What Should I Know About My Baby’s Sleep?

You might be surprised to learn that newborns sleep 16 hours or more each day, usually in 2–4 hour stretches. By around 3 months, some babies start sleeping through the night (6–8 hours), but if yours doesn’t, there’s no need to worry. Like adults, babies develop their own sleep cycles and patterns at their own pace.

Safe Sleep Guidelines

To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place your baby on their back to sleep. Other important safe sleep practices include:

• Keeping the crib or bassinet clear – Avoid blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or sheepskins, as they pose a suffocation risk.
• Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) – The safest option is for parents to share a room with their baby (but not the same bed) for at least the first 6 months to 1 year.
• Changing head position nightly – Alternate your baby’s head position (right one night, left the next) to help prevent flat spots from forming.

Before long, you’ll settle into a routine and feel more confident as a parent. If you have any concerns, reach out to your doctor—they can offer guidance and helpful resources.