Evie Summers
It is common for parents to worry about their newborn's sleeping patterns. Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation, with some sleeping up to 18–19 hours a day. However, this sleep is usually spread out into smaller chunks throughout the day and night, especially during the first few months. Newborns follow their own schedule, and it may take a few weeks for them to settle into a routine and learn the difference between night and day. While it is uncommon for a newborn to sleep for longer than 19 hours per day, there may be a cause for concern if they are sleeping too much and showing other symptoms, such as respiratory problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total sleep time | 11-17 hours-19 hours a day |
| Daytime sleep time | 8-9 hours |
| Nighttime sleep time | 8 hours |
| Sleep duration | 30 minutes to 3 hours at a time |
| Feeding | Every 2-4 hours |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat, and free of toys, pillows, blankets, and other items |
| Sleep position | On the back |
| Room-sharing | Recommended for at least the first 6 months |
| Bed-sharing | Not recommended due to increased risk of SIDS |
| Swaddling | Wrapping newborn snugly in a blanket; discontinue after 2 months or if the baby can roll over |
| Stimulation | Avoid overstimulation before bedtime; keep lights low and minimize noise |
| Routine | Establish a bedtime routine; singing lullabies or using a wind-up musical mobile |
| Consult a doctor | If concerned about sleep duration or patterns, consult a pediatrician |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns should sleep 14-17 hours a day
Newborns need a lot of sleep as they grow and develop. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day. It's important to remember that each baby has a different sleep pattern, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal.
During the first few weeks, it is normal for newborns to sleep in short bursts of about 1–2 hours at a time, waking up frequently to feed. They may sleep longer at night as they grow into infants, but they will still wake up several times for feedings. Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat often, about every 2–4 hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed.
To establish a healthy sleep routine for your newborn, there are several strategies you can try. Firstly, create a soothing bedtime routine, which may include singing lullabies or using a wind-up musical mobile. You can also try swaddling, which involves wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket to make them feel safe and secure. However, it's important to note that swaddling is not recommended for babies over 2 months old or those who can roll over independently, as it may increase the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, it is recommended to room-share without bed-sharing. This means placing your baby's crib or bassinet in your bedroom instead of a separate room. This allows for easier feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. It's also crucial to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards and are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Finally, remember that it may take a few weeks for your newborn's brain to differentiate between night and day. To help them understand this distinction, keep things calm and quiet during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, and avoid playing or talking to them. This will reinforce the idea that nighttime is for sleeping.
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Sudden changes in sleep patterns
It is common for newborns to experience sudden changes in their sleep patterns. In the first couple of weeks, it is normal for a newborn to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep. Newborns follow their own schedule, and over the next few weeks to months, you and your baby will settle into a routine. It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to learn the difference between night and day.
It is important to note that 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. Most newborns do not sleep in one stretch but rather in short bursts of 1–2 hours at a time. As they grow into infants, they begin to develop a schedule and sleep longer at night, although they may still wake up several times to feed.
If you notice sudden changes in your baby's sleep patterns, such as consistently sleeping through feedings or sleeping longer than usual, it is generally not a cause for concern unless there are other symptoms. However, if you are concerned, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. A baby may be sleeping longer than usual due to a growth spurt, developmental leap, or minor illness such as a cold or fever. In rare cases, excessive sleepiness can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
To promote healthy sleep patterns, it is recommended to establish a soothing bedtime routine and a safe sleep environment. Keep the lights low and avoid playing with or talking to your baby during middle-of-the-night feedings to reinforce that nighttime is for sleeping. Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet safety standards, such as using a firm, flat sleep surface and avoiding loose items in the crib or bassinet. Additionally, room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
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Safe sleep environments
It is common for parents to worry about their newborn's sleep patterns. However, it is important to remember that every baby is different and has a unique sleep pattern. Newborns generally sleep for 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours a day. They usually sleep in short bursts of 1 to 2 hours at a time, waking up frequently to feed. This is because they have tiny tummies and need to be fed often.
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, follow these recommendations:
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing: Keep your baby nearby by placing their crib or bassinet in your bedroom instead of a separate room. This facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
- Sleep surface and products: Ensure that all sleep surfaces and products, such as cribs, bassinets, or mattresses, meet federal safety standards and are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Use a firm, flat sleep surface and cover it with a snug-fitting sheet. Do not place any soft objects, pillows, blankets, quilts, or bumper pads in the baby's sleep area to avoid potential hazards.
- Sleep position: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This recommendation has significantly reduced the rate of SIDS since it was introduced in 1992.
- Temperature regulation: Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating. Do not overbundle or cover your baby's head while they are sleeping. Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
- Smoking avoidance: Keep your baby away from smokers and secondhand smoke exposure. Secondhand smoke is a known risk factor for SIDS.
- Pacifier use: Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but do not force it if they are not receptive.
- Swaddling: Swaddling, or wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket, can help them feel safe and secure while sleeping. However, do not swaddle if your baby is 2 months or older or can roll over independently. Ensure that your baby's hips and legs have sufficient room to move freely.
- Bedtime routine: Establish a soothing bedtime routine to help your baby settle and create a positive sleep association. This can include singing lullabies, playing soft music, or incorporating a wind-up musical mobile.
- Daytime stimulation: During the day, expose your baby to open curtains, natural light, and everyday noises. This will help them gradually learn the difference between daytime and nighttime.
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Bed-sharing and room-sharing
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. This is because room-sharing is considered safe, while bed-sharing is not, as it increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
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 keeps your baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. It is also recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months, as this can reduce the risk of SIDS.
To create a safe sleep environment, always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Use a firm, flat sleep surface and cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet, including plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads. Dress your baby for the room temperature and don't overbundle. Keep your baby away from smokers, as second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleeping schedule, consult a pediatrician. A baby sleeping for longer than usual is not typically a cause for concern unless they also show signs of respiratory problems or other symptoms.
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When to consult a doctor
Newborns typically sleep for 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours a day. They usually sleep for only about 1 to 3 hours at a time, waking up to feed and then going right back to sleep. This is normal and an important part of their growth.
- If your baby is sleeping much more than usual and you suspect they might be ill, contact a doctor. A baby occasionally sleeping for longer than usual is not a cause for concern unless there are other symptoms. For example, they may have a cold or fever, or, less commonly, excessive sleepiness can be a sign of a medical condition like congenital heart disease.
- If your baby is consistently sleeping through feedings or sleeping for longer than 19 hours per day, this could be a sign of illness or feeding difficulties.
- If your baby is sleeping too much and showing signs of respiratory problems, seek medical attention. Minor respiratory infections can be dangerous in newborns.
- If your baby has been sleeping consistently and suddenly starts waking more often, there may be a problem. Consult a doctor, who will be able to advise on whether this is due to a growth spurt or something else.
- If your baby is not settling into a comfortable routine after a few weeks or months, and you are concerned about their sleep patterns, talk to a doctor or pediatrician. They will be able to advise on what is normal and necessary for your baby's development.
- If you have any other questions or concerns about your baby's sleep, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Use a firm, flat sleep surface and cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet.
Newborns follow their own schedule and will sleep in many short bursts between feedings. You can help your baby sleep by establishing a soothing bedtime routine, keeping things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, and resisting the urge to play with or talk to your baby.
A baby occasionally sleeping for longer than usual is not a cause for concern unless there are other symptoms. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep schedule, consult a pediatrician. Excessive sleep in a newborn is not typically an emergency unless they also show signs of respiratory problems or other health issues.
