Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns have very different sleep cycles compared to adults. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Short Sleep Cycles: Babies sleep in cycles of 50-60 minutes, waking frequently, and spending most of their sleep time in “active” sleep—that's where all those adorable sleepy smiles come from.

  

• Day-Night Confusion: Newborns often mix up days and nights in the first few weeks.

• Total Sleep Time: Newborns sleep for about 14–17 hours a day but wake frequently for feedings.

• Late Bedtime: Newborns are not quite ready for the early bedtime we commonly associate with babies. Their internal “clocks” are wired for a much later bedtime. Anywhere between 10pm and 11pm is normal and expected.

  
  

Welcoming a newborn into your family is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it often comes with sleepless nights and exhaustion. Understanding your baby’s sleep patterns and needs can make a world of difference in ensuring both you and your little one get the rest you need.