Newborn Sleep Guide, What to Expect in the First Weeks

Q: How often do newborns wake at night?

Most newborns wake every 2 to 3 hours overnight to feed. Frequent night waking is normal while their stomachs are small and their feeding pattern is still developing.

Q: What is safe sleep for newborns?

Safe sleep means placing your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress in their own cot or crib, keeping their head uncovered, avoiding pillows and soft bedding, and keeping the room around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. Following UK safer sleep guidance helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

Q: Can I use a swaddle or sleep sack for my newborn?

You can use a swaddle or sleep sack as long as it is the correct size, used safely and keeps your baby’s face uncovered. Swaddles should allow hip movement, and sleep sacks should be age appropriate and well fitted around the neck and arm openings.

Dr Michael Wacks
Nov 20
3 min read

Updated: Nov 24

Newborn sleeping safely on their back in a cot following UK safe sleep guidelines

Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable in the first weeks. Babies wake frequently, nap often and do not yet have a day and night rhythm. This is completely normal. At Central Health London, we want to help you understand what to expect so you can feel more confident during this early stage.

This newborn sleep guide covers how much newborns sleep, night feed expectations and the UK safe sleep recommendations.

How Much Newborns Sleep

Most newborns sleep around 16 to 20 hours per day, broken into short stretches.

Typical newborn sleep looks like:

Short sleep cycles of 2 to 4 hours
Frequent night waking
No set routine or schedule
Feeding every 2 to 3 hours
Light and active sleep phases

Some babies are very sleepy in the first few days. Gentle stimulation, unwrapping or skin to skin can help when it is time for a feed.

Night Waking, What Is Normal

Frequent night waking is expected for newborns. Most newborns wake every 2 to 3 hours overnight for feeds. Feeding patterns are not yet established. Newborn stomachs are small, so they cannot go long stretches. Night feeds support healthy weight gain and milk supply if breastfeeding.

Night waking is normal, protective and part of typical development.

UK Safe Sleep Guidelines

Following safe sleep recommendations helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

Always:

Place your baby on their back for every sleep.
Use a firm, flat mattress in a cot, crib or Moses basket.
Keep baby in your room for the first 6 months.
Keep baby’s head and face uncovered.
Use a sleeping bag or a lightweight blanket tucked under the arms.Keep room temperature around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius
Place baby in the "feet to foot” position (feet at the bottom of the cot) so they can’t wriggle under covers

Never:

Sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
Bedshare if you or your partner smoke, drink alcohol or take sedating medication.Use pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys in the sleep space.
Use wedges or sleep positioners.
Overheat your baby.

These guidelines come from UK safe sleep recommendations and the Lullaby Trust.

Room Sharing

Room sharing is recommended for the first 6 months.

This means your baby sleeps in their own crib or cot in your room.It does not mean bedsharing. If you choose to bedshare, safer sleep guidance should always be followed.

Room sharing helps with night feeds, settling and monitoring your baby’s sleep cues.

Swaddles, Sleep Sacks and Soothing

Many parents find that swaddles or sleep sacks help settle newborns.

Swaddles should:

Be lightweight
Be well fitted
Allow hip movement
Never cover the face

Sleep sacks should:

Be size appropriate
Have safe neck and arm openings
Be used without blankets
White noise and gentle rocking can also support settling.

Newborn Sleep Essentials

You may find the following helpful:

Cot, crib or next to me
Firm mattress and fitted sheets
Swaddles or sleep sacks
Baby monitor
White noise machine
Dim night light

These are optional but often make night feeds and settling easier.

When to Seek Advice

Speak to a midwife, health visitor or paediatrician if:

Your baby is very difficult to wake for feeds
Breathing seems unusual or noisy
Your newborn is very unsettled and difficult to soothe
You have concerns about sleep safety
Something does not feel right

Our paediatric team at Central Health London can offer guidance at any stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do newborns sleep?

Newborns sleep around 16 to 20 hours a day, usually in short stretches of 2 to 4 hours. They do not yet have a day and night rhythm, so sleep happens throughout the 24 hour period.

How often do newborns wake at night?

Most newborns wake every 2 to 3 hours overnight to feed. This is normal while their stomachs are small and feeding patterns are still developing.

What is safe sleep for newborns?

Safe sleep means placing your baby on their back, on a firm, flat mattress in their own sleep space, keeping their head uncovered and avoiding pillows or soft bedding. This follows UK safe sleep guidelines.

Should newborns sleep in my room?

Yes. UK guidance recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents, in their own cot or crib, for the first 6 months.

Can I use a swaddle or sleep sack for my newborn?

Yes, as long as it is the correct size, used safely and keeps your baby’s face uncovered. Swaddles should allow hip movement, and sleep sacks should be age appropriate.