Newborn Sleep: Daytime Naps And Nighttime Rest

Newborns generally sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day, and their sleep patterns can vary widely. They don't have a sense of day and night yet, so they sleep in short bursts, waking up every 1 to 3 hours due to hunger or the need to be changed. As newborns grow, their sleep patterns start to change, and they begin to sleep for longer stretches at night. By the time they are 3 months old, they may start to learn the difference between day and night.

Newborns sleep 11-19 hours a day

Newborns typically sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day. This sleep is usually spread out in small chunks throughout the day and night, especially during the first few months. Newborns do not have a sense of day and night, and their sleep patterns are mostly dictated by their need to be fed. They will wake up every 1 to 3 hours as their tiny stomachs cannot hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long.

Newborns will usually settle into a routine within a few weeks or months. During this time, it is important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and avoiding playing or talking to your baby will help send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.

It is not advisable to keep your baby awake during the day in the hopes that they will sleep better at night. Overly tired infants often have more trouble sleeping than those who have had enough sleep during the day. Instead, exposing them to light and playing with them gently during the day, followed by a dim and quiet environment at night, will help them develop an internal 24-hour rhythm.

Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. These sleep cycles consist of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns 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.

It is normal for newborns to wake between sleep cycles, and as they get older, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep. This ability to settle themselves between sleep cycles is called self-settling, and different babies will have different self-settling abilities.

They sleep in short bursts

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. As a result, they sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which typically last around 20 to 50 minutes. These sleep cycles consist of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or exhibit noisy or irregular breathing patterns. On the other hand, during quiet sleep, they remain relatively still, and their breathing becomes more even.

Newborns sleep in short stretches due to their tiny stomachs, which get hungry soon after feeding. They wake up frequently, typically every 1 to 3 hours, to be fed and changed. This is a normal and essential part of their growth and development. Additionally, newborns require regular feeding, which further contributes to their short sleep periods.

During the first few weeks of life, a newborn's sleep is primarily influenced by their feeding needs. However, around 4 to 8 weeks of age, their sleep starts to be more influenced by light and dark rather than hunger. After 8 weeks, they may also begin to sleep for longer stretches.

It is important to note that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns can vary significantly. Some newborns may sleep for up to 19 hours a day, while others may only sleep for 11 hours.

They don't know the difference between day and night

Newborns don't know the difference between day and night, and this can lead to what's known as 'day and night confusion' or 'day and night reversal'.

In the womb, babies are rocked to sleep by their mother's movements during the day, and at night, when the mother is still, the baby is more active. This pattern often continues after birth, with newborns sleeping a lot during the day and staying awake at night.

To help your baby develop an internal 24-hour rhythm, or a 'circadian rhythm', there are a few things you can do:

• Expose your baby to sunlight when they're awake. Studies have found that exposing babies to natural light during the day helps promote normal circadian rhythm development. Just be sure to keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight, as their skin is sensitive and can burn easily.
• Encourage a longer stretch of sleep at night. Newborns will sleep for 14-17 hours or more in a 24-hour period, and they usually have the ability to sleep for one longer stretch during this time. To encourage this longer stretch at night, limit sleep during the day to two hours at a time.
• Pay attention to your baby's sleep cues. Every hour or so, check in with your baby to see if they're showing signs of tiredness, such as a change in disposition, a glossy gaze, rubbing their eyes, or yawning.
• Practice safe sleep habits. Always follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for safe infant sleep, which include placing the baby on their back on a firm mattress with only a fitted sheet and no stuffed animals, blankets, or crib bumpers. This helps to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Keep a consistent bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine with simple activities like a warm bath, a feeding, a book, or a song can help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep.
• Encourage daytime pooping. If your baby often poops after feeding, encourage them to poop more during the day so that their sleep isn't disturbed at night. You can do this by feeding your baby frequently during the day and doing exercises like belly massages and knee-to-tummy movements.
• Make nighttime boring. When your baby wakes up at night, keep the interactions boring and soothing. Keep the room dark, use a soft voice, and avoid extended eye contact or smiling. This will help your baby understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing or interacting.
• Be patient and consistent. It takes time for your baby's circadian rhythm to develop, so be patient and consistent with these strategies. Remember that every baby is different, and it's always best to consult your paediatrician if you have concerns about your baby's sleep.

They need to be fed every 2-4 hours

Newborns have tiny stomachs and wake up frequently to be fed—approximately every 2-4 hours. This is about 8-12 times per day for the first month. Breastfed babies tend to feed more often, about every 2-3 hours, whereas bottle-fed babies feed less often, about every 3-4 hours.

Newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. They should be fed on demand, whenever they seem hungry. Their tummies are very small and they get hungry soon after feeding. These short bursts of sleep and wakefulness are normal and an important part of their growth.

After the first few days of life, most healthy formula-fed newborns will feed about every 2-3 hours. As they grow and their tummies can hold more milk, they will usually eat about every 3-4 hours. As they get older, they will settle into a more predictable feeding routine and go longer stretches at night without needing a bottle.

Breastfeeding should be "on demand" in the first few weeks of life, which is about every 1.5-3 hours. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule. Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2-3 hours between feedings.

They sleep better when they're held or carried during the day

Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and will sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to feed. They need a lot of sleep—14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18 to 19 hours a day.

Newborns who are held or carried during the day tend to have less colic and fussiness. This is because they feel their caregiver's body warmth and heartbeat, smell their scent, and feel safe and comforted, reminding them of the womb.

However, holding your baby all the time may not be practical, and you may need to put them down to sleep. If your baby only sleeps when held, you can try the following:

• Using a baby carrier or sling, which allows you to carry your baby while getting things done around the house.
• Swaddling your baby to mimic the feeling of being held, and then putting them down to sleep.
• Creating a sleep-inducing environment with a comfortable temperature, no bright lights, and white noise or pink noise to block out external noises.
• Establishing a consistent sleep routine to help your baby learn when it's time to sleep. This can include activities such as bathing, reading, and singing to soothe your baby and signal the end of the day.
• Offering a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, which can be calming and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

It's important to remember that every baby is different, and you should talk to your paediatrician or doctor if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep.

Frequently asked questions