Newborn Sleep Guide: What to Expect in the First Weeks

Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming during the first weeks after birth. Babies sleep frequently, wake often, and do not yet recognise the difference between day and night. This pattern is completely normal and reflects how newborn brains and bodies develop in early life.

At Central Health London, we support families through the newborn period with clear, evidence-based guidance. Understanding what is normal can reduce anxiety and help you feel more confident as you get to know your baby.

This newborn sleep guide explains how much newborns sleep, why night waking is expected, and how to follow UK safe sleep recommendations during the early weeks.

How Much Do Newborns Sleep?

Most newborn babies sleep between 16 and 20 hours over a 24-hour period. This sleep is not consolidated into long stretches and does not follow a predictable schedule.

Typical newborn sleep patterns include:

• Short sleep cycles lasting 2 to 4 hours

• Frequent waking for feeds during both day and night

• No established routine or circadian rhythm

• Feeding every 2 to 3 hours

• Periods of light, active sleep alongside deeper sleep
  

Some newborns are particularly sleepy in the first few days after birth. Gentle stimulation such as unwrapping blankets, skin to skin contact, or changing position can help when it is time for a feed.

Variations in sleep patterns are common and do not usually indicate a problem.

Night Waking: What Is Normal for Newborns?

Frequent night waking is expected and developmentally appropriate for newborns. Most babies wake every 2 to 3 hours overnight, primarily to feed.

There are several reasons for this:

• Newborn stomachs are small and require frequent feeds

• Feeding supports healthy weight gain

• Regular feeding helps establish milk supply for breastfeeding

• Newborns have not yet developed a day and night rhythm
  

Night waking is not a sign of poor sleep habits. It is protective, biologically normal, and an important part of early development.

Understanding Day and Night Confusion

Newborns are not born with a circadian rhythm. This develops gradually over the first few months. In the early weeks, sleep occurs around the clock rather than being concentrated at night.

You can gently support day and night awareness by:

• Keeping daytime feeds and interactions light and calm

• Allowing natural light exposure during the day

• Keeping night feeds quiet, low light, and unstimulating
  

These measures support gradual adjustment without expecting a routine too early.

UK Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborns

Following safe sleep guidance reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). UK recommendations are based on extensive research and should be followed for every sleep.

Always:

• Place your baby on their back for every sleep

• Use a firm, flat mattress in a cot, crib, or Moses basket

• Keep your baby in the same room as you for the first 6 months

• Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered

• Use a sleeping bag or a lightweight blanket tucked under the arms

• Keep the room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius

• Place your baby in the feet to foot position so they cannot wriggle under covers
  

Never:

• Sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

• Bedshare if you or your partner smoke, have consumed alcohol, or take sedating medication

• Use pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, or soft toys in the sleep space

• Use wedges or sleep positioners

• Overheat your baby
  

These recommendations are based on UK safe sleep guidance and advice from the Lullaby Trust.

Room Sharing in the First Months

Room sharing is recommended for the first 6 months of life. This means your baby sleeps in their own cot or crib in your room.

Room sharing:

• Supports safer sleep

• Makes night feeds more manageable

• Helps parents respond quickly to feeding and comfort cues
  

Room sharing does not mean bedsharing. If you choose to bedshare, safer sleep guidance should always be followed carefully.

Swaddles, Sleep Sacks, and Soothing Techniques

Many parents find that swaddling or using a sleep sack helps newborns feel secure and settle more easily.

Swaddles should:

• Be lightweight and breathableFit securely without being tight

• Allow natural hip movement

• Never cover the face or head
  

Sleep sacks should:

• Be the correct size for your baby

• Have secure neck and arm openings

• Be used without additional blankets
  

Other gentle settling techniques such as white noise, rocking, or holding your baby close can also be helpful. These methods support comfort rather than creating habits at this stage.

Newborn Sleep Essentials

You do not need extensive equipment for safe newborn sleep. Some parents find the following items helpful:

• Cot, crib, or next to me sleep space

• Firm mattress with fitted sheets

• Swaddles or sleep sacks

• Baby monitor

• White noise machine

• Dim night light for feeds
  

These are optional and should always be used in line with safe sleep guidance.

When to Seek Advice About Newborn Sleep

You should seek advice from a midwife, health visitor, or paediatrician if:

• Your baby is very difficult to wake for feeds

• Breathing appears unusual or persistently noisy

• Your newborn is extremely unsettled and difficult to soothe

• You have concerns about sleep safety

• Something does not feel right
  

Trusting your instincts is important. Support is always available.

Our Paediatrics team at Central Health London can offer guidance and reassurance at any stage of early infancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Sleep

How much do newborns sleep in the first few weeks?

Newborns typically sleep between 16 and 20 hours over a 24-hour period, although this sleep is broken into short stretches rather than long blocks. Most newborns sleep for 2 to 4 hours at a time before waking to feed. This pattern reflects normal brain development and feeding needs, rather than any sleep problem or habit.

How often should a newborn wake at night?

Most newborns wake every 2 to 3 hours overnight, primarily to feed. This is expected and necessary, as newborn stomachs are small and cannot hold large volumes of milk. Night waking supports healthy weight gain and, for breastfeeding mothers, helps establish and maintain milk supply. Longer sleep stretches usually develop gradually over time.

Is it normal for newborns to have day and night confusion?

Yes. Newborns are not born with a circadian rhythm, which means they do not yet distinguish between day and night. This rhythm develops gradually over the first few months of life. In the early weeks, sleep occurs throughout the 24-hour period. Gentle exposure to daylight during the day and low stimulation overnight can support gradual adjustment.

What is considered safe sleep for a newborn?

Safe sleep means placing your baby on their back, on a firm and flat mattress, in their own sleep space such as a cot, crib, or Moses basket. The sleep space should be free from pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, and soft toys. These recommendations follow UK safe sleep guidance and significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Should my newborn sleep in the same room as me?

Yes. UK guidance recommends room sharing for the first 6 months of life. This means your baby sleeps in their own cot or crib in the same room as you. Room sharing is associated with a lower risk of SIDS and also makes night feeds and responding to your baby’s cues easier during the early months.

Is bedsharing safe with a newborn?

Bedsharing carries additional risks, particularly if parents smoke, have consumed alcohol, or take sedating medication. Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby is especially dangerous. If families choose to bedshare, it is essential to follow safer sleep guidance carefully. Many parents choose room sharing without bedsharing as the safest option.

Can I use a swaddle for my newborn?

Yes, swaddling can be soothing for some newborns when used correctly. Swaddles should be lightweight, breathable, and fitted securely without restricting hip movement. Your baby’s head and face must remain uncovered at all times. Swaddling should be stopped once your baby shows signs of rolling.

Are sleep sacks safe for newborns?

Sleep sacks can be a safe alternative to blankets when they are the correct size and used appropriately. They should fit securely around the neck and arms and be used without additional bedding. Sleep sacks help keep babies warm without the risk of loose covers moving over the face.

Why does my newborn seem very sleepy in the first few days?

Some newborns are particularly sleepy during the first few days after birth. This can be normal, especially following a long labour or assisted delivery. Gentle stimulation such as unwrapping blankets, changing position, or skin to skin contact can help rouse your baby for feeds. Persistent difficulty waking for feeds should be assessed.

Is white noise safe for newborn sleep?

White noise can be helpful for settling some newborns by mimicking sounds they heard in the womb. It should be played at a low volume and placed at a safe distance from the cot. White noise is a soothing aid rather than a sleep training tool and can be stopped at any time without causing harm.

When should I be concerned about my newborn’s sleep?

You should seek advice if your baby is very difficult to wake for feeds, appears unusually floppy or lethargic, has noisy or laboured breathing, or is persistently unsettled and difficult to soothe. You should also seek guidance if you are unsure about sleep safety or if something does not feel right. Parental instincts matter.

Does newborn sleep improve on its own?

Yes. Newborn sleep patterns change naturally as your baby grows and their nervous system matures. Over time, sleep cycles lengthen, feeding becomes more efficient, and day and night rhythms begin to develop. This process cannot be rushed and does not require sleep training in the newborn period.

Can feeding method affect newborn sleep?

Feeding method can influence sleep patterns, but frequent waking is normal regardless of whether a baby is breastfed or formula fed. Breastfed babies may wake slightly more often due to faster digestion, but both feeding methods support healthy development. Sleep expectations should remain realistic during the early weeks.

Who can I speak to if I am worried about my newborn’s sleep?

Support is available if you have concerns about newborn sleep. Midwives, health visitors, and paediatricians can all offer guidance. Our Paediatrics team at Central Health London can provide reassurance, assess feeding and sleep concerns, and support you through the early weeks of parenting.