
Newborns sleep a lot—anywhere between 11 and 19 hours a day. Their sleep is spread throughout the day because they are still developing their circadian rhythms. They also need to eat often, so they wake up every two to four hours to be fed and changed.
Newborns sleep in short bursts, with sleep cycles lasting 20 to 50 minutes. They don't yet know the difference between day and night, so they sleep around the clock.
By the time they are three months old, babies start to develop a more consistent sleep-wake cycle, spending around four hours asleep and four hours awake at a time.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average sleep time | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period |
Maximum sleep time | 18-20 hours a day |
Minimum sleep time | 10 hours a day |
Sleep cycle length | 20-50 minutes |
Number of sleep cycles | 8-12 at night, 2-5 during the day |
Average time between feedings | 2-4 hours |
What You'll Learn
How much sleep is healthy for a newborn?
Newborns generally sleep between 11 and 19 hours a day, with some newborns sleeping as few as 10 hours or as many as 20 hours each day. This equates to around 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some newborns sleeping up to 18 or 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 yet have a sense of day and night, so they sleep around the clock. They wake every couple of hours to feed, with breastfed babies feeding more often than bottle-fed babies.
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.
It's important to note that every baby has a different sleep pattern, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal. Some babies might start to sleep through the night (for 5 to 6 hours at a time) by 2 to 3 months old, while others might take longer.
- Teach your baby the difference between day and night by keeping the house bright and interactive during the day, and keeping the lights and noise level low at night.
- Learn your baby's tired signals, such as rubbing their eyes or being fussier than usual, and put them down to sleep as soon as you spot these signs.
- Start a bedtime routine, such as a calming bath, dressing for bed, feeding, and singing or playing lullabies.
- Put your baby to bed when they are sleepy but still awake, to help them learn to fall asleep on their own.
- Keep your baby's sleep environment safe by always placing them on their back to sleep, using a firm and flat sleep surface, and keeping soft toys, pillows, and blankets out of the crib or bassinet.
Remember, it's normal for newborns to have irregular sleep patterns, and it may take a few weeks for them to start settling into a more consistent sleep-wake cycle.
The Mystery of Newborn Sneezing: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
How to establish a sleep schedule for a newborn
Newborns generally sleep between 11 and 20 hours a day, with their sleep spread out throughout the day. They do not yet know the difference between day and night and have irregular sleep patterns. Here are some tips to help establish a sleep schedule for your newborn:
Understand Their Sleep Needs
Recognise that newborns have different sleep needs and patterns compared to adults. Their sleep is segmented into short spurts of one to four hours because they need to feed often during the day and night.
Create a Calm Environment
During the day, keep your newborn in a room with lights on and everyday noises. When they are sleeping, ensure the environment is dark and quiet. In the evening, start to wind down and reduce noise and stimulation. At night, keep the room dark and quiet, using a dim light for nighttime feedings.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Follow a consistent routine around sleep time. This may include giving them a bath, singing a lullaby, and feeding them before putting them in their crib. Following the same routine can help signal to your baby that it is time for sleep.
Look for Tired Signs
Learn to recognise when your baby is tired. Signs of sleepiness include crying, fussing, and rubbing their eyes. Put them down as soon as you spot these tired cues to help them settle more easily.
Put Them Down Drowsy but Awake
Place your baby in their crib when they are tired but still awake. This will help them learn to fall asleep on their own and prevent future sleep problems.
Be Mindful of Feedings
A well-fed newborn should sleep for two to four hours at a time. If they sleep for shorter periods and appear hungry when they wake, they may not be eating enough during feedings. Consult your pediatrician for guidance.
Teach Day and Night Difference
Once your baby is about two weeks old, start teaching them to distinguish between night and day. During the day, keep the house bright and don't worry about minimising regular noises. Interact and play with them as much as possible. At night, keep the lights and noise level low, and keep interactions calm and minimal.
Remember that it takes time for newborns to develop a sleep schedule, and their sleep patterns will change as they grow. Be patient, responsive to their needs, and prioritise their feeding and comfort.
Newborn Poop: What's Normal and What's Not?
You may want to see also
How to encourage healthy sleep habits for newborns
Newborns sleep a lot—anywhere from 11 to 20 hours a day. However, this sleep is usually spread out throughout the day in short bursts of one to four hours. This is because newborns haven't yet developed their circadian rhythm, the internal 24-hour clock that signals when it's time to be awake and when it's time to sleep. They also need to feed often, waking up every two to three hours.
Teach your baby the difference between day and night
After the first two weeks, you can start teaching your baby to distinguish night from day. During the day, keep the house bright and don't worry about minimising regular daytime noises. Interact and play with your baby as much as you can. At night, keep the lights and noise level low and keep any interactions boring and quiet.
Learn your baby's tired signals
If you spot signs of sleepiness, put your baby down as soon as possible. These clues include rubbing their eyes, pulling on their ears, and being fussier than normal. If your baby becomes overtired, it may be harder for them to settle down and sleep.
Start a bedtime routine
It might be too soon to create a schedule, but it's never too early to start a bedtime routine. This can include a calming bath, dressing your baby for bed, feeding them, and singing or playing a lullaby or calming music.
Put your baby to bed when they're sleepy but awake
As your baby enters their second month, try giving them a chance to fall asleep on their own by putting them in their bassinet or crib when they're sleepy but still awake. Don't worry if this doesn't work for your baby—many young babies need to be held, rocked, or nursed to sleep.
Be mindful of feedings
A well-fed newborn should sleep for two to three hours at a time. If they sleep for shorter periods and appear hungry when they wake, they may not be eating enough during feedings. Consult your pediatrician for additional guidance.
Help your newborn sleep more at night
When your baby is old enough, usually by four to six months, they will start sleeping more at night. During the day, keep them in a room where the lights are on or light can come through the windows, and let them hear plenty of everyday noises. In the evening, start to quiet things down as it gets closer to bedtime. At night, keep the room dark and quiet, using a dim night light for feedings.
Diaper Stock for Newborns: How Long Will 100 Diapers Last?
You may want to see also
How to help a newborn sleep more at night
Newborns sleep around 14 to 17 hours a day, with some sleeping up to 18 to 20 hours. They wake up every few hours to feed and need to be burped, changed, and soothed. While newborns follow their own schedule, there are some things you can do to help them sleep more at night:
- Keep them awake during the day: Keeping newborns awake a little longer during the day can help increase their need for sleep later. Try playing with your baby for a few minutes after a feeding instead of letting them fall asleep.
- Get them outside: Natural light helps reset their internal clock. If you can’t get outside, place their crib or sleeper near a window that gets steady, bright light.
- Avoid sleep-inducing activities during the day: While you shouldn't fight your baby's need to sleep, keeping them out of the car seat for a bit can help them stay awake and build up their sleep drive.
- Keep things quiet and calm at night: Keep the lights low or off near your baby's sleeping area, and limit sound and movement while they are asleep. Your goal should be zero disruptions.
- Swaddle your baby: Swaddling can help keep their arms and legs still so they don't move and wake themselves up. You can also try putting them to sleep in a small crib, which may help them feel snug and secure.
- Teach them the difference between day and night: When your baby is awake during the day, keep the house bright, don't worry about minimizing regular daytime noises, and interact and play with them as much as you can. At night, keep the lights and noise level low and keep any interactions boring and quiet.
- Learn your baby's tired signals: If you spot signs of sleepiness in your baby, put them down as soon as possible. These clues include rubbing their eyes, pulling on their ears, and being fussier than normal.
- Start a bedtime routine: It might be too soon to create a schedule, but it's never too early to start a bedtime routine. This can include a calming bath, dressing for bed, feeding, and singing or playing a lullaby or calming music.
Essential Medical Supplies for Newborns: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
How to calm a crying newborn
Newborns sleep a lot—anywhere from 14 to 17 hours a day or even up to 20 hours—but they wake up frequently to eat, as their tiny stomachs don't hold enough breast milk or formula to keep them satisfied for long. This means that new parents are often exhausted, and it can be stressful when a newborn is crying and you can't figure out why. Here are some tips to calm a crying newborn:
- Offer the breast or a bottle.
- Offer a pacifier or their thumb/fingers to suck on.
- Check their diaper and change it if necessary.
- Burp them after feeding to relieve gas.
- Put them down for a nap if they seem tired. Wrapping them in a swaddle blanket can help them feel secure and sleep longer.
- Hold them in a cradle position or a sling, and try gentle rocking, walking, talking, or singing.
- Reduce light and noise.
- Check if they are too hot or cold and adjust their clothing.
- Take them for a walk outside for a change of scenery.
- Try a soothing bath.
- Play calming sounds, such as white noise, soft music, or a lullaby.
- Give them a gentle massage.
- Place them in a swing or bouncer, or take them for a car ride to soothe them with motion.
- Wear them in a carrier while you walk around or do chores.
- If you are feeling frustrated, put the baby down in a safe place and walk away until you feel calmer.
Newborn Stomach Rumbling: What's Normal and What's Not?
You may want to see also