Newborns need a lot of sleep – about 14 to 18 hours a day. It's normal for newborns to sleep almost constantly in the early weeks, waking only long enough to eat and then fall back asleep. All that rest plays a critical role in their rapid growth and development.
Newborns sleep a lot, but it's essential to ensure they're not sleeping too much or too little. Here are some guidelines:
Newborns (0-3 weeks): 16-20 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period
Infants (3-6 weeks): 15-18 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period
If your newborn is sleeping more than 20 hours a day or less than 12 hours, consult your pediatrician.
Consider the following:
Is your baby:
Feeding well and gaining weight?
Responsive and alert during awake times?
Having regular wet diapers (6-8 per day) and bowel movements (1-2 per day)?
Is their sleep pattern consistent, or are they:
Sleeping excessively during the day and waking up frequently at night?
Having trouble waking up for feedings or showing signs of hunger?
If you have concerns, consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues, such as:
Infection
Jaundice
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Sleep disorders
Can babies sleep too much?
It's normal for newborns to sleep almost constantly, waking only long enough to eat before they start snoozing again. By about a month old, your baby may start spending more time awake, quietly taking in the world around them.
How long your baby can stay awake before they need to sleep again depends on many factors, including their temperament and the duration of their last nap. This is often referred to as their wake window, and it grows as they get older. Newborns can only stay awake for about an hour to an hour and a half before needing to nap again.
Some babies may be such intense sleepers that they don't wake to eat as often as they need to. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking newborns to eat every two to three hours during the day and every four hours at night until they've regained their birth weight.
Remember, every baby is unique, and sleep patterns can vary. If you're ever in doubt, it's always best to consult your pediatrician.
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