Newborn Sleep Patterns: First 3 Months Week-by-Week Guide

Trust me, if you’re deep in the newborn phase, running on caffeine and catnaps, I get it. As a mum of three, I’ve been through the sleepless nights, the 2 AM Google searches (“Why won’t my baby sleep?”), and the desperate wish for just one uninterrupted stretch of rest. But here’s the thing: newborn sleep is a whole different world, and understanding newborn sleep patterns can make those early months a lot smoother.

With over a decade of experience in blogging, digital marketing, and content creation, I’ve built a space where motherhood meets elegance, balance, and a touch of that Soft Girl CEO Era energy—because being a mum doesn’t mean we stop prioritizing ourselves. My passion for curating home spaces, mastering family-friendly recipes, and finding the best products extends to parenting, including sleep strategies that work.

So, if you’re wondering why your little one sleeps all day but parties at night, how to establish a routine, or what’s normal (and what’s not), you’re in the right place. Let’s break down newborn sleep patterns week by week so you can confidently navigate this phase—and maybe even steal a bit more sleep for yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Newborns ideally get 14-17 hours of sleep per day, often in fragmented segments rather than long stretches.
• Wake windows for newborns can range from 35-60 minutes in the first 4 weeks to 60-90 minutes for babies 4-12 weeks old.
• Newborns may experience day-night confusion, sleeping more during the day and waking frequently at night.
• Safe sleep guidelines recommend infants sleep on their backs on a separate, firm surface without loose bedding or bumpers.
• Establishing a consistent bedtime routine as early as 8-12 weeks can help set the stage for better sleep in the future.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Needs

Why do newborns sleep so much?

Newborns sleep a lot, needing 14-17 hours a day. This is because their brains and bodies are growing fast. They go through sleep cycles that last about 40 minutes, with both active and quiet stages. This sleep is key for their growth and health.

Newborns’ clocks are still setting, so they sleep more at night than during the day. But as they get older, they start to follow a 24-hour cycle. Being around people and following a daily routine helps them adjust to day and night.

Newborns often wake up at night to eat because their tummies are small. This happens frequently in the first few months. Later, they might sleep longer at night. Knowing how newborns sleep helps parents set routines and support their babies’ growth.

Sleep Statistic	Value
Total sleep per day	14-17 hours
Sleep cycle duration	40 minutes
Night wakings for feeding	Several times
Consolidated sleep by 3-6 months	3-5 hours
Self-soothing ability develops around 4 months	✓

Newborn Sleep Patterns in the First Few Weeks

After birth, newborns usually wake up only 6-10 hours a day. Most of this time is spent feeding and getting changed. They take short naps and short wake periods of 35-60 minutes. Feeding and sleeping times change a lot each day. Many newborns mix up day and night, sleeping more in the day and waking up often at night. This is normal as they adjust.

Experts say newborns sleep about 8 to 9 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. They sleep around 16 hours a day, with half in REM sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests ways to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These include putting babies on their backs in a firm crib that meets safety standards.

The AAP also recommends breastfeeding for at least 6 months to lower SIDS risk. Never put babies to sleep on a sofa, alone or with someone else, to avoid SIDS. Also, don’t use infant seats, car seats, strollers, or carriers for sleeping or napping to prevent airway blockage or suffocation.

Creating a calming bedtime routine and setting consistent sleep times helps newborns adjust. It’s key to watch for sudden changes in sleep patterns, which could mean health issues that need a doctor’s check-up.

Where Should Your Newborn Sleep?

Ensuring your newborn’s safe sleep is crucial. The American Academy of Paediatrics suggests placing newborns on their backs in a flat, firm surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable crib. Never use bumpers or loose bedding.

It’s natural to want to cuddle your newborn during naps but always supervise them. The safest place for your newborn to sleep is in a separate, approved space. This should not be in your bed or any other unsafe spot.

• Crib, bassinet, or play yard: These are the safest options for newborn sleep.
• Parental bed: Co-sleeping with your newborn is not recommended, as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Sofa, armchair, or other soft surfaces are extremely hazardous and should be avoided for newborn sleep.

Creating a safe sleep space is key for your newborn’s health. By following these guidelines, you can help your baby sleep safely. This reduces the risk of potential dangers.

Newborn Sleep Patterns by Month

Month-by-Month Sleep Guides

As your newborn grows, their sleep patterns change. Knowing what your baby needs at each stage helps you create flexible routines. This guide will help you understand newborn sleep patterns in the first three months.

Month 1

Newborns sleep 14 to 18 hours daily, waking often for feeds. Breastfed babies may wake every 2 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies wake every 3 to 4 hours. Daytime naps can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours, with the most extended sleep stretch around 5 to 8 hours.

• Total sleep: 14-18 hours a day
• Wake windows: 35-60 minutes
• Night wakings: Every 2-3 hours for feeds
• Daytime naps: Short and frequent, lasting 20 minutes to 2 hours

Month 2

At 2 to 4 months, babies have 2 to 3 daily naps and sleep 4 to 6 hours during the day. They start their day around 6 a.m. and go to bed at 9 p.m. The longest sleep stretch is 5 to 8 hours.

• Total sleep: 13-16 hours
• Wake windows: 60-75 minutes
• Night wakings: Every 3-4 hours
• Longest sleep stretch: 4-6 hours

Month 3

By 3 months, babies sleep about 15 hours daily, 9 to 10 hours at night and 4 to 5 hours during the day. By 6 months, two-thirds of babies sleep through the night. By 9 to 12 months, they need 14 hours of sleep, 11 hours at night and 3 hours during the day.

• Total sleep: 12-15 hours
• Wake windows: 75-90 minutes
• Night wakings: 1-2 times for feeds
• Longest sleep stretch: 5-8 hours

Every baby is different, so their sleep patterns may vary. It’s essential to be flexible and listen to your child’s needs. Talk to your paediatrician if you’re worried about your newborn’s sleep.

Newborn Sleep Patterns by Week

As a new parent, you might be curious about your newborn’s sleep patterns and how they change in the first few weeks. Every baby is different, but knowing what newborns usually sleep like can help you during this time.

Newborns sleep a lot, often up to 17 hours a day. Their awake times, or wake windows, are short, lasting 35 to 60 minutes. This means your baby will be awake for only 6 to 10 hours a day, primarily for feeding and changing diapers.

As your baby gets older, their sleep habits will change. By 4 to 12 weeks, they might stay awake for 60 to 90 minutes. They’ll still sleep a lot but be more awake and active during those times.

Here’s a sample sleep schedule for newborns by week:

Week	Wake-up Time	Nap Duration	Feeding Schedule
1	Varies	20-120 minutes	Every 2-3 hours
2	Varies	20-120 minutes	Every 2-3 hours
3	Varies	20-120 minutes	Every 2-3 hours

These are just general tips, and your baby’s sleep may differ. It’s essential to listen to your baby and adjust the schedule as needed. There’s no single way to make sure your newborn sleeps well.

Newborn Feeding Schedules

A dependable feeding schedule is key for your newborn’s growth and development. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, knowing your baby’s hunger signs and feeding habits can guide you in giving them the right amount of nourishment.

Based on their hunger cues, newborns usually need to eat every 2-3 hours during the day. These cues include rooting, sucking motions, and getting fussy. Letting your newborn eat when they want can ensure they get the nutrients they need.

1. Breastfed newborns may need to nurse for 30-40 minutes per session at first. But they get better at it as they grow.
2. Formula-fed newborns might eat less often because formula takes longer to digest, keeping them fuller for longer.
3. Newborns should drink 20 to 30 ounces of breastmilk or formula a day, increasing to 25 to 35 ounces as they age.

Please pay attention to your newborn’s hunger signs and feed them quickly to ensure they get enough to eat. During growth spurts at 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, and 3 months, your newborn might want to eat a lot to meet their high energy needs.

Remember, every newborn is different, and their eating habits can change. Be flexible, listen to your baby’s needs, and talk to your paediatrician if you’re worried about your newborn’s eating schedule or growth.

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Starting a bedtime routine with your newborn is key. A simple routine like changing a nappy, putting on pyjamas, singing a lullaby, and lying the baby down awake can signal sleep time. This routine helps your baby learn healthy sleep habits as it grows.

By 8-12 weeks, babies start to understand routines. So, starting a bedtime routine early can help with sleep. The predictability of a bedtime routine helps your baby relax and get ready for sleep.

Creating a calming bedtime routine may take a few weeks for your baby to get used to. Be patient and keep it consistent. Babies love knowing what to expect. With time and effort, your bedtime routine will help your baby signal the end of the day and prepare for sleep.

How to Start a Bedtime Routine Early

Although newborns don’t follow strict schedules, introducing a bedtime routine around 6-8 weeks can help.

Try this simple newborn bedtime routine:

1. Bath or warm wipe-down to relax them.
2. Gentle massage with baby lotion.
3. Dim the lights & reduce noise to signal bedtime.
4. Feed in a quiet, dark room to prevent stimulation.
5. Lay baby down drowsy but awake to encourage self-soothing.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Newborn Phase

The newborn sleep phase is exhausting, but it’s also temporary. Your baby’s newborn sleep patterns will evolve, and soon, those unpredictable nights will become a thing of the past. Remember, you will need to look after yourself with self-care, as well as looking after your baby.

💬 Let’s chat! What’s been the biggest sleep struggle for your newborn? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experiences! And if this guide helped, don’t forget to Pin it for later! 😊