Baby sleep is probably one of the most talked-about topics in mother’s groups. So how long did your bub sleep last night? How many times did they wake up? All babies are different but it’s good to know what to expect and what is normal as far as newborn sleep is concerned.

Babies are generally not good sleepers. They wake frequently, want to feed every few hours and the slightest noise can rouse them from a nap.

How Much Does A Newborn Baby Sleep?

A young infant sleeps alot – in fact there is more sleep time than wake time in the life of the newborn. A newborn will sleep between 14 to 17 hours a day and probably won’t be awake for more than an hour at a time. This works out to be around 9 hours of sleep at night and around 3 to 5 naps during the day.

After 4 months, a baby sleeps slightly less – around 12 to 15 hours a day. They will generally have between 2 and 3 naps a day.

How Does A Baby’s Hunger Affect Their Sleep?

Newborns have really small tummies so they wake up frequently to feed. It’s tempting to think that you can ‘over-feed’ at bedtime to encourage them to sleep longer at night. But young bubs needs to eat every two to four hours, so they generally will wake often during the night, at least for the first two or three months.

Why Is Baby Sleep So Restless?

Newborn babies tend to be quite squirmy in sleep and move around a lot. While older babies and children have few rapid eye movement (REM) cycles, about half of baby sleep is spent in REM. This means that baby sleep is generally lighter, more active, with dream cycles and movement. As your baby grows, their sleep will also get deeper, quieter and more still.

Why Does My Baby Make So Much Noise When Sleeping?

Young babies often make weird noises, grunts and odd breathing sounds during sleep. A baby’s breathing rate slows down when they sleep so your bub may take a few quick breaths or could even pause for a second. This can be stressful for a new parent but in most cases this is completely normal as your bub’s respiratory system is developing.

My Baby Sleeps During The Day And Is Awake At Night

Keep in mind that for nine months, your bub lived in darkness and tended to sleep while you were out and about during the day and then got all active while you were quiet at night. It may take a few weeks for your baby to get used to the new rhythm of things outside your tum – but after a month or so, your baby would have adjusted.

Should You Wake Your Baby To Change Their Nappy?

Generally, the answer is NO! You should not wake a sleeping baby to change their nappy. Your baby will wake if they have a very wet nappy or they are uncomfortable. Be sure to use good quality nappies such as Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappies, which have been tried, tested and recommended above leading brands by Australian Mums and they are great value for money. You can also apply a barrier cream at night to protect your baby’s skin when there may be longer stretches between changes.

How Can You Help Your Baby Sleep?

According to Midwife Cath, there are a few things that won’t help your baby to sleep. You don’t need a bouncer, a jumper or anything that is going to keep your baby still. Your baby should be able to be active and move before going to sleep. Place them on a quilt on the floor and let them kick their legs and move their arms, to expend some energy. Then give them some milk so their tummy is full and then put them down to sleep.

Do you have any good advice to share about baby sleep? TELL US in the comments below.

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