How many hours does a newborn sleep, and what is their rhythm?
A newborn may sleep up to 18 hours a day, often in 3- to 4-hour stretches. Their rhythm is irregular, and waking to feed at night is normal in the early weeks.
The short answer
A newborn may sleep up to 18 hours a day, often in stretches of 3 to 4 hours at a time. These figures are a general guide, not a schedule to meet. Some babies sleep more, others less, and their sleep and awake periods are not yet well established. Waking at night to feed is normal. (Canadian Paediatric Society)
At first, the most important thing is to follow your baby’s needs and the guidance of the care team supporting you, especially about feeding. Quebec’s Mieux vivre avec notre enfant guide notes that patterns vary from one baby to another and from day to day. It does not set one universal number of sleep hours for every newborn. (Quebec’s Mieux vivre guide, in French)
How many hours does a newborn sleep?
The Canadian Paediatric Society says newborns may sleep up to 18 hours in a 24-hour period, in stretches of 3 to 4 hours. This is general information: it does not mean every baby will sleep for exactly that many hours or in regular blocks. Sleep may be spread across several periods, with feeds, diaper changes and awake time in between. (Canadian Paediatric Society)
Be cautious with sleep charts that seem to set a precise target for every baby. For example, the often-quoted recommendation of 12 to 16 hours a day applies to infants aged 4 to 12 months, not newborns younger than 4 months. It should not be used as a standard for judging the sleep of a brand-new baby. (Canadian Paediatric Society)
If your baby’s total sleep seems very different from what you expected, write down what you notice rather than comparing them with a single average. A number on its own cannot tell you whether your baby is feeding enough or is healthy. If you are unsure, call Info-Santé 811 or speak with your CLSC nurse, midwife or the doctor who follows your baby.
Why does their rhythm seem reversed or unpredictable?
At birth, your baby does not yet follow a set day-and-night schedule. They may wake almost only to feed; another newborn may stay awake for longer from the first few days. Awake periods lengthen over time, but the rhythm varies with each child’s needs and temperament. (Quebec’s Mieux vivre guide, in French)
Sleep also has different stages: drowsiness, quiet sleep and active sleep. During active sleep, your baby may move, make faces, smile, startle, grunt or make sucking movements. They may even cry or breathe more loudly. These behaviours can be surprising, but the Mieux vivre guide describes them as part of active sleep. You do not need to wake your baby simply to soothe them when they move or make noise. (Quebec’s Mieux vivre guide, in French)
Over the weeks, you will learn to recognize your baby’s cues for being awake, hungry or tired. During the day, you can let in natural light and carry on with everyday activities. At night, keeping interactions calm and the lighting low may help your baby gradually associate nighttime with rest. This does not guarantee longer stretches of sleep: your baby’s rhythm develops at their own pace.
Waking to feed is part of the rhythm
Newborns wake frequently to feed. In the first few days, your baby may want to feed whenever they wake, and the timing of feeds and sleep can vary from one time to the next. Quebec’s guide notes that some sleepy babies may not wake to feed and may need to be roused, depending on their situation and the advice from their care team. (Quebec’s Mieux vivre guide on feeding schedules, in French)
There is no need to try to space out feeds by keeping your baby awake, or to follow a rigid schedule you found online. Follow the instructions you received at birth and during follow-up care. If you are wondering whether your baby is feeding enough or whether you should wake them to feed, contact your midwife, CLSC nurse or a health-care professional who knows your baby’s situation. The Mieux vivre guide also offers information about feeding schedules.
Safe sleep, every time
Even when your baby’s rhythm changes from one nap to the next, safe-sleep practices stay the same. Health Canada recommends placing your baby on their back, alone, in a suitable crib, cradle or bassinet, on a firm, flat surface. Keep the sleep space empty: no pillow, blanket, stuffed toy, cushion or nest. These recommendations apply to naps and nighttime sleep. (Health Canada’s safe-sleep advice)
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing or bouncer, Health Canada advises against using these products as a sleep space. As soon as you can, move your baby to a safe sleep space. Read the detailed recommendations for safe sleep every time.
Was your baby born prematurely, are they very difficult to wake for feeds, or are you worried about their sleep or feeding? Needs and instructions can vary from one baby to another, so ask the care team supporting your baby or call Info-Santé 811. In an emergency, call 911. For questions about medication, speak with a pharmacist.
What to remember
- A newborn may sleep up to 18 hours a day, often in stretches of 3 to 4 hours; these are general guides, not an individual target.
- Waking to feed and having an irregular rhythm are common at first.
- Movements and noises can be part of active sleep.
- Follow the feeding guidance for your baby and always put them down in a safe sleep space.
- If you have a health concern, call Info-Santé 811; in an emergency, call 911.
Newborn sleep develops gradually. You do not need to create a perfect schedule. Observing your baby, responding to their needs and asking for support when questions come up are good ways to navigate those early weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my newborn to wake often at night?
Yes. Waking to feed at night is normal for newborns. Sleep often comes in short stretches, both day and night.
Should I wake my baby when they move or make noises in their sleep?
Movement and sounds can be part of active sleep. The Mieux vivre guide says you do not need to wake your baby just to soothe them, though they may need to be roused to feed.
When does a baby’s sleep become more predictable?
Sleep patterns develop gradually and vary from baby to baby. The Canadian Paediatric Society says they tend to become more predictable a little after 3 months.
Who should I talk to if I’m concerned about sleep or feeding?
For a health concern in Quebec, call Info-Santé 811. In an emergency, call 911. Ask a pharmacist about medication questions.
This article is for information; it does not replace advice from a health professional. In Québec, call Info-Santé 811 when in doubt (elsewhere in Canada, your provincial health line). In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Healthy sleep for your baby and child, Société canadienne de pédiatrie — Soins de nos enfants
- Conseils pour un sommeil sécuritaire (in French), Santé Canada