Bringing a newborn home can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences for parents. Between feedings, diaper changes, and adjusting to life with a new little one, it’s no wonder that sleep becomes such an important topic. How much do newborns sleep? And what kind of schedule should you expect in those first few weeks? In this post, we’ll delve into all things newborn sleep schedules, so you can feel confident in helping your baby get the rest they need.
Introduction
It’s no secret that newborns sleep a lot. In fact, they spend about 50% of their time sleeping in the first few months of life. So, how much do newborns sleep?
Most newborns sleep for 16-18 hours a day, broken up into shorter periods of sleep. They usually have their longest stretch of sleep at night, and take several naps during the day.
However, every baby is different and some may sleep more or less than others. It’s also normal for babies to have irregular sleep patterns in the first few weeks or months as they adjust to life outside the womb.
If you’re concerned about your newborn’s sleep habits, talk to your pediatrician. They can offer guidance and support to help you ensure your baby is getting the rest they need.
How much do newborns sleep?
Most newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours per day, with frequent naps during the day. At night, they may sleep for longer periods, but will still need to feed frequently. Newborns typically need to feed every 2-3 hours.
What is a Sleep Schedule for Newborns?
A newborn sleep schedule typically consists of sleeping for short periods of time during the day and night. Newborns usually sleep for 16 to 18 hours a day, broken up into about 8 to 9 periods of sleep. The longest stretch of sleep is typically at night, while the shortest stretches are during the day.
When Should You Start Creating a Sleep Schedule?
It’s never too early to start thinking about sleep schedules for your newborn. In the early weeks and months, you’ll be focused on just getting through each day and night, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what a typical sleep schedule looks like so you can start planning for it.
Most newborns sleep 16-20 hours per day, broken up into frequent naps and longer periods of nighttime sleep. By 3 or 4 months old, most babies are down to 14-16 hours of total sleep per day, with fewer but longer nighttime stretches.
There’s no need to force your baby into a rigid schedule – let him or her set the pace in the early weeks. But once you have a sense of your baby’s natural rhythm, you can start working on establishing some sort of regularity. A good goal is to have your baby sleeping through the night (11-12 hours) by 6 months old.
To help get your baby on a schedule:
– Put them down for naps at roughly the same time each day.
– Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. bath, story, cuddle, etc.
– Keep nighttime feedings consistent – around the same time each night if possible.
– Avoid letting your baby become overtired during the day – watch for signs of fatigue and put them down for a nap before they get cranky.
Tips for Creating a Sleep Schedule
If you’re a new parent, you may be wondering how to create a sleep schedule for your newborn. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start by creating a bedtime routine. A bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This might include things like giving them a bath, reading them a story, or singing them a lullaby.
- Put your baby to bed at the same time each night. Try to stick to a regular bedtime as much as possible so that your baby gets used to sleeping at the same time every night.
- Make sure their bedroom is dark and quiet. A dark and quiet environment will help your baby relax and fall asleep more easily.
- Avoid letting your baby become overtired. If your baby seems overtired, they may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep through the night. Watch for signs of fatigue such as rubbing their eyes or yawning and put them to bed before they become too tired.
- Don’t forget naps! Naps are an important part of a healthy sleep schedule for newborns. Make sure to work naps into your schedule so that your baby gets the rest they need during the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Newborn Sleep Schedules
One of the most common mistakes that parents make when it comes to newborn sleep schedules is not following a consistent routine. It is important to establish a regular sleep schedule for your newborn from the very beginning. This will help them to get into a healthy sleep rhythm and avoid developing bad sleep habits.
Another mistake that is often made is letting the baby sleep for too long during the day. It is important to keep your newborn on a somewhat regular schedule even during the day so that they are not sleeping too much during the day and then having difficulty sleeping at night.
It is also common for parents to allow their newborn to fall asleep in their own bed instead of in their bassinet or crib. This can be a dangerous practice as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is always best to put your baby down to sleep in their own safe space.
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to newborn sleep schedules is to try and force your baby to sleep when they are not tired. If you try to rock or nurse your baby to sleep when they are not actually sleepy, you may end up accidentally teaching them poor sleep habits. It is always best to wait until your baby shows signs of fatigue before trying to help them drift off to dreamland.
Conclusion
Newborns need lots of sleep to help their bodies and brains develop, but it’s important for parents to make sure they get the rest they need without overtiring them. Establishing a sleeping schedule is key for both you and your baby to ensure that your newborn gets enough sleep throughout the day. Remember, every child is different, so don’t be afraid to adjust their routine as needed in order to best suit their needs. With a few simple tips and tricks, establishing a newborn sleep schedule will be much easier than you think!
