Infant sleep is very different from adult sleep. Newborns typically sleep around 16 to 18 hours a day and spend a significant amount of that time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is crucial for their brain development.¹ While adults enjoy longer periods of deep sleep, your little one cycles through lighter sleep stages more frequently, leading to shorter sleep periods that usually last about 30 to 50 minutes. This makes perfect sense when you consider how often newborns need to wake to feed, ensuring that they get plenty of milk and you establish an abundant milk supply.

As your baby grows, their sleep patterns will start to change. By around 6 months, many babies begin sleeping longer stretches at night and taking fewer, longer naps during the day. Just when you think you’ve got their sleep routine figured out, they might go through a growth spurt or developmental leap and surprise you with a new pattern! Understanding these differences and the typical changes in sleep patterns throughout infancy can help you stay responsive to your baby’s needs while promoting healthy sleep habits.

Common Infant Sleep Concerns

• Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex): Infants often startle themselves awake due to this reflex, especially in the early months.² 
  • Tips:
    • Holding your baby skin-to-skin not only helps with breastfeeding and milk production, but also comforts and relaxes your baby, helping them sleep longer. 
    • Swaddling your baby can provide additional comfort and reduce startling when your baby is not in your arms.
    • Gradually transition out of regular swaddling as they grow.
    • Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.

• Frequent Night Wakings: It’s normal for infants to wake frequently, day and night, for feedings, comfort, or diaper changes. Most breastfed babies will not sleep all night (6 or more hours) for many months and possibly not until they are at least 6 months old, and sometimes longer.³  
  • Tips:
    • Establish a comforting and consistent bedtime routine including bathing, rocking, and breastfeeding to promote sleep.
    • Keep your baby close so you can respond quickly when they wake.
    • Keep nighttime feedings calm and low-key; try keeping the lights dim so everyone can go back to sleep quickly.
    • Swaddling can provide comfort to your baby and reduce startling and waking. 

• Day-Night Confusion: Newborns may have their days and nights mixed up for the first few weeks. They may be more alert at night and sleep more soundly during the day.³ 
  • Tips:
    • Expose your baby to natural light during the day to help regulate their circadian rhythm.
    • Keep nighttime interactions dim and quiet.
    • Remember this is temporary and will improve with a little time.
    • In the meantime, to minimize sleep deprivation, parents should make napping a priority and try to get sleep whenever they can.

• Short (Cat) Naps: Babies often take short naps (30 minutes to an hour) which can be frustrating for parents.
  • Tips:
    • Encourage longer naps by creating a relaxing sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
    • Watch for sleepy cues and try to put your baby down before they become overtired.
    • Try babywearing – the natural movement of your body can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep, allowing them to nap while you cradle them. Once they are in a deeper sleep, you may be able to transition them to their bassinet or crib.

• Sleep Regressions: In the first year, many babies experience sleep regressions around 4 months and again at around 8 months, often resulting in increased night wakings, difficulty napping, and falling asleep.
  • Tips:
    • Be patient; sleep regressions are often temporary. 
    • They frequently happen during developmental stages when babies are busy growing physically, mentally, and socially.
    • Maintain consistent routines and comforting practices.
    • Sometimes babies begin waking more frequently out of hunger, because they are distracted during daytime feedings or if mom’s milk supply has decreased. 
    • A Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support in overcoming breastfeeding challenges and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment⁴ 

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Sleep for the Breastfed Baby
• Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References