Newborn Baby’s Sleep Schedule: The First Year
Having a newborn baby is an exciting time for any family, but it can also be overwhelming. Along with the joy of welcoming your new bundle of joy into the world comes the responsibility of caring for them, including establishing a regular sleep schedule. For the first year of your newborn baby’s life, there will be several important milestones that you’ll need to keep in mind when it comes to their sleep schedule. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what you can expect as far as your baby’s sleep patterns in the first year.
Why Newborns Sleep So Much
Newborns require a lot of rest and naps to grow and develop. During the first few months of life, babies spend most of their time sleeping. This is because a newborn’s brain is still developing and it needs plenty of rest for this process. Babies also need a lot of sleep to grow and build their immune systems. During this time, parents need to allow their newborns plenty of time to sleep and rest throughout the day.
How Much Should My Newborn Be Sleeping?
Newborns need a lot of sleep! A newborn will usually sleep for about 16-17 hours each day, broken up into short naps throughout the day and night. Most newborns take 2-3 naps during the day, usually lasting from 30 minutes to an hour. At night, newborns usually sleep for longer stretches, sometimes up to 8 hours at a time. It is important to note that all babies are different and their sleep needs may vary.
It is important to establish a consistent sleep routine early on with your newborn so that they can learn when it is time to sleep. Creating a calming nighttime routine and setting up a comfortable sleeping environment can help encourage your baby to sleep. If your baby is having difficulty settling or staying asleep, talk to your pediatrician for tips on how to help them get the rest they need.