Newborns Need How Much Sleep?

For the first few weeks of your baby's life, you may think that she never sleeps. However, newborns actually spend the majority of their day sleeping in short bursts.

Average

Your baby will sleep anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day during his first four weeks.

Duration

Newborns sleep in short bursts of usually two to four hours. If you breast-feed, your baby may take shorter, more frequent naps as your milk supply adjusts to her needs.

Deep Sleep

While adults spend only a small portion of their sleep in a REM cycle, newborns spend more than half their naps in this stage. Since REM sleep is an extremely light sleep, your baby can easily startle awake from a loud noise or her own movements.

Circadian Rhythm

Since your baby has been rocked in your dark womb for nine months, his body hasn't developed the chemical reactions that induce sleep at night and alertness during the day. When he is about two weeks old, he will begin to recognize the difference, especially if you keep the house filled with sunlight during the day and dark at night.

Sleep Signals

Although it may seem counterintuitive, your baby cannot fall asleep if she is overtired. You need to learn her sleep signals early on to ensure she gets the sleep she needs as soon as she becomes tired.

References

• BabyCenter-Sleep Basics: 0-3 months
• ParentingScience-Newborn Sleep patterns: A survival guide
• BabyCentre-Sleep and Breastfeeding