Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyful experience—but it often comes with sleepless nights and lots of questions. One of the most common concerns parents share is: “Is my baby sleeping normally?” Let’s walk through what to expect from your newborn’s sleep patterns during those first six months.

The First Few Weeks (0–6 Weeks)

In the early days, newborns sleep 14–17 hours a day, but not all at once. Their sleep is spread out in short stretches—usually 2 to 4 hours—because their tiny tummies need frequent feeding. It’s completely normal for sleep to be irregular at this stage.

Tips:

• Follow your baby’s cues for sleepiness—yawning, fussiness, or staring off.

• Keep nighttime feedings calm and quiet to help them learn the difference between day and night.

6 to 12 Weeks

By this stage, babies may start sleeping longer stretches at night—up to 5 or 6 hours. Daytime naps are still frequent, and total sleep time remains around 14–16 hours.

Tips:

• Begin a gentle bedtime routine: a warm bath, soft music, or a short book.

• Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake to encourage self-soothing.

3 to 6 Months

Many babies begin to settle into a more predictable sleep pattern. Some may sleep 6–8 hours at night, though night wakings are still common. Naps usually occur 3–4 times a day.

Tips:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

• Avoid overstimulation before bedtime.

• If sleep regressions occur (often around 4 months), stay consistent with routines.

When to Reach Out

If your baby:

• Consistently sleeps less than 11 hours in 24 hours,

• Has difficulty falling or staying asleep despite routines,

• Seems excessively fussy or overtired,

…it may be time to check in with your pediatrician.

At YouBelong Pediatrics, we’re here to support you through every sleepy milestone.
Schedule an appointment today if you have questions about your baby’s sleep—or anything else on your mind.