How Much Do Newborns Sleep?

Babies, particularly newborns, are known as great lovers of sleep, but it becomes a tricky task for parents to know what the baby exactly wants. Therefore, understanding what to expect from your baby will help you set a routine for your baby. Eventually, this will ensure your baby gets the optimum sleep needed for growth and development.

How Much Sleep Do Newborns Need?

Newborns sleep very long, between 14 and 17 hours a day. However, babies often sleep in short bursts during the day and night, and they must be fed frequently.

Furthermore, every baby is unique. So, it is not unusual for your baby to sleep longer or shorter than other babies.

Why Do Newborns Sleep So Much?

Sleep is important for a baby’s development. You must be wondering how much do newborns sleep, right? Well, if you want to find out, you should keep on reading.

• Grow physically and mentally
• Process and store new experiences
• Strengthen their immune systems

Understand Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborn sleep is different from adult sleep. Babies have shorter sleep cycles and wake up often to eat. Do you want to know what typically their patterns include? Continue reading to find out.

• Sleeping in 2–4 hour stretches
• Mixing up day and night, especially in the first few weeks
• Gradually developing longer sleep periods as they grow

Do you want some quick tips for managing newborn sleep? Take a look.

• Establish a calming bedtime routine early on
• Use white noise or gentle sounds to soothe your baby
• Keep lights dim during night feedings to avoid overstimulation

Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Sleep

It’s natural to wonder if your newborn is sleeping enough. Do you want to know the signs of healthy sleep? Read below.

• Regular feeding and diaper changes without excessive fussiness.
• Growing steadily
• Being alert and content

When To Seek Help For Sleep Issues

Sometimes, newborns struggle with sleep due to gas or other issues. Therefore, it’s important to consult your pediatrician. This is not the only time when you should consult your pediatrician. There’s more to it. Do you want to know when you should consult your pediatrician? Let’s find out.

• Your baby consistently has trouble falling asleep
• They seem excessively irritable despite proper care
• You’re unsure about their sleep patterns and feeding schedule

The Bottom Line

Feeding a newborn baby is a learning process, and you may still have many questions regarding how much you should feed your baby. Therefore, it is important to talk to your pediatrician. Eventually, you will feel comfortable taking care of your little one’s nutritional needs!