Newborn sleep is one of the biggest concerns for new parents. If you feel like your baby is always waking up, you’re not alone! Newborns sleep a lot—but in short bursts—which can make adjusting to life with a baby exhausting.
This guide will walk you through what’s normal, how newborn sleep changes over time, and how to get more rest.
How Much Sleep Does a Newborn Need?
Newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day, but not all at once. Their tiny stomachs require frequent feedings, so sleep is broken into short chunks—usually 2-4 hours at a time.
Newborn Sleep by Age:
🍼 0-2 Weeks: 16-18 hours per day, waking every 2-3 hours for feeding
😴 2-6 Weeks: 14-17 hours per day, slightly longer stretches at night
🌙 6-12 Weeks: 13-16 hours per day, with some babies beginning to consolidate sleep
💡 Related Post: Newborn Feeding: How Often & How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
Why Newborns Wake Up So Much
Unlike adults, newborns have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in active (REM) sleep, which helps brain development.
📌 Common Reasons for Frequent Wake-Ups:
✔️ Hunger (Babies need to eat every 2-3 hours)
✔️ Discomfort (Diaper wet, gas, or temperature changes)
✔️ Startle Reflex (Babies wake themselves up often)
✔️ Day/Night Confusion (Newborns don’t have circadian rhythms yet)
💡 Related Post: How to Get Better Sleep During Pregnancy (Sleep struggles don’t start with the baby!)
How to Help Your Newborn Sleep Longer
While you can’t expect a newborn to sleep through the night just yet, there are ways to set healthy sleep habits early.
1. Follow Baby’s Sleep Cues
Look for signs that your baby is getting sleepy before they become overtired:
👀 Staring off into space
🥱 Yawning or rubbing eyes
🍼 Becoming fussy or squirmy
If you catch these early, your baby will fall asleep easier!
2. Use Gentle Sleep Shaping
Newborns aren’t ready for strict sleep training, but you can start gentle sleep associations:
🌙 Keep nights dark & quiet (Use dim lighting & white noise)
☀️ Expose baby to natural daylight in the morning
🛏️ Try safe swaddling to prevent startle reflex wake-ups
📌 Related Post: Co-Sleeping: The Controversy & What the Research Actually Says
Newborn Sleep Challenges & Solutions
1. My Baby Has Day/Night Confusion
Newborns don’t know the difference between day and night in the early weeks. Help them adjust by:
☀️ Keeping daytime wake windows bright & engaging
🌙 Keeping nighttime feedings calm & quiet
2. My Baby Will Only Sleep on Me
Newborns crave closeness—it’s normal!
- Try contact naps during the day
- Use safe swaddling or a warmed bassinet to ease the transition
3. My Baby Won’t Sleep Longer Than 45 Minutes
Newborns have short sleep cycles (~40-50 min), so they naturally wake up between cycles. If baby wakes but isn’t crying, wait a minute before intervening—sometimes they’ll drift back to sleep!
💡 Related Post: How to Handle Newborn Sleep Deprivation
Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborns
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and recent infant sleep research emphasize these safety measures:
✔️ Back to Sleep: Always place baby on their back for sleep
✔️ Firm Surface: Use a flat, firm crib or bassinet with no loose blankets
✔️ No Bed-Sharing: Room-sharing (baby in bassinet near you) is safest
✔️ Avoid Overheating: Dress baby in light layers and keep the room cool
📌 Related Post: Co-Sleeping: The Controversy & What the Research Actually Says
When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?
Every baby is different, but most don’t sleep through the night (6+ hours) until 3-6 months. Even then, many still wake at least once for a feed.
By 3 months: Some babies can sleep 5-6 hour stretches.
By 6 months: Many can sleep 8+ hours if well-fed and developmentally ready.
📌 Related Post: Newborn Feeding: How Often & How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
Final Thoughts: Surviving the Early Weeks
Newborn sleep is exhausting but temporary—your baby will eventually settle into longer sleep patterns.
For now, focus on:
✔️ Responding to baby’s cues
✔️ Prioritizing safe sleep
✔️ Resting when you can
If you need more support, Birthify’s newborn care experts are here to help!