Introduction
Becoming a new parent is a whirlwind of emotions—joy, excitement, and, for most, exhaustion. One of the most common questions parents ask in those early, bleary-eyed days is: how much do newborns sleep? If you feel like your baby is always snoozing, or perhaps not sleeping enough, you’re not alone. Understanding newborn sleep schedules can help ease worries and set realistic expectations for your baby’s first weeks at home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down newborn sleep schedules by week, provide practical tips, and answer your most pressing questions about newborn sleep.
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How Much Do Newborns Sleep?
If it feels like your newborn is always sleeping, you’re not imagining things! Newborns typically sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period. However, there’s a wide range of what’s normal—some babies may sleep as little as 11 hours or as much as 19 hours each day.Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Daytime Sleep: About 8 to 9 hours
- Nighttime Sleep: About 8 hours (though not always consecutively!)
Why so much sleep?
Newborns are growing and developing at an incredible rate. Sleep is essential for brain development, physical growth, and emotional regulation. However, their tiny tummies mean they wake frequently for feedings, creating a cycle of short naps and frequent wakings.
Newborn Sleep Schedule by Week
Every baby is unique, but understanding what’s typical week by week can help you set expectations and spot potential issues early.
Week 1–2
Total Sleep: 16–18 hours per 24 hours
Wake Windows: 30–45 minutes
What to Expect:
- Newborns at this stage have no sense of day or night.
- Their sleep is divided into short stretches, usually 2–4 hours, due to frequent feeding needs.
- They’ll nap throughout the day and night, waking only for feeding, diaper changes, and brief periods of alertness.
Tips:
- Let your baby set the pace. Feed and change them on demand.
- Keep lights dim at night and bright during the day to gently start teaching day-night differences.
Week 3–4
Total Sleep: 15–17 hours per 24 hours
Wake Windows: 45–60 minutes
What to Expect:
- Your baby might start having slightly longer stretches of sleep at night (3–4 hours).
- Daytime naps remain frequent and irregular.
- Feeding still occurs every 2–3 hours.
Tips:
- Begin a simple bedtime routine: dim lights, quiet voices, gentle rocking.
- Swaddle your baby for security (if recommended by your pediatrician).
Week 5–6
Total Sleep: 15–16 hours per 24 hours
Wake Windows: 60–75 minutes
What to Expect:
- Nighttime sleep may stretch to 4–5 hours at a time.
- Babies may start consolidating some daytime sleep into longer naps.
Tips:
- Try to put your baby down drowsy but awake to encourage self-soothing.
- Continue to differentiate between day and night with light, noise, and routine.
Week 7–8
Total Sleep: 14–16 hours per 24 hours
Wake Windows: 75–90 minutes
What to Expect:
- Some babies may begin to sleep 5–6 hour stretches at night.
- Daytime naps may become more predictable (3–5 naps per day).
Tips:
- Maintain a consistent sleep environment: dark, quiet, and cool.
- Keep up with your bedtime routine to signal it’s time for sleep.
Newborn Feeding and Sleeping Schedule
Feeding and sleeping go hand in hand for newborns. Their small stomachs mean they wake often to eat, which impacts their newborn sleep schedule.Typical Sleep-Feed Schedule for Newborns:
- Feed every 2–3 hours, day and night.
- Sleep in 2–4 hour stretches between feeds.
Sample Newborn Feeding and Sleeping Schedule:
- 7:00 AM: Wake & feed
- 8:00 AM: Nap
- 9:30 AM: Feed
- 10:00 AM: Nap
- 11:30 AM: Feed
- 12:00 PM: Nap
- 1:30 PM: Feed
- 2:00 PM: Nap
- 3:30 PM: Feed
- 4:00 PM: Nap
- 5:30 PM: Feed
- 6:00 PM: Nap
- 7:30 PM: Feed
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime
- Overnight: Feed every 3–4 hours as needed
Remember: Every baby is unique. Some will eat and sleep more or less frequently.
How to Get a Newborn on a Sleep Schedule (Practical Tips)
Many parents wonder how to get a newborn on a sleep schedule. While strict scheduling isn’t realistic or necessary in the first weeks, you can lay the foundation for healthy sleep habits:
1. Follow Baby’s Cues
- Early months are all about responding to your baby’s needs.
- Look for signs of sleepiness: yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness.
2. Differentiate Day from Night
- Keep daytime feeds and activities lively and bright.
- At night, keep the environment quiet and dark.
3. Establish a Simple Routine
- Even a short, calming routine (diaper change, swaddle, gentle lullaby) signals it’s time for sleep.
4. Encourage Self-Soothing
- Place your baby in the crib drowsy but awake when possible.
- Avoid letting your baby become overtired, as this can make falling asleep harder.
5. Be Realistic
- Newborns are not developmentally ready for strict schedules or sleep training.
- Flexibility is key in the early weeks.
Parent Sleep Schedule with Newborn
Let’s face it: parent sleep schedule with newborn is often an oxymoron. The first weeks are tough, but there are ways to make it more manageable:Tips for Managing Your Own Sleep:
- Sleep when the baby sleeps: Even short naps can help.
- Share nighttime duties: If possible, alternate feeds and diaper changes with your partner.
- Prioritize rest: Let household chores wait—your health matters.
- Accept help: Friends and family are often happy to help with meals or errands.
- Practice safe sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm surface, free from loose bedding.
Common Concerns About Newborn Sleep (FAQ Section)
Is it normal for a newborn to sleep all day?
Yes, it’s normal! Newborns can sleep up to 19 hours per day. As long as your baby is waking for feeds and having wet/dirty diapers, all is well.
What is the 5-3-3 rule for babies?
The 5-3-3 rule is a guideline some parents use for older babies: a 5-hour stretch of sleep, followed by a 3-hour and then another 3-hour stretch. Most newborns aren’t ready for such patterns, but it can be a future goal.
Is it okay to let a newborn sleep a lot?
Absolutely, as long as they’re feeding regularly and growing. Newborns need lots of sleep for development.
When should I be worried about my newborn being sleepy?
Contact your pediatrician if your baby:
- Isn’t waking for feeds as usual
- Seems unusually hard to rouse
- Has fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day 5
- Shows signs of illness (fever, poor feeding, lethargy)
What is the 40 day rule for newborns?
In some cultures, the 40-day rule refers to a traditional period of rest and bonding for mother and baby post-birth. While not a medical guideline, the concept encourages rest, recovery, and minimal outside stress during this crucial time.
What is the 20 minute rule for babies?
This often refers to waiting 20 minutes before moving a sleeping baby, to ensure they’re in deep sleep and less likely to wake when transferred.
Sample Newborn Sleep Schedule Chart
To help you visualize a week by week newborn sleep schedule, here’s a newborn sleep schedule chart:
| Age | Total Sleep (24 hrs) | Daytime Sleep | Night Sleep | Number of Naps | Wake Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | 16–18 hours | 8–9 hours | 8–9 hours | 6–8 | 30–45 min |
| Week 3–4 | 15–17 hours | 7–8 hours | 8–9 hours | 5–7 | 45–60 min |
| Week 5–6 | 15–16 hours | 6–7 hours | 8–9 hours | 4–6 | 60–75 min |
| Week 7–8 | 14–16 hours | 5–6 hours | 8–10 hours | 3–5 | 75–90 min |
| Keep in Mind: These are averages. Your baby’s actual sleep needs may vary. |
Conclusion
Navigating the world of newborn sleep schedules can be daunting, but remember—every baby is different. Most newborns will sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, sometimes more, sometimes less. The best sleep schedule for newborns is one that meets their needs and works for your family. Be gentle with yourself and your baby as you both adjust to new rhythms.Key Takeaways:
- Newborns sleep a lot, but in short bursts.
- Feedings interrupt sleep, but that’s normal and healthy.
- Establishing gentle routines and responding to your baby’s cues sets the stage for better sleep down the road.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or health.
You’re doing an amazing job—take it one day (and one nap) at a time!
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Further Reading:
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Every newborn is unique, and sleep patterns may vary. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, feeding, or overall health. Never ignore professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website.
Sweet dreams to you and your little one!