Newborn

Newborn sleep pattern and behaviour

Subhashree Rout

Newborn sleep pattern and behaviour: Newborns don’t know the difference between day and night. Generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in 24 hours. In the first three months, they need regular feeding so they usually sleep in short periods. Between 6 to 12 months your baby’s sleep patterns will become more like yours. They will sleep up to 16 hours in 24 hours period.

Newborn sleep pattern: Sleep Hours

Ideally, a baby takes a nap for the following hours of the day. Find the chart below.

Age	Sleeping Hours
0 to 3 months	12 to 16 hours
4 to 11 months	12 to 15 hours
1 to 2 years	12 to 13 hours

Newborn sleep pattern and behaviour – Table

Reason for disturbing sleeping in babies

Newborns sleep for 2 to 4 hours every 2 hours day and night. By 8 weeks your baby will sleep less during the day and more at night

Wet Diapers
Colic
Uncomfortable clothing
High Temperature
Lights and Curiosity

Tipz to help your baby sleep

Take a nap

Give your baby a chance to nap every 2 hours. The baby may have trouble falling asleep if you wait longer. Anything Langar could affect their night time sleep. If an app is 2 and half an hour wake your baby feed them and play with them or a few minutes and then put them back down for another nap.

By waking your baby every few hours you are encouraging your baby to regular feeding habits which will help your newborn baby to sleep better at night.

Day and night confusion

If your babies sleep more during the day and night then teach your baby to distinguish day from night. Your home and your babies are light and bright. Don’t worry about daytime noise. Light exposure is more important. Keep your bedroom lights during the daytime and make it dark at night time. This will help with day and night confusion. Try to keep them awake after the feed and interact with your baby as much as you can. Don’t play with your baby during the night wakings.