Evie Summers
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns can vary. While it's common for newborns to sleep for long stretches, it's important to ensure they're getting enough food and monitor their growth progress. Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not a cause for concern, but if your newborn is sleeping longer than usual and missing feedings, it's best to consult a pediatrician.
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What You'll Learn
Growth spurts
A newborn baby's sleep routine can vary significantly from child to child. Doctors typically do not suggest sleep routines for newborns as they need a lot of sleep and are adjusting to a new world. However, by four months of age, a baby will likely settle into a routine.
Babies go through many periods of intense growth or growth spurts, especially in their first year. During a growth spurt, a baby will add weight, length, and head circumference more quickly than usual. They may also hit a developmental milestone or master a skill they have been working on.
While growth spurts can lead to more sleep, they can also cause disrupted sleep due to increased hunger. A baby may wake up more often to demand a feeding, resulting in a sleep regression. They may also be more restless, clingy, and fussy.
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Illness
Newborns usually sleep for around 8-9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night, with some sleeping up to 19 hours a day. Their sleep may happen in small chunks or on an irregular schedule.
If your newborn is sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of illness. When babies are sick, they will likely be sleeping more than normal as their body fights off the virus. If your baby is sleeping for long stretches and won't wake up to feed, it could be a sign they are unwell.
Babies who are ill may also experience a loss of appetite and eat considerably less than normal. If your baby is sleeping for six to eight hours at a time when they are only a month or two old, you should take them to get checked out.
Other signs of illness to look out for include fever, wheezing, loud breathing, or sinking ribs when they breathe. If your baby seems unreasonably slow to wake up, their excess sleep may be due to a serious concern, so it is always smart to consult a doctor.
If your baby is unwell, it's normal for them to need more rest. Don't feel too much pressure to stick to their usual schedule. If your sick baby needs to go in for a nap earlier or naps longer than normal, it's fine to let them.
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Development milestones
Newborns generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, including naps. This can happen in small chunks or on an irregular schedule. Their sleep may be affected by their feeding needs, as newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed every 2 to 4 hours. They also do not know the difference between day and night. Over time, they will learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep, a process known as self-settling.
As newborns grow into infants, they begin to develop a schedule and sleep longer at night, although they may still wake up several times to feed. This is a normal part of newborn development, and there is no need for concern as long as your baby is growing, gaining weight, and is happy at other times.
Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened to feed. It is recommended to wake your baby every 3 to 4 hours to eat until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's okay to let your baby sleep for longer periods at night.
If your newborn is sleeping more than usual, it could be due to developmental milestones, teething, growth spurts, illness, vaccination, or changes in routine. It is important to rule out any potential medical concerns and consult a pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby's sleep habits.
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Changes in routine
Newborns tend to sleep a lot—anywhere between 11 and 19 hours per day. They usually sleep for only about 1–2 hours at a time, though some may sleep a little more or less than this. In the first couple of weeks, it is normal for a newborn to wake up to feed and then go right back to sleep. As newborns grow into infants, they begin to develop a schedule. They eventually start sleeping longer at night, though they may still wake several times to feed.
If your newborn is sleeping for long stretches and it seems they are doing so instead of getting up to eat, it is recommended to wake them up to feed every three hours (or more) depending on your doctor's recommendations. You can try to promote regular sleeping and feeding schedules by taking your baby out for walks during the day so they will be exposed to natural light and developing a calming evening routine that includes a bath, massage, and nursing.
It is also important to note that newborns younger than one month old may not wake up when they feel hungry. Babies younger than four weeks old should not go longer than four to five hours without food. To wake a baby up to eat, try brushing the side of their cheek to trigger the rooting reflex. If this does not work, try gently wiggling the baby's toes or gently stroking the bottoms of their feet.
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Jaundice
The main sign of jaundice is the yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes, which can be best observed in natural lighting. The yellowing usually appears on the baby's face first, and as bilirubin levels increase, it may spread to the chest, belly, arms, and legs. Jaundice may be more challenging to detect in newborns with darker skin, but it can still be observed through the colour of their eyes and the whites of their eyes, also known as icterus.
Physiological jaundice is the most common type, typically developing within a few days of birth. It is usually not serious and often resolves within two weeks as the baby's liver matures and starts to eliminate excess bilirubin. Breastfeeding jaundice, which occurs when a baby does not get enough breast milk, may take longer to disappear. In some cases, jaundice may require treatment with phototherapy to help reduce bilirubin levels.
If you suspect your newborn has jaundice, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will monitor your baby's bilirubin levels and provide guidance on managing the condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to sleep a lot, sometimes up to 18 hours per day. They may be experiencing a growth spurt, a developmental leap, or a minor illness.
Newborns typically sleep 14 to 18 hours a day in the first weeks and 12 to 16 hours by the time they're a month old.
Newborns should feed every two to three hours. If your newborn is sleeping through feedings, you may need to wake them up to eat.
Try brushing the side of their cheek to trigger the rooting reflex. If that doesn't work, try gently wiggling their toes or stroking the bottoms of their feet.
Occasional periods of increased sleep are usually not cause for concern. However, if your newborn is sleeping too much and missing feedings, you may want to speak to your pediatrician. Also, contact your doctor if your baby is sleeping more than usual and has a fever or signs of respiratory distress.
