 8 to 12 months of age, they should be sleeping between 12 to 16 hours a day, including naps. Most babies start sleeping through the night by 6 months, with some starting as early as 4 months. However, it's important to be patient and understand that every baby is different, and there is no exact science when it comes to baby sleep patterns.
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There is no set sleep schedule for newborns at first, and they may confuse night and day
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They sleep around the clock, waking only to feed. Their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them full for long, so they need to be fed every few hours. This means they wake up a lot, and their sleep patterns can be unpredictable.
It's important to note that newborns should be fed regularly, even if it means waking them up. Breastfed babies should be fed every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, typically 3 to 4 hours. This should be continued until the baby shows good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
During the first few weeks or months, you and your baby will gradually settle into a routine. It takes time for a baby's brain to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm or "circadian rhythm" that tells them when they should be awake and when they should sleep. To help your baby develop this rhythm, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keep the lights low, and avoid playing or talking with your baby. This will reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping.
Additionally, it's recommended to place your baby in their crib or bassinet when it's time for them to sleep, rather than holding them or keeping them in your bed. This helps them learn that their crib or bassinet is the place for sleep. It's also important to put your baby to sleep on their back, as this sleeping position is safer and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Newborns should get 14-17 hours of sleep over 24 hours, says the National Sleep Foundation
Newborns typically sleep for 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, individual sleep needs vary, with some newborns sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours per day. During the first few weeks, newborns follow their own sleep schedules and gradually develop a sense of day and night. They may confuse day and night, thinking they should be awake at night and sleep during the day.
Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they wake up frequently to feed, approximately every 2 to 4 hours. Breastfed babies typically feed more often, about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies may go a little longer between feedings, around 3 to 4 hours. It is important to ensure that newborns gain adequate weight, and they should be awakened to feed every 3 to 4 hours if necessary during the first couple of weeks.
To promote healthy sleep habits and a sense of day and night, parents can maintain a calm and quiet environment for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and refraining from playing or talking excessively with the baby can help reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping. Establishing a bedtime routine is beneficial, and it is recommended that babies fall asleep in their cribs or bassinets to associate them with sleep.
Additionally, swaddling, or wrapping the baby snugly in a light blanket, can be soothing and help the baby feel secure. However, once the baby starts trying to roll over, swaddling should be discontinued. Room-sharing, where the baby's crib or bassinet is placed in the parents' bedroom, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring. Nevertheless, bed-sharing is not advised due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.
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Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day
It is common for newborns to sleep a lot during the day and night, waking only for feedings every few hours. However, there is no set schedule, and many newborns confuse their days and nights, thinking they are supposed to be awake at night and sleep during the day. Generally, newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night. However, some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. This is because newborns have tiny stomachs and need to wake up to eat every few hours. They do not yet have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock.
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. It is important to ensure that newborns are getting adequate nutrition, even if they are sleeping for longer stretches. If your newborn is sleeping for longer stretches and you are concerned about their weight gain, consult your paediatrician or a nursing expert. They may recommend waking your baby every 3-4 hours to feed until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
It is normal for newborns to have irregular sleep schedules, and their sleep patterns will vary widely. Newborns may sleep more or less than usual when they are sick or when their regular routine is disrupted. They may also experience growth spurts or developmental leaps that affect their sleep. Additionally, newborns may have minor illnesses such as colds or, in rare cases, serious infections that can impact their sleep. If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep habits, try keeping a sleep log to track their sleep patterns. This can help you determine if there are any underlying issues or if their sleep is within the normal range.
As newborns grow into infants, they will start to develop a more consistent sleep schedule and sleep longer at night. Most babies start sleeping through the night by 6 months, sleeping for 5 to 8 hours at a stretch without feeding. However, this can vary, and some babies may not sleep through the night until closer to 1 year. It is important to be patient and understand that every baby is different. Consult your baby's paediatrician if you have any concerns about their sleep habits or overall health.
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Parents can help newborns sleep by recognising sleep readiness and providing a safe environment
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day. However, they wake up every couple of hours to eat, regardless of the time of day or night.
To help newborns sleep, parents can establish a bedtime routine, such as keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and letting the baby fall asleep in their crib at night to associate it with sleep. It is important not to keep newborns awake during the day in the hope that they will sleep better at night, as overly tired infants tend to have more trouble sleeping. Instead, parents can encourage daytime sleep by holding or carrying their newborns, which has been shown to reduce colic and fussiness.
Providing a safe sleep environment for newborns is crucial. 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. Newborns should always be placed on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat, and level surface that meets safety standards, such as a crib with a fitted sheet. Soft surfaces, quilts, blankets, and items in the crib should be avoided, as they increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. In a 24-hour period, newborns sleep for a total of 12 to 17 hours.
Newborns wake up a lot because their tummies are tiny, and they get hungry not long after feeding. They may sleep for about 30 minutes to three hours at a time and stay awake for two hours before going back to sleep.
In the first few weeks, it is recommended to wake your baby every 3-4 hours to feed until they show good weight gain. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
