Herbie Murray
Newborns need a lot of sleep—anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day—and this is completely normal. Their internal body clocks are still developing, so they don't know the difference between day and night and will often sleep in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes. Newborns also have tiny stomachs, so they need to wake up to eat every two to four hours. While occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not cause for concern, you should contact a doctor if your baby is sleeping through feedings or sleeping for longer than 19 hours per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep hours | 14-19 hours a day |
| Sleep pattern | Short and erratic |
| Sleep duration | 1-4 hours at a time |
| Sleep frequency | Every 2-3 hours |
| Sleep environment | Quiet and calm |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep products | Approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) |
| Sleep concerns | Consult a pediatrician |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn sleep patterns
Newborns need a lot of sleep, typically between 14 and 18 hours a day, although some newborns may sleep for up to 19 hours a day. In the early weeks, newborns sleep almost constantly, waking only to feed and then falling back asleep. This is because their stomachs are very small, so they get full quickly and need to eat frequently. They may also be held close and comfortably, which enhances their sleepiness.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping for longer than usual, it is important to rule out any underlying medical issues. Consult a pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby's sleep habits or if they are not waking up regularly to eat.
To promote a healthy sleep schedule, it is recommended to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Keeping the lights low and refraining from playing or talking to your baby will help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping. It is also important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products meet federal safety standards.
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How much is too much?
It is normal for newborns to sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day. Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. They do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and are unable to differentiate between day and night.
However, a newborn can sleep too much, and this is usually secondary to a medical concern. If you are concerned that your baby is sleeping too much, you should consult a pediatrician. Some of the most common reasons that healthy babies sleep for longer than usual include experiencing a growth spurt, a developmental leap, or a minor illness such as a cold. In rare cases, a baby may have another medical condition that causes them to sleep too much.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not cause for concern. However, if your newborn's longer bouts of sleep are accompanied by a fever or signs of respiratory distress, such as fast breathing or grunting while breathing, you should call your pediatrician immediately. Additionally, if your baby is not waking up regularly to eat, you should seek medical advice as this could indicate a more serious issue.
It is important to prioritize your newborn's feeding needs and not try to establish a strict sleeping routine. Newborns wake up frequently, usually every two to four hours, to feed and will need to be fed this often to regain their birth weight. They may also wake up frequently due to needing a diaper change.
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Sleep and development
It is normal for newborns to sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 19 hours a day. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. Newborns do not have established sleep-wake rhythms and do not know the difference between day and night. They wake up frequently during the night, often because they need to be fed or changed.
During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. This keeps the baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. While room-sharing is safe, putting your infant to sleep in bed with you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
By around three months of age, newborns may start to learn the rhythm of day and night. Parents can help their newborn learn to sleep more at night by exposing them to light and gently playing with them during the day, and providing a dim and quiet environment at night.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are normal and usually not cause for concern. However, if your newborn's longer bouts of sleep are accompanied by a fever or signs of respiratory distress, such as fast breathing or grunting while breathing, call your pediatrician immediately. It is also important to wake your newborn regularly to feed, as they need to feed frequently to regain their birth weight.
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Sleep and illness
Newborns typically sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 18 hours a day. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. This is because they have small stomachs and need to wake up to eat every two to four hours. They also do not know the difference between day and night and need time to develop an internal 24-hour rhythm.
Sleep plays a critical role in a newborn's growth and development. However, changes in their sleep patterns or disturbances in their sleep cycles could indicate an underlying illness. If your baby has been sleeping consistently and suddenly starts waking up more often, it could be a sign of a problem. While occasional periods of increased sleep are normal, if your newborn is sleeping longer than usual and has a fever or shows signs of respiratory distress, such as fast breathing or grunting while breathing, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious medical issue.
It is important to monitor your baby's sleep patterns and be aware of any changes. Some sleep disturbances could be due to overstimulation, growth spurts, or developmental changes. However, if your baby is having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, especially if it is a new pattern, consult your baby's healthcare provider.
To ensure your baby's safety during sleep, it is crucial to create a safe sleep environment. Avoid using loose bedding, soft objects, or infant seats that could obstruct their airway or cause suffocation. Additionally, monitor your baby's oxygen saturation, especially while they are asleep, as this can impact their weight gain.
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Creating a sleep routine
Newborns tend to sleep a lot—up to 19 hours a day—and their sleep patterns can be erratic, with sleep occurring in short bursts of 1-2 hours at a time. While this can be challenging for new parents, it's important to remember that newborns are not yet accustomed to schedules and will eventually develop a more stable sleep routine.
- Keep a sleep log: Tracking your newborn's sleep patterns can help you understand their sleep habits better. You may find that they are sleeping less or more than you thought.
- Be flexible and follow your baby's lead: Newborns often need help settling to sleep, so it's important to be responsive to their needs. If your baby shows signs of tiredness after a feed, it's time for a nap, even if it's earlier than you expected.
- Offer frequent feeds: Newborns have small stomachs and need to feed frequently. Breastfed newborns should feed every 2-4 hours, while formula-fed babies should feed every 3-4 hours.
- Create a soothing sleep environment: During the day, keep the lights on and the energy high. At night, keep the lights low and move slowly and quietly to help your baby understand the difference between day and night.
- Avoid overfeeding: Some parents think that feeding their baby extra will help them sleep longer, but this can backfire. Newborns' tummies are small, and they can become uncomfortable and less likely to sleep if they've eaten too much.
- Be prepared to adjust: All babies change their sleep patterns as they grow and develop. Illnesses, growth spurts, and teething can all affect your baby's sleep, so be prepared to change your routine as needed.
- Seek professional advice: If you're concerned about your baby's sleep habits or need help establishing a routine, speak to a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or a health visitor.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need a lot of sleep – about 14 to 18 hours a day. It's normal for newborns to sleep almost constantly in the early weeks, waking only to eat and then falling back asleep.
Newborns wake up to feed every two to four hours. They have tiny stomachs, so they get hungry soon after feeding.
Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually 20 to 50 minutes long. They don't have established sleep-wake rhythms and don't know the difference between day and night.
Most babies start sleeping through the night by six months. However, this varies, and some babies may sleep through the night sooner, around four months.
