Understanding normal newborn sleep is one of the biggest challenges for new parents. The truth is, the way human babies rest and recharge looks very different from adults, and the expectations in many modern societies don’t always match what is biologically normal.

During the newborn stage, babies typically get around 16–18 hours of sleep per day, although not in long stretches. Instead, it comes in short bursts—often just 30 to 50 minutes—because their tiny stomachs need frequent filling. This makes perfect sense when you consider how often a newborn baby needs to feed, ensuring they get plenty of breast milk and helping you establish an abundant milk supply. Rather than seeing this as a problem, it can be reassuring to remember that this pattern is nature’s way of keeping your baby fed, growing, and close by you for safety.

Newborns also spend a significant amount of time in REM (rapid eye movement) phase, which is crucial for their brain development. While adults enjoy longer periods of deep sleep, your little one moves through lighter stages more frequently, leading to shorter nighttime sleep cycles. The idea of a “good baby” who sleeps long hours without waking is a cultural expectation, not a biological one. In fact, frequent waking, nighttime feeding, and changing sleep patterns are completely normal throughout the first year of life.

Common Newborn Sleep Concerns

Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex)

Many infants startle themselves awake due to this reflex, especially in the early months.

  • Tips:
    • Holding your baby skin-to-skin not only supports infant feeding, but also comforts and encourages longer, more restful sleep. 
    • Swaddling your baby can provide additional comfort and reduce startling when your baby is not in your arms.
    • Gradually transition out of regular swaddling as your baby grows, stopping once they show signs of trying to roll over.

Frequent Night Wakings

It’s perfectly normal for babies to wake frequently—day and night—for feedings, comfort, or a quick diaper change. Most breastfed babies won't sleep through the night (a stretch of six or more hours) until at least 6-12 months of age, sometimes longer. 

  • Tips:

    • Establish a consistent bedtime routine including bathing, rocking, and breastfeeding to support sleep quality.

    • Keep them close, so you can respond quickly to the baby's needs at night.

    • Keep nighttime feedings calm and quiet; dim the lights so everyone can go back to bed quickly.

    • Swaddling can also provide comfort and reduce startling at night. 

Day-Night Confusion

Newborns may mix up their days and nights in the first weeks, being more alert at night and sleeping more during the day.

  • Tips:

    • Expose your baby to natural light during the day to help regulate their circadian rhythm.

    • Keep nighttime interactions dim and calm.

    • Remember, this phase is temporary and will improve with time.

    • In the meantime, to minimize sleep deprivation, family members should make napping a priority and rest whenever they can.

Short (Cat) Naps

Naps of 30–60 minutes are common in young babies and are part of normal newborn sleep development.

  • Tips:
    • Encourage longer naps by creating a dark, quiet, and comfortable environment.
    • Watch for signs of sleep readiness and put your baby down before they're overtired.
    • Try babywearing—the gentle rhythm of your movements can help your baby drift off, and once they're in a deeper phase, you can gently transition them into their bassinet or crib.

Sleep Regressions in the First Year

In the first year, many babies experience regressions around 4 months and again around 8 months, leading to more night wakings or difficulty settling at nap and bedtime.

  • Tips:
    • Be patient; regressions are usually temporary. 
    • They often happen during developmental stages when babies are busy growing physically, mentally, and socially.
    • Keep routines consistent and comforting.
    • Sometimes babies begin waking out of hunger, because they are distracted during daytime feedings or if mom’s milk supply has decreased. 
    • A Lactation Consultant can help you navigate these challenges and provide invaluable support in meeting your breastfeeding goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

Room Sharing

  • Guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
    • Use a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
    • Keep loose bedding, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, and other soft items out of the crib or bassinet. 
    • Room sharing is recommended for the first 6-12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
    • Stop swaddling once your baby attempts to rollover, usually by 2 months of age.
    • A sleep sack is a safe alternative for warmth.
    • Consider using a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper for convenience and safety.
    • Sleep training is not recommended for the first year, when infants are at highest risk.

Safe Bedsharing

For some families, bedsharing can make nighttime breastfeeding easier and help everyone get enough sleep. When done safely, this arrangement supports your baby’s natural feeding patterns and helps establish a strong breastfeeding relationship.

As your baby grows, their patterns will shift. Around 6 months, your little one may begin to enjoy longer stretches at night and fewer—but often longer—naps during the day. Just when you think you’ve got their routine figured out, a growth spurt or developmental leap may bring new changes. This is all part of healthy growth and development. Understanding these shifts can help you respond with patience and confidence, while gently encouraging your baby’s natural rhythms.

For parents, it’s essential to remember that what babies do in the first year of life is not a problem—it’s normal. Guidance from health professionals and experts can help families reframe expectations and provide reassurance that biologically normal newborn sleep—while often exhausting—is both protective and healthy.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.