Newborn Sleep: One of the Greatest Challenges for New Parents

Newborn sleep is one of the biggest challenges faced by new parents, especially during the first weeks and months of the baby’s life. Infant sleep differs significantly from adult sleep — not only in terms of duration but also timing. A newborn sleeps for long hours, but these are fragmented and irregular, making it difficult for parents to organize their day and get enough rest.

Dr. Manal Hamouda, a pediatrician, shares practical steps in this report to help regulate newborn sleep and address its disturbances gradually — without putting pressure on the baby's natural needs or negatively affecting their development.

How Many Hours Do Newborns Sleep?

In the first few weeks, a newborn typically needs 16 to 18 hours of sleep daily. However, this is spread out over the day and night in short naps lasting 2 to 4 hours, interrupted by feeding and diaper changes. This varies from baby to baby, and sleep patterns begin to change gradually around the sixth week.

The Nature of Newborn Sleep

• Light Sleep vs. Deep Sleep: Newborns spend over half of their sleep time in light sleep, making them prone to waking up from the slightest noise or movement.

• No Internal Clock: Babies are born without a regulated biological clock, so they can’t differentiate between day and night — they might sleep through the day and stay awake at night, exhausting their parents.

• Small Stomachs: Since their stomachs can’t hold milk for long, newborns wake every 2 to 3 hours due to hunger, especially during the first month.

Sleep Development by Age

Age	Total Sleep Hours	Naps per Day	Notes
6 weeks	16–18 hours	6–8 naps	Irregular sleep, wakes every 2 hours
6–12 weeks	15–16 hours	4–6 naps	Starts distinguishing between night & day
3–6 months	14–15 hours	3–4 naps	Longer nighttime sleep periods
6–12 months	13–14 hours	2–3 naps	Can sleep 5–6 hours straight at night

Also, consider how daily routines impact your baby’s growth and development.

Common Sleep Problems in Newborns

• Frequent night waking is normal early on and improves gradually.

• Trouble falling asleep, especially if the baby isn’t used to a consistent bedtime routine.

• Gas or colic can disturb sleep and cause sudden crying.

• Reflux or digestive cramps — common in the first 3 months — can affect sleep quality.

• Dependence on falling asleep in the mother's arms or during feeding.

• Babies may associate sleep with being held or nursed, making it hard to separate later.

When Will My Baby’s Sleep Start to Regulate?

Sleep usually starts becoming more organized between 8 to 12 weeks of age, with fewer night wakings as the body begins producing melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone.

Day-night distinction improves, but don’t expect full, uninterrupted night sleep before 6 months, even if some babies seem to sleep better than others.

6 Practical Steps to Gradually Regulate a Newborn’s Sleep:

1. Differentiate between day and night:

   • Use natural daylight during the day.

   • Don’t darken the room during daytime naps.

   • Interact and talk to your baby during the day.

   • Keep nighttime quiet, dim, and calm — no playtime.

2. Establish a consistent bedtime routine (from 6 weeks of age):

   • A warm bath and gentle massage with natural oil.

   • Soft lighting and soothing music.

   • Calm nighttime feeding.

   • A lullaby or soft song before bed.

   • Place the baby in the crib when drowsy but not fully asleep to encourage self-soothing.

3. Reduce reliance on external sleep aids:

   • Avoid rocking or carrying every time.

   • Try gentle patting or using a pacifier temporarily.

4. Gradually fix daytime and nighttime sleep times:

   • Don’t let the baby nap for too long during the day — wake them for feeding if naps exceed 3 hours.

5. Provide a safe and comfortable sleep environment:

   • A firm, flat crib mattress.

   • No pillows or toys in the crib.

   • Good ventilation and moderate room temperature.

Is It Normal for Newborns to Cry at Night?

Yes — in most cases, nighttime crying is due to hunger, discomfort, needing a diaper change, or feeling unsafe.

It’s not usually a sign of a medical issue, but you should consult a doctor if:

• Crying continues for more than 3 hours daily.

• The crying is high-pitched or accompanied by symptoms like fever or vomiting.

• There are noticeable changes in the baby’s behavior or feeding pattern.

When to See a Doctor About Sleep Issues

• If the baby always seems exhausted and sleeps less than 8 hours per day.

• If the baby frequently wakes up frightened or screaming.

• If the baby struggles to sleep even after attempts to soothe.

• If there’s loud snoring or noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep.