Can a Newborn Sleep Too Much?

Can a Newborn Sleep Too Much?

Babies sleeping too much is an unheard of statement for some parents, but for others it can be quite worrying, after all we are parents, worrying is what we do! But we are here to help put your worrying to ease by explaining your new-born’s sleep pattern and what to expect!

How Long Should My Baby Be Sleeping For?

Newborn’s from 0-3 months usually sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day. During feeding, whether this be breast feeding or formula fed, being held close and comfortable increases their sleepiness. However, older babies between 4 and 12 months, sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. At least 2 or 3 of these should be daytime naps. Eventually, your little one will begin to start sleeping for longer periods overnight. As your baby approaches their first birthday, they’ll be sleeping between 10 and 12 hours a day.

Your newborn sleeping to much only becomes an issue if it’s effecting their feeding time. A newborn who is breastfeeding should be feeding between 8 and 12 times a day or 5 to 8 times a day if your little one is formula fed or an older infant. This means you only need to intervene with your baby’s sleep if they are not feeding every 2.5 to 3 hours. Expert, Elizabeth LaFleur, R.N., The Mayo Clinic, says:

“Most newborns lose weight in the first few days after birth. Until your newborn regains this lost weight – usually within one week after birth – it’s important to feed him or her frequently. This might mean occasionally waking your baby for a feeding, especially if her or she sleeps for a stretch of more than 4 hours.

Once your newborn establishes a pattern of weight gain and reaches the birth-weight milestone, however, it’s generally OK to wait for feedings until he or she wakes up.”

Your Baby’s Sleep Pattern

Your baby may have your partners nose and your eyes, but what they don’t have is your sleep cycle!  A newborn’s sleep cycle is the reason their sleeping pattern is so unpredictable, because unlike adults, babies don’t stay in a deep sleep for long periods of time, meaning they are a lot more likely to wake up.

What to do when your little one’s awake?

As babies sleep so much in the day, you may want to spend some time with them doing simple activities when they are awake, such as Tummy Time. Although babies should sleep on their back, tummy time whilst they’re awake is super beneficial as it helps with gross motor skills and stops their heads from flattening. Babies should be on their tummy’s multiple times a day. Try putting them on different textures and colours, such as towels and blankets as well as surrounding them with sensory cards to really help develop their fine and gross motor skills.

We hope this has helped putting some of your worries to rest! Share your newborn sleepy story times over on our social media.

Love, Team Ziggle X