Newborn sleep is often a source of many questions for parents. How many hours should a baby sleep? Why does he wake up so often? How can you ensure a safe sleep environment?
Infant sleep is very different from adult sleep. During the first few weeks of life, babies frequently alternate between awake and sleep phases, and their biological rhythm is not yet structured.
The recommendations of major health authorities — such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Santé publique France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the British NHS, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — converge on several essential rules to promote safe sleep for infants.
However, some details may vary slightly depending on the country or health authorities. If you have any doubts about your baby's sleep, it is always best to seek the advice of a pediatrician, doctor, or midwife.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:
- how much a newborn typically sleeps
- why night wakings are frequent
- how to secure the sleep environment
- best practices recognized by health authorities
- how to help your baby gradually find a rhythm
- when to seek the advice of a healthcare professional
How many hours does a newborn sleep?
Newborns sleep a lot, but their sleep is very irregular.
According to international recommendations on infant sleep, a baby under three months old sleeps on average between 14 and 17 hours over a 24-hour period.
However, this duration is an average. Some infants may sleep a little more or a little less depending on their development and needs.
During the first few weeks:
- sleep is spread over several periods during the day and night
- sleep cycles are shorter than in adults
- the day-night rhythm is not yet well established.
It is therefore completely normal for a newborn to wake up several times during the night.
Why do newborns wake up frequently?
Frequent awakenings are part of normal infant development.
Several reasons can explain these awakenings:
Feeding needs
Newborns have very small stomachs and need to be fed regularly. They may therefore wake up every two to four hours to eat.
Development of biological rhythm
The circadian rhythm — which distinguishes day and night — takes several weeks to establish itself.
Comfort needs
A baby may wake up because he has:
- a wet diaper
- too hot or too cold
- needs to be reassured
- an uncomfortable position.
These awakenings are generally normal and are part of the baby's adaptation to their new environment.
How to put a newborn to sleep safely?
Sleep safety is an essential point for infants.
The recommendations of French and international health authorities converge on several fundamental principles aimed at reducing the risk of unexpected infant death
(formerly called sudden infant death syndrome).
The main recommendations are:
- put the baby on their back to sleep
- use a firm, flat mattress
- have the baby sleep in an appropriate bed
- avoid soft objects in the bed (pillow, duvet, stuffed animal, bumper pad, or cushion).
These recommendations are now widely recognized in many countries.
Should the baby sleep in the parents' room?
Many international recommendations advise that the baby sleep in the same room as their parents during the first months of life, generally up to about six months.
This arrangement has several advantages:
- it facilitates night feedings
- it makes it easier to monitor the baby
- it can help improve sleep safety.
However, most recommendations specify that the baby should sleep in their own sleeping space, such as a bassinet or crib.
Some countries approach the issue of co-sleeping differently. Official recommendations, however, remain cautious and generally prefer a separate bed in the parents' room.
What temperature for the baby's room?
Room temperature can influence comfort and sleep safety.
In France, public health recommendations generally suggest a temperature between 18 and 20 °C (64.4 and 68 °F).
Too high a temperature can be uncomfortable for the baby.
To avoid overheating:
- use a sleeping bag adapted to the season
- avoid layering too many clothes
- maintain a stable temperature in the room.
How to help a newborn fall asleep?
Even if newborns do not yet have a stable rhythm, certain habits can promote sleep.
For example:
- create a calm environment
- gradually dim the lights in the evening
- establish a gentle routine before bedtime
- respond to the baby's needs when he wakes up.
Certain simple routines, such as a warm bath, a lullaby, or a quiet moment, can help some babies relax before sleep.
However, every baby is different, and it may take time to find what works best.
How to recognize signs of fatigue in a baby?
Newborns often show signs when they start to get tired.
For example:
- the baby rubs his eyes
- he turns away
- he becomes more agitated or cries
- he yawns.
Observing these signs can help parents put their baby to bed before he becomes too tired.
When to consult a healthcare professional?
In the majority of cases, variations in infant sleep are normal.
However, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional if:
- the baby seems to have breathing difficulties during sleep
- he sleeps very little and seems constantly uncomfortable
- the parents are very worried or exhausted
- unusual behavior appears.
A pediatrician, doctor, or midwife can check that the baby's development is normal and offer appropriate advice.
FAQ – Newborn Sleep
How many hours does a newborn sleep?
On average, an infant under three months old sleeps between 14 and 17 hours a day, but this duration can vary depending on the baby.
Should you always put your baby on their back?
Yes. The back position is generally the recommended position for infant sleep.
Can you put a blanket or pillow in the bed?
Safety recommendations generally advise against soft objects in the baby's bed.
Can the baby sleep in the parents' bed?
Safety recommendations generally prioritize a separate bed in the parents' room.
Sources and medical recommendations
The information presented in this article is based on the recommendations of several recognized health organizations:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS)
- Santé publique France
- Assurance Maladie (Ameli)
- NHS (United Kingdom)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
These organizations regularly publish recommendations aimed at improving the safety and health of infants.
Important note
The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
Recommendations regarding infant sleep may vary slightly depending on the country and health authorities. In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor, pediatrician, or midwife.
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