Newborn babies typically require a lot of sleep. On average, they sleep about 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period, but this can range from 12 to 19 hours. It's normal for newborns to sleep in short bursts of 2 to 4 hours throughout the day and night. This frequent waking is necessary for their nutritional needs, as their small stomachs cannot hold much milk at one time.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

• Irregular Sleep Cycles: Newborns haven't yet developed a circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Their sleep is distributed evenly across the day and night.
• REM Sleep: Newborns spend a significant amount of their sleep time in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is essential for the extraordinary development happening in their brain.

Sleep Tips for Newborns

1. Safe Sleeping Environment: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm sleep surface, in a crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet, and without any soft bedding, pillows, toys, or crib bumpers to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
2. Recognize Sleep Cues: Learn to recognize your baby's signs of sleepiness, such as fussing, yawning, or rubbing their eyes, and put them to bed as soon as these signs appear.
3. Establish a Routine: While very young newborns might not adhere to a strict schedule, establishing a soothing bedtime routine can be helpful. This routine can include activities like bathing, gentle massage, soft music, or quiet reading.
4. Encourage Night-Day Difference: Help your baby learn the difference between day and night by keeping daytime feeds playful and bright and nighttime feeds quiet and dark.

Adjusting Expectations

• Frequent Nighttime Feedings: Be prepared for frequent awakenings during the night for feedings. This is normal and necessary for your baby's growth and development.
• Sleep Development: Over time, most babies start sleeping for longer periods at night. By around 3 to 4 months of age, some babies might sleep for a stretch of 5 to 6 hours, which is considered "sleeping through the night" at this age.

Remember, every baby is different, and there is a wide range of what's considered "normal" when it comes to sleep. It's also common for sleep patterns to change as your baby grows. If you have concerns about your baby's sleep, it's a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician.