Babies have short sleep cycles. They need to feed often, so they wake often.
Remember to respond to the baby, especially when they are crying. As they grow, their sleep cycles get longer.
Babies also need to have a safe place to sleep. Each baby has a unique sleep profile and gradually, parents get to know their baby’s sleep patterns.
Newborn babies:
- Newborns will sleep on and off throughout the day and night.
- They have an active and quiet sleep.
- Newborns will move through active and quiet sleep cycles that typically last about 30 to 50 minutes.
- Newborns sleep a lot in the early weeks after birth. The average newborn needs about 16 to 17 hours of sleep.
Babies 3-6 months old:
- By 3 months, the baby will start to develop daytime and nighttime sleeping patterns.
- They will usually sleep more at night and still have two to three naps during the day that may last up to 2 hours.
- By 4-6 weeks of age, newborns need 14-16 hours of sleep each day.
Babies six to 12 months old:
- At 6 months, most babies are sleeping through the night.
- These babies should still have one to two naps during the day that may last between 1-2 hours.
- By 8 weeks of age, some (although not all) babies will start to sleep for shorter periods during the day and slightly longer periods at night (although babies will still wake multiple times each night for feedings).
Toddlers:
- Toddlers need about 12-13 hours of sleep every day, including naps and nighttime.
- They should have one to two hours of naps during the day.
Preschoolers:
- Preschool children need about 11-13 hours of sleep.
- Some preschoolers will still have a nap every day that may last between 1-2 hours.
Children 5-11 years old:
- Children between the ages of 5-8 years old need about 10-11 hours of sleep every night, whereas 9-11 years old children need 9-11 hours of sleep per night.
- Usually, after the age of 5, a child will no longer need a daytime nap.
Teenagers:
- Children who are entering puberty typically need about 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
- At this age, the child may want to go to bed later and wake up later.
- It’s important to ensure they are getting the full amount of sleep their bodies need.
Why are newborn babies' sleep patterns unpredictable?
Unpredictable sleep patterns are also due to nutritional needs. It is normal for babies to have irregular sleep patterns from birth to 3 months of age.
- Newborns haven't yet developed their circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). A circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour clock that cycles at regular times between sleepiness and alertness.
- A baby may need to eat every 2-3 hours in the first month and every 3-4 hours in the second month.
- As they get older, they won't need to be fed at night as often.
- Fortunately, these unpredictable patterns don't last long though it may seem like an eternity when parents are sleep deprived. Some babies consistently sleep for longer stretches by 3-4 months of age. Others don't until they are older.
Understanding the sleep cycles of infants can help parents cope with the first few months with the new baby. It’s important to realize that their sleeping patterns are quite different from adults'.
A newborn needs a lot more sleep than adults, and babies tend to sleep for the same amount of time during the day and night. As they grow, this changes. Babies stay awake for longer periods and their day sleep becomes quite different from their nighttime sleep.
QUESTION
Newborn babies don't sleep very much. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 6/16/2022
References
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Newborn-Sleep Patterns. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/newborn-sleep-patterns
Community Paediatric Review. Sleep. 2011; 19(2). https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ccch/CPR_Vol_19_No_2_Sleep_final_web.pdf
Community Paediatric Review. Sleep. 2011; 19(2). https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/ccch/CPR_Vol_19_No_2_Sleep_final_web.pdf
Complete List
Top How Long Are Baby Sleep Cycles at Night? Related Articles
Babies Quiz
Take the Babies Quiz to learn what milestones and developments you can expect from your baby’s first year.
Baby's 1st Yr Slideshow
What developmental milestones can you expect to see during baby's first year? Find out when babies learn to smile, laugh, crawl, and talk.
Breastfeeding (and Formula Feeding)
It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
10 Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Toddlers
Watch this slideshow to see common symptoms and home treatment for infant and childhood illnesses including fever, nausea, constipation and more.
How Can I Help My 5-Month-Old Baby’s Development?
Babies at 5 months of age are developing rapidly. Parents can help their 5-month-old baby's development by talking and reading to their baby. Teaching, cuddling, and entertaining your baby are important, too.
How Do I Get My Baby to Sleep Longer at Night?
It's never too early to create a bedtime routine for your baby. Some of the things to include in your sleep routine include soothing activities, calming, shushing, and swaddling if your baby enjoys it.How Do I Know if My Baby Is Developing Normally?
The development of your child begins right after birth. What are the signs that your child is developing normally? Learn how to spot when something is wrong.How Many Hours Should Kids Sleep (By Age Group)?
Sleep needs vary from child to child, and not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Sleep guidelines by age can help ensure your child gets the proper amount of sleep to avoid health problems related to not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.
Is It Bad to Feed Baby Food at 4 Months?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your child is at least 6 months old to introduce solid foods into their diet. Some doctors and organizations still recommend starting your child on solids between 4-6 months of age.
New Parents Mistakes
Parenting a child isn't easy. Explore the top 10 mistakes that new parents make. Discover newborn parenting tips for breastfeeding, learn to deal with crying babies, child's fevers, and more.
Sleep Cycle: What Happens When You Sleep?
Sleep is a mystery to many of us, but scientists know quite a bit about how it affects us. Here's what happens to your body when you fall asleep.
What Are the 3 Types of Baby Cries?
Babies cry to tell you their needs. They usually cry for 2-3 hours a day. Sometimes, a bawling baby can be distressing to the anxious parents. Babies may wail for no obvious reason.
What Does a 2-Month-Old Baby Do?
After 2 months of age, your baby moves past the newborn stage and they experience many changes. A 2-month-old baby experiences advances in motor skills, eating, sleeping, communication, and in their senses.
What Should 7-Month-Old Babies Be Doing?
Seven-month-old babies are more familiar with primary caregivers and learn to trust people who can fulfill their needs. At 7 months old, your baby can roll over and sit, move objects from hand to hand, babble, creep, and many other things.
What Should a 10-Month-Old Baby Be Doing?
A 10-month-old baby is highly active. At 10 months old, your baby should crawl up steps, hold your hand, climb onto chairs, understand simple sentences, show interest in conversations, imitate people, and do many other things.