Baby Sleeping Too Much: What Is Normal and How to Help

how much do newborns sleep

Newborns Sleep A Lot

Newborns sleep a lot, typically around 16 to 18 hours per day. However, they don’t yet have established sleep patterns and may wake frequently throughout the day and night. It’s not uncommon for newborns to wake up every couple of hours to eat.

As your baby grows, he or she will start to sleep for longer stretches at a time. By 3 months old, most babies can sleep for 5-6 hours at a time. By 6 months old, most babies can sleep for 6-8 hours at a time.

It’s important to establish a bedtime routine for your baby. A bedtime routine may include a bath, reading a book, and singing a lullaby. This will help your baby to know that it’s time to go to sleep.

It’s also important to keep your baby’s sleeping environment safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If your baby is crying, it may be difficult to know what to do. Sometimes, babies just need to be held and rocked to sleep. Other times, they may need a pacifier or a little bit of formula. If you’re unsure, you can always consult with your baby’s pediatrician.

But They Wake Up A Lot, Too

It’s true that newborns sleep a lot, but they also wake up a lot. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a newborn to wake up every two to three hours to eat.

That said, there are some things you can do to help your baby (and you) get some more sleep. For example, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep.

Also, try to put your baby down to sleep when he or she is drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on his or her own, which can be a big help when it’s time for you to get some rest.

Finally, keep in mind that your baby’s sleep patterns will change as he or she grows. So, don’t get too frustrated if your baby isn’t sleeping through the night just yet. In the meantime, take advantage of those naps when you can!

Why Newborns Sleep So Much

It’s no secret that babies sleep a lot. In fact, newborns sleep an average of 16 hours a day! But why do they sleep so much?

There are a few reasons for this. First, babies have very small stomachs, so they need to eat often. This means that they spend a lot of time sleeping in between feedings.

Second, babies are growing rapidly and need a lot of rest in order to grow properly.

Third, babies are still adjusting to the world outside the womb and need plenty of sleep to help them cope with all the new stimuli they’re experiencing.

Fourth, crying is very tiring for babies. They use up a lot of energy when they cry, so they need to sleep in order to recharge their batteries.

Finally, sleep is essential for brain development. Babies’ brains are growing and developing rapidly, and sleep is critical for this process.

So there you have it! There are a number of reasons why newborns sleep so much. But one thing is for sure: it’s all perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep

One of the best things parents can do to help their newborn sleep is create a bedtime routine and stick to it as closely as possible. This means consistently putting the baby to bed at the same time each night. A bedtime routine might include a bath, some gentle rocking, a few minutes of reading, and then singing a lullaby.

Another helpful tip is to keep the bedroom dark and quiet. You might want to invest in a white noise machine to help your baby sleep more soundly.

It’s also important to know your baby’s sleep patterns. Newborns typically sleep for 16 hours a day, but they’re not always sleeping through the night. It’s common for newborns to wake up every few hours to eat.

If your baby is crying, it might be because they’re hungry or wet. But it could also be that they’re overtired. Babies can get overtired just like adults, and it can be tough for them to fall asleep when they’re feeling that way. Try to put your baby to bed before they reach that point.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Parenting is tough, and it’s okay to need a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask your partner, a friend, or a family member to take over for a few hours so you can get some rest.