How much a newborn sleeps, why she wakes so often, and how to keep every sleep safe.
In short
- Newborns sleep anywhere from 8 to 18 hours.
- She wakes often because she needs feeding.
- Every sleep: on her back, in her cot.
How much she sleeps
Most newborns are asleep more than they are awake. Some sleep about 8 hours a day in total. Others sleep up to 18 hours. Both are normal.
She may sleep in short bursts or in long stretches. She is very unlikely to sleep through the night. Her tummy is tiny. She needs feeding day and night.
Being too hot or too cold can also wake her.
Why she wakes when you put her down
In the early weeks, many babies fall asleep in your arms. Then they wake in the cot. She just wants to be near you. This is very common.
If you breastfeed, she may doze off during a feed. Carry on until she has finished or is fully asleep.
Light sleep and deep sleep
In light sleep, her eyelids may flutter. She may move her face or body. She may make small fussy sounds or cry briefly. She wakes easily. If you stay quiet, she may carry on sleeping.
In deep sleep, her breathing is steady. She lies still, though she may startle or make sucking movements. Try not to wake her. Use this time to rest yourself.
Keeping every sleep safe
Put her to sleep on her back, for every sleep, day and night. Use her own cot or Moses basket. Keep it in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months.
Use a firm, flat mattress. Keep the cot clear. No pillows, duvets, bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys.
Never fall asleep with her on a sofa or in an armchair. Keep her away from smoke. Do not let her get too hot. Keep the room between 16C and 20C.
