Evie Summers
Newborns generally sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day, but this is usually in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes at a time. This is because newborns don't know the difference between day and night and don't have established sleep-wake rhythms. They also have tiny stomachs, so they wake up frequently to be fed. After about three months, newborns may start to learn the difference between night and day and may begin to sleep for longer stretches at night. However, every baby is different, and there is no exact science to baby sleep patterns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 11-19 hours a day |
| Sleep cycles | 20-50 minutes long |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat, and free of toys, pillows, blankets, etc. |
| Sleep environment | Quiet and calm with low lights |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours, depending on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding |
| Self-soothing | Starts after 3 months |
| Sleep regression | Occurs during the first year |
| Circadian rhythm | Develops around 10-12 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns sleep in short bursts, waking frequently to feed
Newborns' sleep cycles are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long and consist of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, they may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. During quiet sleep, they will lie relatively still and their breathing will be more even.
In the first 3 months of life, babies cry a lot – it is their main way of communicating. They may be crying because they need to be fed, changed, or settled so they can get back to sleep. Newborns are usually the most unsettled during their first three months, with the longest periods of crying during this time. A lot of this crying and fussing tend to happen in the late afternoon and evening.
It is important to keep in mind that every baby is different and will have different sleep patterns. Some babies may start to sleep "through the night" (for 5–6 hours at a time) by 2–3 months of age, but some may not. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep, you can always consult a pediatrician or a healthcare provider.
To help your newborn learn to sleep more at night, you can expose them to light and play with them during the day. Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, and let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it is the place for sleep.
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Babies should sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, to prevent SIDS
Newborns generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. They wake up frequently during the night, often because they need to be fed or changed. Newborns also wake up a lot because their tummies are tiny, and they get hungry not long after feeding. This is normal and an important part of a baby's growth.
To ensure your baby's safety, it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The rate of SIDS has decreased since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending this in 1992. Sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of SIDS, and the back-sleeping position is best to reduce this risk. Babies should be placed on their backs for naps and at night.
Babies should sleep on a firm, flat, well-fitting, clean, and waterproof mattress covered with a single sheet. Do not use duvets, quilts, pillows, or other soft bedding. Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the baby's sleep area to prevent suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation. In addition, always place babies with their feet at the end of the crib, cot, or Moses basket. This is known as the "feet to foot" position and helps prevent babies from wriggling down under the covers.
It is also important to keep the baby's head uncovered during sleep. Tuck the blanket securely under the baby's arms so it cannot slip over their head. If using a sling or carrier, ensure that the material does not cover the baby's head. Avoid exposing the baby to secondhand smoke, as this increases the risk of SIDS.
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Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
During the first few weeks, it is common for newborns to sleep in short bursts, ranging from 30 minutes to three hours at a time. They wake frequently during the night, often due to their tiny stomachs, which get hungry soon after feeding. They may also need to be changed. This frequent waking is normal and an important part of their growth.
To help your newborn establish a sense of day and night, you can expose them to light and gently play with them during the day. Creating a calm and relaxing bedtime routine can also help signal that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Keep the lights low and reduce noise during nighttime feedings and diaper changes.
It is important to be patient during this time, as it can take a while for newborns to settle into regular sleep patterns. Every baby is unique, and it may take time for them to adjust to life outside the womb. Remember to take care of yourself, too, and don't be afraid to ask for help or accept assistance.
Around the clock, newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day. Babies 4 to 12 months old should sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, including naps.
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Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating
Newborns generally sleep for 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. However, they do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and are unable to differentiate between day and night. Newborns also have tiny stomachs, so they wake up frequently to be fed. During the first three months, they sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long.
Crying is a newborn's primary means of communication. In the first few weeks of a newborn's life, crying is crucial for communicating their needs. As they develop, they will begin to communicate in other ways, such as smiling, moving, and babbling. Responding to your baby's cries is essential for building your relationship and helping them understand that their communication is valued.
There are various reasons why newborns cry. They may be hungry, tired, uncomfortable, sick, or in pain. Sometimes, they simply need a change of scenery, comfort, or reassurance that you are there for them. It is important to respond to your baby's cries calmly and consistently, as this helps them feel safe and cared for. Quick responses to their cries also convey that they are safe and attended to.
It is normal for newborns to cry and fuss for almost three hours a day, with crying peaking at about six to eight weeks. Some newborns may cry for longer periods, and it is important to comfort them even if you cannot identify the reason for their distress. If you are struggling to soothe your baby, try different techniques such as rocking, soft music, or walking them back and forth.
As your newborn grows, you will become more familiar with their unique "language," and it will become easier to understand their needs. Each baby has a distinct temperament, and bonding with your newborn is crucial for their development. Remember to take care of yourself as well, as a well-rested and calm caregiver can better attend to the needs of their baby.
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A sleep routine that prioritises feeding needs is important
Newborns generally sleep for 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, but this can be up to 18 or even 19 hours. They sleep in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes, known as sleep cycles, and wake up frequently during the night to be fed or changed. This is because their tiny stomachs can't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long.
Newborns do not know the difference between day and night and do not have established sleep-wake rhythms. It takes a few weeks for their brains to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm, or what is known as a "circadian rhythm". During this time, it's important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night 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.
If your baby is formula-fed, encourage your partner to share the feeds. If you're breastfeeding, your partner can take over the early morning changing and dressing so you can get more sleep. Once breastfeeding is established, your partner could occasionally give a bottle of expressed breast milk during the night.
It's also important to keep your baby safe. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, and dress them appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating. Keep soft objects like toys, pillows, and blankets away from your baby's sleep area.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep for 11 to 19 hours a day, in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes. They wake up frequently during the night as they need to be fed or changed.
Newborns start to develop a sense of the difference between night and day around three months old. From this age, they may start to sleep for longer stretches at night.
You can help your newborn develop a sense of day and night by exposing them to light and playing with them during the day, and providing a dim and quiet environment at night.
