How Much Sleep Do Newborns Really Need?

As a neonatologist, one of the most common questions I hear from new parents is:

“How many hours should my newborn sleep?”

It usually comes from sleep-deprived moms and dads, juggling endless feeds, irregular naps, and an overwhelming amount of conflicting advice online.

The truth is, newborn sleep during the first few months is both fascinating and often misunderstood. And what I reassure parents in my clinic every day is this: yes, there is such a thing as the “ideal” amount of newborn sleep—but it may not look the way you expect.

By Dr. Maria Lucavac, Pediatrician & Neonatologist, Medcare Women & Children Hospital

The Ideal Hours of Newborn Sleep

During the first three months, most newborns need 14–17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Some may sleep a little more or a little less, and that’s still within the normal range.

But here’s the key: newborn sleep does not come in one long stretch. Instead, it’s broken up into short segments of 2–4 hours, both day and night. This is completely natural—their tiny digestive systems can’t hold enough milk to last through the night, so frequent waking ensures they get the nutrition they need.

Why Sleep Is More Than Just Rest

“When I look at a peacefully sleeping newborn,” Dr. Maria explains, “I see far more than rest. I see growth, healing, and brain development happening before my eyes.”

Brain networks: Newborns spend about half their sleep in REM (rapid eye movement), double that of adults. This is when their brains build essential neural connections, process sensory input, and prepare for learning.
Physical growth: Growth hormone is primarily released during sleep, making naps critical for bone, muscle, and tissue development.
Immunity: Sleep boosts the immune system, helping babies fight infections while their defenses are still developing.
Emotional balance: Well-rested babies are generally calmer, easier to soothe, and more engaged with their environment. Sleep-deprived babies, on the other hand, tend to be fussier and harder to settle.

Bottom line: sleep isn’t a luxury for newborns—it’s a biological necessity.

Common Myths About Newborn Sleep

Parents often hear advice that isn’t always accurate. Here are some common myths Dr. Maria debunks:

“If I keep my baby awake during the day, they’ll sleep longer at night.”
In reality, overtired babies struggle more with falling and staying asleep. Well-rested babies actually sleep better at night.
“Newborns should sleep through the night.”
Most babies won’t sleep through the night until around six months. Expecting it earlier only leads to frustration.
“You should never wake a sleeping baby.”
Generally, it’s fine to let your baby sleep—but in the early weeks, especially for preemies or babies with low birth weight, regular feeding is more important than uninterrupted sleep. Waking them every 2–3 hours ensures proper growth and hydration.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Newborn Sleep

You can’t fully control your baby’s sleep schedule, but you can create a safe and soothing environment that encourages healthy patterns:

Safety first: Always place your baby on their back, on a firm mattress, with no pillows, blankets, or toys in the crib. This lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Adequate feeding: Babies who feed regularly sleep better. Offering feeds every 2–3 hours during the day helps meet calorie needs.
Recognize sleep cues: Yawning, staring off, fussiness, or rubbing eyes are signs it’s time to sleep—don’t wait until they’re overtired.
Differentiate day and night: Keep daytime naps bright and interactive, and nighttime feeds quiet and calm. Over time, this helps babies learn the difference.
Gentle routines: Simple rituals like dimming the lights, soft music, or gentle rocking can signal that it’s bedtime.

When Sleep Patterns May Signal a Problem

Every baby is unique, but parents should consult a doctor if they notice:

Sudden changes in their baby’s sleep routine.
Unusual difficulty waking the baby for feeds or persistent lethargy.
Labored or noisy breathing during sleep.
Poor weight gain despite regular feeding.

Such signs could point to underlying medical issues that require attention.

A Word of Reassurance for Parents

Newborn sleep is often irregular, unpredictable, and yes—exhausting. Short naps, frequent wake-ups, and restless nights are not signs something is wrong; they are normal signs of adaptation to life outside the womb.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these safe sleep practices:

Always place babies on their backs.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
Share a room, but not a bed, with your baby.
Avoid soft bedding and overheating.

By around 3–4 months, most babies naturally start consolidating their sleep into longer, more regular stretches. Your role as parents isn’t to enforce a rigid schedule but to create a safe, loving environment where your baby can grow and thrive.