Newborn Sleep: What's Normal and What's Not

It is so exciting to have a newborn, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to sleep. We have talked to so many families who are wondering if what their baby is doing for sleep is “normal.” Understanding what to expect can help set realistic expectations and provide reassurance during those early weeks and months.

What's Normal for Newborn Sleep?

1. Short Sleep Cycles:

• Newborns have sleep cycles that last about 40-60 minutes, meaning they wake frequently.
• It’s common for them to stir, grunt, and even cry briefly, sometimes they settle into another sleep cycle, sometimes they need help falling back asleep.

2. Irregular Sleep Patterns:

• In the first few months, newborns don't follow a predictable sleep schedule.
• Newborns do not have a circadian rhythm. 
• Babies start making melatonin around 3-4 months old. 
3. Frequent Waking to Feed:
• Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat every 2-3 hours.
• Waking up frequently for feedings is completely normal and helps ensure proper growth and development.
• If you’re breastfeeding, night feedings build and protect your milk supply.

4. Sleeping in Short Bursts:

• It's normal for newborns to sleep anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours at a time.
• Longer stretches of sleep usually come gradually as they grow and their feeding needs change.

5. Active Sleep:

• Babies spend more time in REM (active) sleep, which can include twitching, moving, and making (adorable) noises.
• This is completely normal and a sign that their brain is developing.

6. Needing Help to Sleep:

• Most newborns need to be fed, rocked, swayed, or held to fall asleep.
• They thrive on comfort and connection, making it normal to assist them in settling.

What's Not Normal for Newborn Sleep?

1. Extremely Long Sleep Stretches:

• If a newborn is consistently sleeping longer than about 3- 4 hours without waking to feed, it may be a concern.
• Check with your pediatrician if this occurs frequently.

2. Difficulty Waking:

• If your baby is very hard to rouse for feedings or seems unusually lethargic, it could indicate a medical issue.
• Always seek medical advice if you're concerned.

3. Noisy Breathing or Struggling to Breathe:

• While some grunting and a bit of snorting are normal, persistent noisy breathing or signs of struggling warrant calling your baby’s healthcare provider right away.

4. Frequent, Inconsolable Crying:

• If your baby seems unable to sleep for any meaningful period and cries excessively, it may indicate something going on. You would want to reach out to your baby’s doctor.

5. Lack of Alert Periods:

• Newborns should have some awake and alert periods throughout the day.
• If your baby is constantly sleepy and not having awake moments, consult a healthcare provider.

Understanding newborn sleep patterns can help parents feel more confident and better equipped to handle their baby’s sleep needs. Every baby is different, and sleep development happens at its own pace. Our Baby Bird class has over 15 sleep classes, including information on your baby’s sleep as well as support for you! And, if you have concerns, never hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and support.