Newborns sleep a lot, but if they’re sleeping more than 17 hours a day and you’re worried they’re not eating enough, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to know if your newborn is sleeping too much, what to watch for, and what to do. We’ll also offer sleep tips so that when it’s time to nod off, your baby does so safely and comfortably.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- Newborn sleep
- Is my newborn sleeping too much? (When to call the doctor)
- When to wake baby for feedings
- How to wake a sleeping baby
- Tracking your baby’s sleep
- When to seek medical attention
- Newborn sleep tips
Newborn sleep
Babies are known to be limited in their repertoire during those first few months, their daily schedules filled with two main tasks: eating and sleeping. So it’s no wonder that you’re noticing your baby sleeping a lot, because they are!
Since babies this young can’t tell day from night, that shuteye comes in short bursts sprinkled throughout 24 hours. Newborns will sleep for an hour or two, wake up to eat, and then get right back to dreamland.
For the first three months, newborns typically sleep 14 to 17 hours, and, if your baby is a preemie, they could snooze for up to 22 hours a day. After three months, your baby won’t need quite as much sleep as they’re acclimating to the daytime hours.
Is my newborn sleeping too much? (When to call the doctor)
Although often it’s not a big deal if your baby sleeps a little extra, there are some signs you should be contacting a medical professional for help. Let’s take a look.
No interest in food
If your baby is sleeping more than what’s typical for their age and they don’t seem hungry when it’s time to eat, call your pediatrician. Babies have tiny tummies that need to be filled frequently in order to get essential nutrients.
Lethargy or trouble waking up
If you regularly have a hard time waking your baby up or they seem listless or lethargic when they’re awake, there might be something going on beyond tiredness. It’s important to call your baby’s doctor as soon as possible.
Fussiness
All babies fuss, of course! But if your newborn is extra fussy or irritable every time you wake them, you might want to ask the doctor about it.
The cause of your newborn’s fussiness when they wake up could be something as simple as hunger, trapped gas, or overstimulation, but if the crying is accompanied by sleeping more than normal, it’s worth a visit to your pediatrician.
Dehydration
If your newborn is sleeping through feedings, they might not be getting enough fluids. Signs of dehydration include fewer wet diapers, darker-colored urine, and extra-dry skin or lips. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs.
When to wake baby for feedings
You’ve always heard that you shouldn’t wake a sleeping baby, but there are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes babies don’t naturally wake up when it’s time for a feeding, so in order to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition, you’ll have to rouse them.
If they’re breastfed, newborns often eat every two to three hours, or as directed by your pediatrician. This is not only important for them to fill their tummies, but also to ensure that your milk supply doesn’t deplete.
If your newborn is formula-fed, be sure to feed them every three to four hours.
How to wake a sleeping baby
When waking a sleeping baby, do so gently. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Adjust the light and sound in the room.
First, you want to open the blinds a bit or turn on a lamp to bring light into the dark room. You can also turn off the sound machine. These subtle changes may do the trick to awaken your sleeping beauty.
Stimulate your baby’s senses.
Another way to wake them is to rub their arms or their feet. Your touch will stimulate their senses and gently wake them up.
Change their diaper.
Another surefire way to wake up your baby is to go ahead and change their diaper. If they’ve been snoozing for a few hours, it’s likely to be wet or soiled. The change in temperature as you remove their clothes should have them stirring.
Hold your baby skin-to-skin.
You can also pick up your baby and hold them skin-to-skin. The feeling of your warmth is a wonderful way to wake them from their nap.
Tracking your baby’s sleep
It’s not easy to remember all of these waking, napping, and feeding sessions, especially when you’re sleep-deprived. Tracking your baby’s naps and meals is a good way to make sure everything’s OK and be alerted quickly if it’s not. Here are a couple of ways you can do that.
Use a paper log.
Place a notebook by the glider in the nursery and jot down the time your baby wakes up, starts and stops eating, and goes back to sleep.
If you’re breastfeeding, you can note which side your baby has eaten from and for how long as well. This will help you maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement.
Set a digital reminder.
Since your phone is probably always with you, you may want to set up reminders for when your newborn should eat again. There are plenty of apps as well that can help you track sleep and feeding during those first sleepless months.
Newborn sleep safety
When your baby is sleeping so much of the day, you want to ensure they’re safe. Here are some safe sleep guidelines to be mindful of.
Ensure your baby sleeps on a firm and breathable mattress.
First, your baby will need a firm and breathable mattress like the Newton mattresses. Our Original, Essential, and Waterproof mattresses not only support your baby’s spinal alignment, but they also feature Wovenaire technology, allowing your baby to breathe right through.
Our mattresses are also antimicrobial and entirely washable, cover to core!
Keep the crib bare.
The only things that should be in the crib are the mattress, a fitted crib sheet, and your baby. Skip the stuffed animals, bumpers, pillows, toys, and blankets, as they are health hazards.
Only put your baby down on sleep-safe surfaces.
There are only three sleep-safe surfaces: a bassinet, crib, and travel crib. Never let your newborn sleep in a bouncer, car seat, swing, or sofa, for instance. If they do fall asleep in the wrong spot, pick them up and move them to a safe spot as soon as you notice.
A good night’s sleep with Newton
Now you know if your newborn is sleeping too much and what to do about it. Wake them up if they’re still sleeping at mealtime, and look out for signs that their sleepiness requires medical attention, like if they’re lethargic, extra fussy, or possibly dehydrated.
And, when it is bedtime or naptime, always put your baby to bed on a firm, breathable mattress like Newton’s. Our Essential, Original, and Waterproof mattresses are ultra breathable as well as washable, which means bye-bye bacteria and allergens.
With Newton, you and your baby can breathe easily every time they go to sleep!
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven danger signs in a newborn baby?
The seven danger signs in a newborn baby are difficulty breathing, fever or low body temperature, refusing to take a bottle, severe lethargy, seizures, dehydration, and blue, grey, or yellow skin. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
Is my newborn lethargic or just sleepy?
You will know your baby is lethargic if you’re having a hard time waking them up and they’re unresponsive to stimulation. Also, lethargic babies feel limp when you carry them and show no interest in eating.
A sleepy baby, on the other hand, can be roused easily and latches on well, showing interest in feeding. Basically, the sleepiness is temporary, and once they’re up, they’re alert and active.
