Most newborns sleep about 14–17 hours in 24 hours, usually in 1–3-hour stretches, with wide normal differences among healthy babies.
Newborn Sleep Hours Per Day: What To Expect
In the first three months, sleep arrives in short bursts. Many babies total 14–17 hours across a full day. Some reach the high teens, some sit lower, and both can be normal when feeding, growth, and diapers look on track. Nights rarely line up at first. Short cycles and frequent feeds keep wake windows tight. Over time, stretches link together, naps thin out, and night sleep grows. That pace is different for every child, so ranges help more than rigid targets.
What “Normal” Looks Like Early On
Early weeks bring lots of active sleep, brief naps, and multiple night wakings. Babies can be wide awake at 2 a.m. and drowsy after breakfast. That flip is common. Sleep cycles are short, so light sleep arrives often, and little noises or tummy rumbles can stir them. Feeding needs, growth spurts, and diaper output can shift patterns day to day. Rather than chasing a perfect schedule, watch your baby’s cues. Yawns, glazed eyes, slower kicks, and rooting that fades to fussiness all say a nap is due.
Typical Newborn Sleep Snapshot
| Age | Total Sleep / 24h | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 Weeks | 14–17 hours | 1–3-hour stretches; frequent feeds; day–night mix-ups common |
| 2–6 Weeks | 14–17 hours | Longer evening wake window possible; one slightly longer night stretch may appear |
| 7–12 Weeks | 13–17 hours | Some babies link 3–5 hours at night; naps still frequent and variable |
Why Newborn Sleep Feels So Choppy
Sleep biology explains the stop-start rhythm. At birth, sleep cycles run short, often around 30–50 minutes. Large portions are “active” sleep, which looks noisy: twitching, grimaces, little squeaks. Light stages come often, so arousals are easy. As weeks pass, cycles lengthen and the balance shifts toward deeper sleep. That shift helps nights settle. Until then, quick awakenings are part of the package and not a sign that something’s wrong on their own.
Day–Night Swaps Are Common
Many babies snooze more by day and wake more at night in the first month. Daylight, noise, and regular feeds help reset that clock. Keep lights bright during the day and dim in the evening. Offer brief, calm interaction overnight. Save playful talk and longer floor time for the sunny hours. Gentle repetition guides the body clock without forcing a strict timetable.
Safe Sleep Comes First
Rest matters, and safety always comes first. Place your baby on the back for every sleep, on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet. Keep pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and bumpers out of the sleep space. Room-sharing without bed-sharing lowers risk. A crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets safety standards works well. Dress baby in light layers or a wearable blanket that fits the season. If a car ride or stroller nap happens, move baby to a firm, flat space when you can.
Want a quick reference on daily sleep needs by age? See the CDC’s recommendations. For full safe sleep guidance in plain language, review the AAP’s parent page on how to keep your sleeping baby safe.
Feeding And Sleep: How They Interact
Newborn tummies are tiny. Whether you breastfeed, chestfeed, or use formula, frequent feeds are normal. Many babies wake to eat every 2–3 hours around the clock in the early weeks. Growth spurts can bunch feeds closer. That pattern supports weight gain and milk supply. Burping well, watching for deep latches, and keeping daytime feeds steady can smooth the night. If reflux or gassiness seems to disturb rest, shorter upright holds after feeds and a gentle, unhurried routine can help.
Sleepy Cues To Watch
- Slower movements and quiet hands
- Glazed look, red brows, or brief zoned-out stares
- Yawns that stack up, hiccups that start after fussing
- Short cries that stop once you reduce input (light, noise, motion)
Try laying baby down when drowsy, not overtired. If a brief protest cry happens, pause for a few breaths before stepping in. Many babies settle with a steady hand on the chest, a gentle shush, or a slow rock. If hunger cues appear, feed first.
Building A Flexible Rhythm
A loose flow beats a rigid clock in the first months. Aim for a simple arc: feed, a few minutes of awake time, then sleep. In the morning, open curtains and greet the day. In the evening, dim lights, lower volume, and repeat a short wind-down. A diaper change, a feed, a brief song, then down. Keep it the same most nights. Tiny routines send strong signals, even this early.
Wake Windows That Often Work
In the first two weeks, many babies manage 45–60 minutes awake before the next nap. By six weeks, that may extend to 60–90 minutes. Near three months, 75–120 minutes suits many babies between naps. Treat these as broad ranges, not rules. If your baby fades earlier, start the wind-down sooner. If they kick happily past the usual mark, follow their lead and set nap prep a touch later.
The First Twelve Weeks: Realistic Expectations
Weeks 1–4
Sleep is spread across the full day, with frequent feeds and brief wakes. Many babies nap after every feed. One longer night stretch may appear, though it may not land at the time you want just yet. Focus on full feeds, skin-to-skin, and a calm wind-down. If nights feel noisy, that can be active sleep. Wait a moment before picking up to see if baby drifts back off.
Weeks 5–8
Daytime alert time grows. Evening fussiness can pop up, and naps may look short. A consistent evening routine helps. Keep overnight care quiet and brief. Some babies offer a 3–4-hour stretch at night now and then. That may not repeat daily yet. Keep naps easy. Motion naps are fine if they keep everyone sane; just make the main sleep space the default when you can.
Weeks 9–12
Many babies begin linking sleep cycles here and there. One longer stretch at night is more common. Naps still vary. Total daily sleep can dip on one day and rebound the next. Gentle patterns start to stick: a morning nap, a midday nap, and shorter late-day naps. If bedtime drifts late, trim the last nap by a few minutes and start the routine earlier.
Sample Days You Can Tweak
These examples show flow, not strict timing. Always feed on demand and adjust for your baby’s cues. If growth spurts hit, expect more wakes and more feeds. If a vaccination day brings extra sleep, roll with it.
| Time Of Day | Week 2 Example | Week 8 Example |
|---|---|---|
| 6–7 a.m. | Wake, feed, brief cuddle, back to sleep | Wake, feed, 30–45 min awake, nap |
| 9–11 a.m. | Feed on waking, nap again | Feed on waking, play, nap |
| Noon–2 p.m. | Feed, short awake time, nap | Feed, tummy time, nap |
| 3–5 p.m. | Feed, catnap | Feed, shorter nap |
| 6–7:30 p.m. | Feed, calmer lights, brief wind-down, nap | Wind-down routine, feed, down for night |
| Overnight | Feeds every 2–3 hours; back to sleep after | One 3–5-hour stretch for some; feeds as needed |
Helping Naps And Nights Go Smoother
Set The Scene
Keep the sleep space dark and quiet at night. White noise at a low volume can mask household sounds. Keep the room at a comfy temperature. Dress baby in one more light layer than you wear. For daytime naps, a bit more light is fine to support the day–night difference.
Create A Short Wind-Down
Ten minutes is plenty. A diaper change, a feed, a soft song, then down while drowsy. Repeat the same steps at the same pace. Consistency beats length. If the routine runs long, many babies drift past their sleep window and fuss more.
Use Motion As A Tool, Not A Must
Rocking or walking can help a tough nap. Stroller or carrier naps count. Try to start one nap a day in the bassinet or crib, then add more as it gets easier. Progress over perfection keeps everyone steady.
When Sleep Seems Off
Call your baby’s clinician if you see trouble signs: very hard to rouse, labored or noisy breathing that does not ease, blue or ashy color, fever in a baby under three months, fewer wet diapers than usual, poor feeds, or marked sleepiness after injuries or falls. Reach out as well if daily totals sit far outside the usual range for days in a row, or if you worry about growth or weight gain. You know your baby best.
Key Takeaways You Can Trust
- Most newborns sleep around 14–17 hours across 24 hours, split into many short stretches.
- Short cycles and active sleep drive frequent wakes; this shifts with age.
- Day–night confusion is common early and improves with light cues and steady routines.
- Back sleeping on a firm, flat surface with a bare crib keeps sleep safer.
- Follow your baby’s cues, feed on demand, and use simple, repeatable steps.
Taking Care Of You, Too
Newborn care is round-the-clock work. Trade shifts when possible. Nap when the baby naps, even if chores pile up. Prep simple meals and keep water nearby. Short walks, a quick shower, and a call with a friend can lift a tough day. If sleep loss and mood changes feel heavy, ask for help from family and your care team. You deserve support as much as your baby does.