Most newborns sleep about 14–17 hours in 24 hours, usually in 2–4 hour stretches with wide normal variation.
Newborn sleep looks nothing like adult sleep. The clock runs on feeds, short bursts of rest, and quick wake windows. Some days feel dreamy, others a blur. A clear picture of what is normal helps you care with confidence.
This guide explains typical newborn sleep ranges, why the numbers swing so much, and how to shape a calm, safe sleep space. You will also see practical ways to handle day–night mix ups, cluster feeds, and those famous catnaps.
How Many Hours Newborns Sleep Daily: Realistic Ranges
Across a full day, most babies under three months rack up about fourteen to seventeen hours of sleep (see the Sleep Foundation range). That total includes every nap and all night segments. Shorter or longer days happen and can still sit inside the normal window.
Newborns cycle through light and deep sleep quickly. They wake to eat, to burp, or for a diaper change. Early stretches rarely run longer than two to four hours. With growth, one longer night block often appears by six to eight weeks.
| Age | Total Sleep | Usual Longest Night Stretch |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 weeks | 14–18 h | 1.5–3 h |
| 3–4 weeks | 13–18 h | 2–4 h |
| 5–6 weeks | 13–17 h | 2.5–4.5 h |
| 7–8 weeks | 13–17 h | 3–5 h |
Why The Range Is So Wide
Brand-new bodies grow fast and feed often. Tiny stomachs empty quickly, so sleepy cues return soon after a feed. Babies also spend a lot of time in active REM-like sleep, which makes movement and brief grunts common.
Birth weight, feeding method, and day-night light exposure all shape the pattern. Some babies take many short naps; others take fewer, longer naps (the NHS Start for Life page shows how broad the range can be). Both styles can add up to the same total by bedtime.
Safe Sleep Basics That Matter Every Day
Place baby on the back for every sleep on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet (see CDC safe sleep guidance). Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the crib or bassinet. Room share without bed sharing for the early months. These simple steps cut risk and set a steady routine.
If spit-up worries you, know that a back-sleeping baby has built-in airway protection. Avoid wedges and inclined gear. A clear, flat sleep space works best.
Day–Night Mix Ups: Gentle Fixes
Many newborns nap hard in the day and wake often at night. Bright, lively days and quiet, dark nights help reset the rhythm. Open curtains after sunrise, play, talk, and feed with the lights on. At night, keep lights low and voices soft.
Wake windows stay short. Think forty to sixty minutes in the early weeks, then seventy to ninety minutes closer to two months. If eyes glaze and yawns stack up, start a wind-down and aim for the next nap.
Feeding, Growth Spurts, And Sleep
Frequent feeds are the engine of newborn sleep. Many babies eat eight to twelve times per day, sometimes more during cluster periods in the evening. Growth spurts can pack the day with extra feeds and shorter naps. That pattern is temporary.
Night feeds are normal. One longer stretch may appear as weight gain and milk supply settle. If weight gain or output seems off, see your pediatrician.
When To Wake A Sleepy Newborn For Feeding
Long blocks sound tempting, yet early feeds keep growth on track. In the first weeks, many care teams ask parents to wake baby at least every three hours by day and every four hours at night until weight gain is steady.
After weight checks look good, you can let the longest night stretch run while keeping daytime feeds frequent. Always follow guidance from your own care team.
- Birth to two weeks: feed at least every 2–3 hours in the day; wake if a nap passes three hours.
- Two to six weeks: aim for 8–12 feeds in 24 hours; one longer night stretch is fine if diapers and weight gain look good.
- Six to eight weeks: keep daytime calories strong to protect that longer night block.
Simple Day And Night Routines
Routines do not need charts or timers. Repeat tiny cues around sleep so baby links steps with rest. A short wind-down might be a clean diaper, dim lights, a quick feed, a burp, a brief cuddle, and down drowsy-but-awake.
In the day, fresh light and activity help anchor wake time. At night, aim for quiet feeds, minimal chatter, and a smooth return to the crib.
| Time | What Baby Is Likely Doing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 | Feed, brief wake, down for nap | Keep the room bright to set daytime tone |
| 9:00–10:00 | Feed, burp, nap | Wake window about 60 minutes |
| 12:00–13:00 | Feed, short play, nap | Contact naps happen, aim for safe positions |
| 15:00–16:00 | Feed, burp, nap | Stroller or carrier walks can help |
| 18:00–19:30 | Cluster feed, catnap | Evening grumps are common |
| 20:00–22:00 | Top-off feed, bedtime routine | Dim lights and keep it calm |
| Night | Two to three feeds as needed | Keep lights low and settle back to sleep |
Common Questions Answered Quickly
Do newborns sleep too much? If the day feels unusually quiet, count feeds and diapers. A sleepy baby who also feeds poorly or has low output needs a call to the pediatric office.
Is there a magic bedtime? Many babies settle for the night somewhere between eight and ten p.m. A later start can work if the total day sleep is on the high side.
What about contact naps? Safe contact rest is fine while you watch. For crib practice, try one nap a day in the bassinet and build from there.
Red Flags That Need A Same-Day Call
- Much less feeding than usual or fewer wet diapers
- Hard to rouse from sleep or limp tone
- Pauses in breathing, blue color, or noisy breathing with poor feeding
- Fever or low temperature outside your care team’s advised range
Bringing It All Together
Newborn sleep is messy but workable. Track the full day, not just one tough night. Offer frequent feeds, use light cues, and keep the sleep space simple and safe. With time, a longer night stretch appears and naps grow more predictable.
Every baby writes a slightly different script. Compare trends week to week, not hour to hour, and lean on your pediatric team when something feels off.