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Bringing a newborn home is one of the most exciting—and exhausting—moments in a parent’s life. Amidst the cuddles, coos, and diaper changes, there’s one thing every new parent asks: “Why isn’t my newborn sleeping?” You’re not alone if you find yourself pacing the hallway at 2 a.m. or googling sleep tips while rocking a fussy baby.
Newborn babies sleep is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. It’s unpredictable, fragmented, and sometimes frustrating. But understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you navigate these early weeks with more confidence—and more rest.
In the first few weeks, newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours in 24 hours. However, they don’t sleep all at once. Their sleep comes in short bursts of 2 to 4 hours, both day and night, mainly because they need to eat frequently (breastfeed or bottle feed). This pattern is biologically regular. Their tiny stomachs can’t hold much, and they wake often for nourishment.
– Short Sleep Cycles: Unlike adults who enjoy long, deep sleep, babies experience more light (REM) sleep. This allows them to wake easily for feeding and comfort.
– Day-Night Confusion: Many newborns mix up their days and nights. You might notice your baby sleeps longer during the day and becomes more alert at night.
– Grunting, Twitching, and Moving: Babies are active sleepers. What may look like discomfort could be normal REM activity.
– Frequent Waking: Every 2 to 3 hours is expected in the first few weeks.
Let’s break down some common challenges and what might be behind them:
1. Overtiredness: Believe it or not, missing sleep can make it harder for babies to fall asleep. An overtired baby may cry excessively, struggle to settle, and resist sleep.
2. Hunger: Frequent feeding is expected. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, they may wake more often.
3. Uncomfortable Sleep Environment: Noise, light, temperature, and overstimulation can all disrupt your baby’s sleep.
4. Day-Night Reversal: Newborns have yet to develop their circadian rhythm and understand the difference between night and day.
5. Gas or Discomfort: Digestive issues or needing to burp can disturb sleep.
While it’s normal for babies to wake often and have inconsistent sleep, there are signs to watch out for that may indicate a deeper issue:
– Sleeping less than 11 hours total in a 24-hour period
– Excessive irritability despite being fed and changed
– Weak sucking, poor weight gain, or feeding difficulties
– Breathing irregularities during sleep
In these cases, always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health nurse.
Establishing healthy sleep habits early can support better rest for your baby and yourself. Here are some evidence-based tips:
– Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine: A warm bath, a gentle lullaby, and dim lights can help signal sleep time.
– Differentiate Night from Day: Keep daytime feeds engaging and bright, and nighttime calm and quiet.
– Swaddle Your Baby: Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and minimise the startle reflex.
– White Noise: A white noise machine can mimic the sounds of the womb and block out household noise.
– Safe Sleep Environment: Always put your baby to sleep on their back in a cot with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or toys. (Back to sleep)
– Use a Sleep Log: Track your baby’s sleep to identify patterns and guide your response.
If you’re struggling to understand your baby’s sleep patterns or are ready to guide your baby toward more restful sleep, Parenting Genie’s Sleep Training 101 is your must-have resource. This course is packed with expert advice, gentle techniques, and easy-to-follow guidance tailored for newborns up to toddlers. Whether wondering about wake windows, sleep regressions, or bedtime battles, this course gives you the tools to help your baby sleep through the night, without tears.
Still unsure whether your baby’s sleep is normal? Need someone to walk you through what to do tonight? The Parenting Live Expert service from Parenting Genie gives you 24/7 access to qualified experts via Genie Chat. Whether it’s 3 a.m. or during your lunch break, you can ask any question and get personalised, professional support.
Sleep challenges can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. With the Parenting Genie Community, you can connect with other new parents, share stories, ask questions, and access our full library of sleep support tools. This supportive space grows with you and your child, from newborn milestones to feeding.
– Newborns need 14–17 hours of sleep daily in short stretches.
– Frequent waking, light sleep, and day-night confusion are all normal in the early weeks.
– Create a calm, predictable bedtime routine to help your baby wind down.
– Use white noise, swaddles, and a dark room to support better rest.
– Seek help if your baby seems excessively irritable or is not sleeping.
– Use Parenting Genie’s Sleep Training 101 and Parenting Live Expert for support tailored to your baby’s needs.
If your baby isn’t sleeping, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means your baby is still adjusting to the world outside the womb. With time, support, and a little help from Parenting Genie, you and your baby can start sleeping more soundly—one night at a time.
Visit www.parentinggenie.com.au to explore Sleep Training 101, connect with a Live Expert, or join our parenting community today.
The Raising Children website has more tips and insights on newborn sleep.
