Newborn Sleep Schedules By Week

A new mom has to get ready for lots of sleepless nights. Newborns during the initial few weeks find it difficult to sleep at the night. Here we are discussing the sleep schedule of a newborn week by week.

Sleep Schedule of Newborns

A newborn sleeping, Credits: pixabay

During the first few weeks of birth, newborns spend 18 hours a day sleeping. However, their sleep will not be for long stretches. A mother has to wake up to feed and change the diaper often.

The sleep patterns of a baby keep changing. The sleep pattern of a three-week baby will be different from that of a 20 weeks baby.

Babies will develop a consistent nighttime sleep when their need to feedings reduces, when they have a constant melatonin production, and develop circadian rhythms. This usually happens when babies are on solid foods and when they approach their first birthday.

Why Nighttime Sleep Is Difficult For Babies?

A baby sleeping, Credits: pixabay

When babies are in the womb, they are asleep most of the time and receive a steady stream of nourishment around the clock. When babies reach the world, this world seems to be an entirely different place. They need to learn how to eat and wake, which takes a sizeable amount of time.Also, newborns don’t stay in deep sleep (REM sleep) for long periods at a time, so they are more susceptible to frequent wake-ups.

As the months pass, infants stick to a sleep schedule.

Baby Sleep Schedule

Here is the baby’s sleep pattern during different stages of development.

0-6 weeks: The sleeping pattern is erratic and babies prefer sleeping most of the time. They only wake to eat.

2-3 months: Your baby will not be awake for more than 2 hours. You can start introducing good sleep habits which can lay a foundation for healthy sleep.

4-6 months: Some babies could sleep through the night. While in others, sleep regression is seen.

6-10 months: The sleep pattern may vary from one baby to another. Ideally, you can expect some long stretches of sleep (5-10 hours) during the night.

10-12 months: Some babies experience sleep regression even at 12 months. You can expect 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep.

Baby Sleep Schedule ChartBaby’s ageNumber of napsNap DurationDay time Sleep hoursNighttime sleep hoursNighttime hours in a stretchTotal Sleep hours per dayBirth to six weeksVaries30 minutes to 4 hoursVariesVariesPossibly 4 hours14 to 17 hours2 months3-530 minutes to 3 hours7-9 hours8-9 hoursPossibly 6 hours14 to 17 hours3 months3-430 minutes to 2 hours4-8 hours8-10 hoursPossibly 6 hours14 to 16

hours4 months2-31 to 2 hours3-6 hours9-10 hours6-8 hours, sometimes12 to 16

hours5-6 months2-31 to 2 hours3-4 hours10-11 hours10-11 hours, sometimes12 to 16

hours7-8 months21 to 2 hours3-4 hours10-12 hours10-12 hours, maybe12 to 16

hours9 months21 to 2 hours3-4 hours10-12 hours10-12 hours, often12 to 16

hours10-12 months21 to 2 hours3-4 hours10-12 hours10-12 hours, usually12 to 16

hours

Adapted from https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-sleep-schedule.aspx, accessed on 25/09/20

Baby Sleep Safety Tips

Babies should be allowed to sleep at the back to avoid the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

The crib and bassinet should be free from stuffed animals, blankets, and toys.