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    Home ›› Everything you need to know about newborn sleep

    Home ›› Everything you need to know about newborn sleep

    Everything you need to know about newborn sleep schedules

     

    Reading time: 5 mins.

     

    How much do newborns sleep? Every baby is unique and has different needs; this applies to their feeding and sleeping rhythms and much more. In this article, we’ll look at newborn sleep patterns and how much newborns sleep. Please keep in mind that we’re talking about averages here to give new parents some ballpark figures. Don't worry if your baby has his or her own preferences. Always ask your health professional for advice if in doubt.

    Dauer: 5 Min.

    How long do newborns sleep?

     

    How many hours do newborns sleep? Generally speaking, newborn babies sleep between 16 and 18 hours out of 24 during the first three months of life. They cannot yet distinguish between day and night and usually wake up several times during the night to drink during the first three months – which could be why it seems like your newborn’s not sleeping at all! So, how often do newborns sleep? They can fall asleep several times over a 24-hour period.

    A baby with a clear, unpatterned dummy in their mouth sleeps on their side on a purple blanket.

    How many hours do newborns sleep before waking?

     

    Brand new babies tend to sleep for short periods of time, waking every couple of hours to feed. How much should a newborn sleep without waking from the third to the sixth month of life? At this stage, babies usually wake up once during the night. After this, some of them manage without an overnight feed. The newborn sleep cycle is fundamentally different from that of adults and first has to settle down.

    What you need

    How long do newborns sleep during the night?


    It’s natural to want to know what to expect with a newborn sleep routine, especially if you’ve already had sleep problems during pregnancy. You can probably hardly wait until your baby sleeps through the night so you can get some rest yourself. So, how much do newborns sleep through the night?


    It might seem like your newborn’s sleeping too much or your newborn’s not sleeping enough compared to other babies. But, as mentioned earlier, every baby is different, so some babies sleep more and some less than average, and each has different lengths of sleep. After six months, some babies are already sleeping through the night. This means they sleep for about six to eight hours at a time. Others do this when they’re a bit older.

    Tips for a regular newborn sleep routine

     

    Although there’s no correct answer for how much should a newborn sleep, there are ways you can help your baby develop a more regular sleeping pattern more quickly. Be relaxed about the phases when your baby sleeps erratically and wakes up several times a night, and feel confident that with your help, your baby will eventually get the rest they need.


    The most important thing for a newborn sleep cycle rhythm is for your child to feel secure and comfortable, with plenty of affection and a dry nappy. A regular daily routine can help too, with times for feeding, sleeping and playing – dictated by the baby’s natural instincts. In addition, a consistent bedtime ritual helps babies calm down in the evening and peacefully drift off to sleep.


    Be aware of habits your baby might develop early in life. If your child has become used to being cradled in your arms until they’re asleep, they’ll probably want this when waking up at night. If you want your child to get used to going to sleep on their own, you might choose to put your baby in their cot after the evening bedtime ritual and a goodnight kiss. 


    You might choose to give your little one additional reassurance through a dummy or snuggle. Durable and BPA-free Philips Avent soothers are orthodontic, so they support natural palate development. If their dummy often falls out, help them (and you!) find it more easily with a Philips Avent Ultra Soft Snuggle. You can attach their dummy to this plush animal, which is lightly weighted to help babies feel secure.


    Tip: If your child wakes up suddenly from sleep and cries, or has moved into an awkward position, the Philips Avent Digital Video Baby Monitor can be very useful. It lets you always stay in contact with your baby over a secure connection, and never miss a moment when he or she needs you.

    Feeding and newborn sleep patterns

     

    Babies tell you when they’re hungry and therefore determine the frequency and duration of breastfeeding in the first few weeks. However, some babies sleep a lot and for a long time at a stretch, especially in the first few weeks of life. If you think your newborn’s sleeping too much and not waking to feed regularly, speak with your health professional.


    Try not to stress if your little one has difficulty finding a sleep rhythm. Give your child lots of love and security and sleeping will soon work itself out.

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