Colin Snow
Newborns have their own sleep patterns and may sleep for long periods or in short bursts. They generally sleep about 8 to 9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night, but usually no more than 1 to 2 hours at a time. Newborns wake up every couple of hours to eat, and it is recommended to wake your newborn to feed every 3 to 4 hours until they show good weight gain. After that, it is okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night. Over time, your newborn will develop an internal 24-hour rhythm to distinguish between night and day. Establishing a bedtime routine with soothing activities like bathing, reading, and singing can help your baby associate these steps with sleeping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep should newborns get? | Newborns sleep about 8-9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night, but they may not sleep more than 1-2 hours at a time. |
| How often should newborns be fed? | Breastfed babies should be fed every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go 3-4 hours between feedings. |
| When can newborns sleep through the night? | Most babies don't start sleeping through the night (6-8 hours) without waking until they are about 3 months old, or until they weigh 12-13 pounds. |
| How to establish a bedtime routine? | Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. Be consistent so that your baby associates these steps with sleeping. |
| Safe sleep environment recommendations | Always place your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm, flat sleep surface with a snugly fitting sheet, and keep soft objects and loose items out of the crib or bassinet. |
| Reducing the risk of SIDS | Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months, as bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Immunization, breastfeeding, and placing the baby on their back for sleep can also reduce the risk of SIDS. |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns wake up frequently to feed
Newborns have tiny tummies, so they wake up frequently to feed. They can't tell the difference between day and night, and it takes a few weeks for their brains to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm. During this time, it's important to keep things quiet and calm during night-time feedings and diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and avoid playing with or talking to your baby. This will help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping.
Breastfed babies need to feed every 2-3 hours, while bottle-fed babies can go a bit longer, typically 3-4 hours. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than 4-5 hours at a time during the first two weeks.
After the first few weeks, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night. However, some experts suggest waking your baby to feed during the first 5-6 weeks if they sleep longer than 5 hours at a time. It's important to note that every baby is different, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to infant sleep. Some babies start to sleep through the night (5-6 hours) by 2-3 months, while others may take longer.
To establish a sleep routine, try to be consistent. If your baby sleeps after a 7 pm feeding and wakes up at 2 am to eat, try waking them for a feeding at 11 pm. Then, put them down to sleep until an early morning feeding at 5 or 6 am. It may take a few nights to establish this routine, but consistency will improve your chances of success. Remember to always place your baby on their back to sleep and take other precautions to create a safe sleep environment.
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Sleep patterns vary across newborns
Newborns typically sleep about 8 to 9 hours in the daytime and about 8 hours at night, but they may not sleep more than 1 to 2 hours at a time. They spend about half of their sleep in REM sleep, which is a light sleep when dreams occur and the eyes move rapidly. Non-REM sleep has four stages: drowsiness, light sleep, deep sleep, and very deep sleep.
At about six to eight weeks, newborns start settling into a routine and may show signs of drowsiness to signal when it's time for a nap. They may fall asleep around 6 or 8 pm, with their longest period of evening sleep being about three to five hours long. Some newborns start sleeping through the night (for 5 to 6 hours at a time) by 2 to 3 months of age, but others may not.
It's important to establish a bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for the baby. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. Swaddling, or wrapping newborns snugly in a blanket, can also help them feel safe and fall asleep. However, it's important to stop swaddling once the baby can roll over, as this may increase the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, it's recommended to place newborns on their back to sleep, as this has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is also recommended for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Establishing a bedtime routine
As your baby gets older, you can start adding more steps to the routine, such as swaddling, turning on white noise, rocking, and placing your baby down in their crib drowsy but awake. You can also incorporate nightly baths, which can help your baby relax and make them sleepy.
- Undress your baby and apply lotion with lavender for calming comfort.
- Do a baby massage.
- Put on a clean diaper.
- Place the baby in a bouncer and read books to them.
- Swaddle your baby safely and snugly.
- Feed and burp your baby.
- Rock or sway the baby gently and sing a lullaby.
- Lay your baby down on their back in their crib, bassinet, or bedside bassinet.
Remember that each child is different and will wind down in their own way and time. Be flexible and cherish the time spent with your baby every night.
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Safe sleeping environments
Room-sharing without bed-sharing: It is recommended to practice room-sharing without bed-sharing. This means placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom instead of in a separate room. This allows you to keep a close eye on your baby and facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not, as it increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related hazards such as suffocation and strangulation.
Sleep surface and positioning: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet. Use a snug-fitting sheet to cover the mattress, and avoid adding any pillows, blankets, bumper pads, toys, or loose items to the crib. These items can pose a risk of suffocation or entanglement. Additionally, ensure that the crib is positioned away from windows, and remove any hanging mobiles or decorations that could be within the baby's reach.
Temperature regulation: Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, avoiding overbundling. Do not cover your baby's head while they sleep, and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
Safe sleep practices: Avoid using products or devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors. Instead, focus on creating a safe and stimulating-free environment for your baby to sleep in. Keep the room dark and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Consistency and routine are essential in helping your baby establish a healthy sleep pattern.
Feeding and weight gain: In the early weeks, it is important to wake your newborn every 3-4 hours to feed and ensure adequate weight gain. After your baby has gained sufficient weight, usually within the first couple of weeks, it is safe to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Remember, every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. Consult your pediatrician for personalized advice and to address any concerns or questions you may have about safe sleep practices for your newborn.
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Self-soothing and sleep regression
Sleep regression is a period when a baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts to experience sleep issues, such as frequent wake-ups, crying during the night, or difficulty falling asleep. This usually lasts for about two to six weeks, but the duration can vary depending on the cause and the baby. Sleep regression is typically triggered by factors such as disruptions in routines, illness, or milestones in the baby's development.
Self-soothing is a critical aspect of helping your baby navigate through sleep regression and improving their overall sleep quality. It refers to the baby's ability to calm themselves and fall asleep without external assistance. By learning to self-soothe, babies can develop more consistent sleep patterns, reducing the frequency of night wakings and improving sleep quality for both themselves and their caregivers.
Babies typically start to develop self-soothing skills around four months of age, and this ability strengthens by six months. You can encourage self-soothing by putting your baby to sleep while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep independently. Creating a consistent bedtime routine, such as feeding, bath time, reading a book, or lullabies, can also promote self-soothing and relaxation. These routines help your baby associate specific cues with bedtime, making it easier for them to transition to sleep.
During sleep regression, it's important to be patient and stick to your established routines as much as possible. Remember that this phase is usually temporary and will pass with time and consistency. Additionally, make sure your baby is getting enough to eat, as hunger can be a contributing factor to their sleep disturbances.
If your baby is struggling with pain or discomfort, it's perfectly fine to provide comfort and soothe them. Addressing any underlying causes of distress, such as teething or illness, can help resolve sleep regression more quickly. Remember that every baby is unique, and sleep regression can vary in duration and intensity, so trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek support if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns wake up every few hours to feed, so you should wake your baby to feed every 3-4 hours 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.
It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm to tell when they should be awake and when they should sleep. You can help your baby develop this rhythm by keeping things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feeds and nappy changes, and keeping the lights low. You should also try to let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it's the place for sleep.
It's important to create a bedtime routine that will be familiar and relaxing for your baby. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. You can also try swaddling your baby (wrapping them in a light blanket) until they start to roll over, which is usually when they're 3-4 months old. Be consistent, and your baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping.
