Evie Summers
Sleep is critical to a newborn's rapid growth and development. Newborns need a lot of sleep, typically between 12 and 18 hours a day, and it's normal for them to sleep almost constantly in the early weeks, waking only to eat and then falling back asleep. If you're concerned your baby is sleeping too much, it's a good idea to speak to a doctor to rule out any potential medical concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much sleep do newborns need? | 12-18 hours a day |
| Why do infants need a lot of sleep? | To support their rapid growth and development |
| To support their physical and mental health | |
| To recover from illness |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep supports physical and mental health
Newborns need about 14 to 18 hours of sleep a day, and in the early weeks, they will sleep almost constantly, waking only to eat and then falling back asleep. This is all part of their rapid growth and development.
If you are worried that your baby is sleeping too much, it is a good idea to rule out any potential medical concerns and speak to a paediatrician. Excessive sleepiness can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, such as congenital heart disease, that needs treatment.
Babies also need rest to recover from illness, just like adults. So, if your baby is sleeping more than usual, it could be that they are fighting off a minor illness, like a cold.
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Sleep aids rapid growth and development
If you're worried your baby is sleeping too much, talk to your paediatrician. They will help you learn what's normal for your baby and what may be a concern. For example, if your baby sleeps too much, they may have a cold or fever. Less commonly, too much sleepiness can be a sign of a medical condition (like congenital heart disease) that needs treatment.
Babies need rest to recover from illness just like adults do. If your baby is sleeping a lot and it's starting to get in the way of their feedings, you may want to speak to your paediatrician to figure out the root cause. Otherwise, it can lead to other issues such as weight loss, and have an impact on their growth.
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Sleep-wake rhythms are not established in newborns
Babies need a lot of sleep to support their physical and mental health. If you're worried your baby is sleeping too much, talk to your paediatrician. They'll help you learn what's normal for your baby and what may be a concern. For example, if your baby sleeps too much, they may have a cold or fever. Less commonly, too much sleepiness can be a sign of a medical condition (like congenital heart disease) that needs treatment.
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Excessive sleep can be a sign of illness or a medical condition
It's normal and necessary for infants to sleep a lot because they're quickly growing and developing. They need sleep to support all aspects of their physical and mental health. However, excessive sleep can be a sign of illness or a medical condition. For example, if your baby is sleeping too much, they may have a cold or fever. Less commonly, too much sleepiness can be a sign of a medical condition (like congenital heart disease) that needs treatment. If you're worried your baby may be sleeping too much, talk to your paediatrician. They'll help you learn what's normal for your baby and what may be a concern.
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Sleep plays a critical role in recovery from illness
Newborns typically need about 14 to 18 hours of sleep per day, and in the early weeks, they may sleep almost constantly, waking only to eat and then falling back asleep. This sleep plays a critical role in their rapid growth and development. It supports all aspects of their physical and mental health.
If your baby is sleeping a lot and it's starting to impact their feedings or growth, it's a good idea to speak to your paediatrician. They can help rule out any potential medical concerns and ensure your baby gets the care they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Infants need a lot of sleep to support their physical and mental health as they grow and develop.
Newborns need about 14 to 18 hours of sleep a day, although this can vary.
If your infant is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of a minor illness, like a cold. If you're concerned, speak to your paediatrician.
