Newborn Sleep Explained: What to Expect in the First 3 Months (and What’s Totally Normal)
Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Can Be a Game-Changer
Welcoming a newborn is magical—and also very tiring. One of the most common concerns among new parents is sleep. Questions like How much should my baby sleep? or Why are they up all night? are completely normal.
That’s why this guide will walk you through newborn sleep expectations during the first 3 months. You’ll learn what’s completely normal (even if it feels chaotic), and how to support safe, healthy sleep habits.
How Much Sleep Should a Newborn Get?
Newborns sleep a total of 14–17 hours per day, broken into short naps and night stretches. However, they don’t follow a schedule yet—and that’s okay. Their sleep is driven by hunger, not the clock.
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0–1 month: Sleep in 1–2 hour blocks around the clock
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1–2 months: Slightly longer stretches begin (up to 4 hours at night)
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2–3 months: You may see 6–8 hour nighttime stretches (with a feed or two)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this irregular pattern is part of healthy development.
In other words, frequent waking is normal, especially in the first few weeks.
What’s Totally Normal (Even If It Feels Strange)
New parents often worry something is “wrong” if their baby wakes up often. In fact, the truth is: it’s biologically expected.
1. Day-Night Confusion
Babies don’t know the difference between daytime and nighttime until around 6–8 weeks. Therefore, night waking is to be expected early on.
2. Frequent Wake-Ups
Waking every 2–3 hours to feed is completely normal and necessary for growth. So don’t worry, your baby is doing just what they need to.
3. No Schedule Yet
Your baby is still learning how to regulate their internal clock—don’t expect a routine yet. As a result, it’s too early to expect a predictable routine.
4. Active Sleep (Lots of Movement)
Babies spend 50% of their sleep in REM. It’s noisy, wiggly, and totally normal. That’s why you might notice twitching, facial movements, or even grunts.
Safe Sleep: The #1 Priority
According to CDC Safe Sleep Guidelines, every nap and night of sleep should follow these evidence-based practices:
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Back to sleep: Always place baby on their back
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Firm sleep surface: Use a flat, safety-approved crib or bassinet
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No loose bedding: Remove toys, pillows, and blankets
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Room-share: Keep baby in your room—but not in your bed
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Use a pacifier: It may reduce the risk of SIDS
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Breastfeed if possible: Linked to better sleep outcomes and reduced SIDS risk
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Avoid overheating: Keep the room cool and dress baby in a single layer
🛠 Want help tracking safe sleep patterns? Try the Cubtale Newborn Sleep Tracker to monitor naps, nighttime wake-ups, and trends.
Sleep Development by Month
|
Age |
Total Sleep |
Longest Night Stretch |
Normal Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
|
0–1 month |
14–18 hrs |
1–2 hrs |
Random naps, day-night confusion |
|
1–2 months |
14–16 hrs |
3–4 hrs |
Night feeds continue, some rhythm |
|
2–3 months |
14–15 hrs |
6–8 hrs |
Beginning to “sleep through” the night |
Bonus Tip: Sleep stretches lengthen only when calorie intake during the day increases. Therefore, good daytime feeding supports better night sleep.
Learn how feeding and sleep work together in our Breastfeeding & Sleep Guide.
Sleep Tips for Tired Parents
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Sleep when baby sleeps. Don’t feel pressured to “get things done”
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Trade shifts with a partner, if possible
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Keep night wakings low-stimulus (dim light, soft voice, no talking)
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Swaddle and use white noise to calm fussy babies (0–2 months)
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Establish a mini bedtime routine even in early months (bath, feed, lullaby)
🧷 Useful Internal Links from Cubtale
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Final Thoughts
If your baby wakes often, sleeps randomly, or prefers naps during the day—you’re not doing anything wrong. The first three months are a wild but beautiful transition. With the right knowledge and tools, you can feel more in control.
