Newborn Baby Sleeping Hours: How Much Do They Really Need?

Welcoming a newborn into your life is an exciting and transformative experience. As a new parent, one of the most important aspects of caring for your little one is ensuring they get enough sleep to support their rapid growth and development. In this article, we’ll explore the typical sleeping patterns of newborns and provide insights into how much sleep they really need.

How Long Do Newborns Typically Sleep?

Newborn babies have unique sleep requirements compared to older children and adults. On average, newborns need between 14 to 17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some babies sleeping up to 18-19 hours. However, their sleep is often fragmented due to their small stomachs and the need for frequent feedings every 2-3 hours.

During the day, newborns may sleep for a total of 8 to 9 hours, while their nighttime sleep adds up to around 8 hours. It’s important to note that these sleep periods are rarely continuous, as babies wake up frequently for feeds and comfort. As your baby grows and their stomach capacity increases, they will gradually begin to sleep for longer stretches at night.

Also Read: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need

How Can I Tell If a Newborn Is Sleeping Too Much?

Determining if your newborn is sleeping excessively requires understanding typical sleep patterns and being alert for potential signs of concern.

• Total Sleep Hours: While newborns typically sleep 14-17 hours per day, consistently sleeping over 18 hours daily may warrant closer monitoring. However, remember that some babies naturally sleep more than others.
• Patterns and Feeding: Your newborn should wake regularly for feeds. Failure to wake for feedings or exhibiting lethargy should prompt consultation with your doctor.
• Behavioural Changes: Be vigilant for unusual lethargy, unresponsiveness when awake, or lack of interest in surroundings. These could indicate an underlying condition needing medical attention.
• Weight Gain and Development: Ensure your baby is gaining weight appropriately and achieving developmental milestones. Discuss any concerns with your paediatrician.
• Health Checks: Regular check-ups can help identify potential issues early. Raise sleep concerns with your doctor to rule out conditions causing excessive sleepiness.
• Genetic or Medical Conditions: Certain genetic disorders or infections can lead to abnormal sleepiness. If you have relevant family histories or notice other worrying symptoms, promptly seek medical advice.

While newborns do sleep extensively, significant deviations from normal patterns or behavioural changes warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider.

Also Read: Best Postures to Sleep

When to Wake a Baby for Feeding

In the first few weeks of life, newborns require frequent feedings to support their growth and development. It is essential to wake your baby every 2-3 hours for breastfeeding and every 3-4 hours for bottle-feeding until they demonstrate consistent weight gain. This ensures that your little one receives adequate calories and nutrition. However, once your baby shows steady growth, your paediatrician may give you the go-ahead to let them sleep for longer stretches at night. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best feeding schedule for your newborn based on their individual needs. If you notice your baby sleeping excessively, it may be a sign that they are missing out on crucial feedings.

What to Do If a Newborn Is Sleeping Too Much

Here are some key points to keep in mind if you suspect your newborn is oversleeping:

• Avoid allowing your baby to sleep for more than 4 hours without waking them for a feed, particularly in the initial weeks.
• Keep track of feeding frequencies and make adjustments as recommended by your paediatrician to ensure your baby receives sufficient nourishment.
• If your newborn consistently sleeps beyond the recommended guidelines, consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate their overall health and feeding requirements.

When to Contact a Doctor

While it’s normal for newborns to have varying sleep patterns, there are certain situations when it’s important to seek medical advice. If your baby is not gaining weight appropriately, it could be a sign of insufficient feedings or sleep issues. Additionally, if your little one shows signs of distress or discomfort during sleep, such as persistent crying or difficulty settling down, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Other reasons to consult a doctor include:

• Changes in your baby’s typical sleep schedule that persist over time
• Guidance on waking your baby for feedings, especially if they are sleeping longer stretches than expected

If you have any doubts or concerns about your newborn’s sleep habits, don’t hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician or family physician. They can provide personalised advice and help ensure that your baby is getting the rest they need for optimal growth and development. As you navigate this new journey of parenthood, remember that every baby is unique, and it’s essential to trust your instincts while seeking professional guidance when needed.

Conclusion

Newborn sleep patterns can be challenging for new parents to understand and manage, but it’s crucial to remember that these little ones require between 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day. Due to their small stomach capacity and frequent feeding needs, this sleep is often fragmented and spread across multiple periods. By familiarising yourself with these normal sleep patterns, you can better manage your expectations and ensure that your baby’s needs are being met. If you have any specific concerns about your newborn’s sleep habits, always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and support. With patience, understanding, and a little guidance, you’ll soon find a rhythm that works for both you and your precious little one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2768951#
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4173090/
• https://www.ijsm.in/abstractArticleContentBrowse/IJSM/25315/JPJ/fullText
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638322000339
• https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08484-3