Ashwin Lewis
Newborns sleep for up to 19 hours a day, waking every few hours to feed. They don't have a sense of day and night, so they wake up at all hours. The first months of a baby's life can be the hardest for parents, who have to get up many times a night to tend to their baby. While many babies seem to feel more secure sleeping on their sides or stomachs, it is widely recommended that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours of sleep over a 24-hour period | 14-17 hours |
| Maximum number of hours of sleep | 18-19 hours |
| Frequency of feeding | Every 2-4 hours |
| Frequency of waking up | Every 2-3 hours |
| Safe sleep position | Back |
| Safe sleep surface | Firm mattress |
| Safe sleep location | In the same room as the caregiver, but in a separate bassinet or crib |
| Safe sleep environment | Cool room temperature to prevent overheating |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of side sleeping
Newborns should get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, it is crucial that parents and caregivers are aware of the dangers associated with side sleeping for newborns.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be placed on their backs for sleep during the first year of life. Side sleeping in newborns increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of infant death between one month and one year of age. When a newborn sleeps on its side, it becomes easier for them to roll onto their stomach, and at this young age, they have not yet developed the muscle strength to roll back over onto their back. This increases the risk of suffocation as the baby's face may become stuck against the mattress, making it difficult to breathe.
Additionally, babies who sleep on their sides or stomachs tend to enter a deeper sleep and may be more difficult to awaken. They may not wake up if they are unable to breathe or need to move, which further increases the risk of SIDS. It is important to note that the risk of SIDS is highest for babies between the ages of two and four months but can occur at any time up to 12 months.
To promote safe sleep habits and reduce the risk of SIDS, parents and caregivers should always place newborns on their backs to sleep. If a baby rolls onto their side or stomach while sleeping, there is no need to move them as long as they are able to roll themselves. However, it is important to continue placing them on their back before sleep until they are old enough to consistently roll both ways.
By taking these precautions and following the recommendations of trusted medical sources, parents and caregivers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their newborns during sleep.
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Safe sleep surfaces
Newborns sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to feed. They should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
It is recommended that newborns are placed on their backs to sleep, as this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping on their side or front increases the risk of SIDS, as babies may sleep more deeply and be difficult to wake. They may not wake up if they cannot breathe.
To help your baby sleep on their back, you can swaddle them, nurse them to sleep, gently rub their belly, sing to them, or rock them. You can also use a firm sleep surface, such as a crib with a firm mattress. This makes it harder for the baby to roll to their side or front.
It is important to avoid soft mattresses, couches, chairs, or beds covered in blankets and pillows, as these can be unsafe for babies. Bed-sharing with infants is a controversial subject, but the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine encourages pediatricians to discuss bed-sharing risk reduction strategies with new parents and caregivers.
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Swaddling and rolling
Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping a baby in a light blanket to help soothe them and promote sleep. It can be done from the very first day of a baby's life and is particularly useful for newborns, who do not yet have a sense of day and night and need to wake up frequently to feed. Swaddling can help newborns sleep soundly, but it is important to follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When swaddling, it is important to use a light blanket that is securely wrapped but not too tight, allowing the baby's legs to move freely. Avoid adding too many layers underneath the swaddle blanket, and make sure the baby's sleep space is free of loose bedding, pillows, and soft toys. It is also important to place swaddled babies on their backs in their own safe sleep space. Swaddling should be discontinued if a baby starts trying to roll over, as this can increase the risk of SIDS or suffocation.
The transition from swaddling to rolling can be gradual, and there are a few techniques to help with this process. One approach is to start with one or both arms out of the swaddle, gradually increasing the time with arms free until the baby is comfortable sleeping without the swaddle. Transitional swaddles or sleep sacks can also be used for babies who are starting to roll but still benefit from the comfort and security of a swaddle. These options provide warmth and safety while allowing more movement of the limbs.
It is important to monitor swaddled babies when they sleep and to follow safe sleep practices. Bed-sharing with a swaddled baby is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Additionally, devices that hold a baby in a particular sleep position or restrict their movement are not advised, as they can increase the risk of SIDS. Instead, it is recommended to focus on placing the baby on their back to sleep and creating a safe sleep environment.
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Encouraging back sleeping
It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. Sleeping on the back is the safest position for babies until they are 1 year old, including those born preterm and those with reflux.
- If your baby is a tummy sleeper, you can try to slowly transition them to sleeping on their back. First, let them fall asleep on their stomach, and then gently turn them over onto their back once they are already asleep.
- Rock or nurse your baby to sleep in your arms or while wearing them in a baby sling. Once they are half-asleep, place them on their back in their crib.
- Use a firm sleeping surface, such as a crib with a tight-fitting sheet, and remove any soft toys, pillows, or other items that could pose a suffocation risk.
- Swaddle your baby with a light blanket, which can help to soothe them and make them feel secure. However, once they start trying to roll over, stop swaddling to reduce the risk of entrapment and strangulation.
- Sing to your baby or play soft music to help them relax and drift off to sleep.
- If your baby continues to resist sleeping on their back, don't worry. The most important thing is to provide a safe sleeping environment, free of potential hazards.
It is important to note that once babies can roll over on their own, you can let them sleep in the position they choose, as long as they start out sleeping on their back.
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How much sleep is normal
Newborns sleep around the clock, and because their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula, they wake up frequently to eat. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18 to 19 hours per day. Breastfed babies feed more frequently, about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed less often, typically every 3 to 4 hours. Newborns should be awakened to feed every 3 to 4 hours until they show good weight gain, which usually occurs within the first few weeks. After that, it is acceptable to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
Each baby has a unique sleep pattern. Some babies start to sleep "through the night" (for 5 to 6 hours at a time) by 2 to 3 months of age, while others may take longer to establish this routine. It is important to prioritize your baby's safety when putting them down for a nap or bedtime, as this will help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Overly tired infants often have more difficulty sleeping at night, so it is important to allow them to sleep during the day and not keep them awake in the hopes of better nighttime sleep.
Swaddling, or wrapping the baby in a light blanket, can be a soothing technique for crying babies. However, if the baby starts trying to roll over, it is a sign to stop swaddling. Rocking, cuddling, and singing can also help calm a fussy baby. During the first few months, "spoiling" is not a concern, and newborns who are held or carried during the day tend to experience less colic and fussiness.
It is crucial to place your baby on their back to sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to reduce the risk of SIDS. Sleeping on the side or stomach increases the risk of SIDS and may cause other issues such as torticollis ("wry neck"). Bed-sharing with infants is a controversial topic, and it is recommended to consult with pediatricians about risk reduction strategies. Using a firm sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress, is essential to provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While some babies may prefer to sleep on their sides or stomachs, it is important to place them on their backs to sleep.
Newborns sleep around the clock and wake up every couple of hours to feed. They should be fed every 2-4 hours until they show good weight gain, which is usually within the first couple of weeks. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that newborns get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day.
Many babies feel more secure sleeping on their sides or stomachs. If your newborn prefers sleeping in these positions, there are strategies you can use to help them sleep on their back, such as swaddling, nursing them to sleep, or using a firm sleep surface.
