NEWS

Welcoming a newborn into your life is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to sleep. If you’re a new parent, you might wonder when and how your baby will sleep through the night. Understanding your newborn’s sleep patterns is key to navigating these early months, as they differ greatly from the sleep habits of older children and adults. Your pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of Wellesley in Weston and Medfield, MA, can explain newborn care, newborn sleep patterns, and what you can expect after you bring your child home.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Needs

Newborn babies need a lot of sleep after birth; on average, they sleep 16 to 18 hours daily. The sleep is not in one chunk. Newborn babies will sleep in intervals both day and night, with the sleeping intervals taking around 2 to 4 hours. They wake up so frequently because they need to be fed. Since newborns have tiny tummies, they must be fed every 2 to 3 hours.

Before you bring your newborn home, your pediatrician in Weston and Medfield, MA, will explain this aspect of newborn care and how to adjust to your child. Because their sleep patterns are different from adults, it’s important to know that newborns don’t have a day-night sleep rhythm yet. They are more likely to sleep in short periods throughout the 24-hour cycle, meaning they may sleep for a few hours during the day and be awake at night. This irregular sleep schedule can be tiring for new parents, but it’s completely normal.

Initially, babies do not know the difference between day and night. They sleep mainly depending on whether they need comforting or are hungry, and not according to any concept of hours. So they might sleep during the day and remain awake at night. It might not be convenient for parents, but it does not continue for a long time.

Contact Your Pediatrician Today

It’s important to understand how often your newborn needs to sleep and what their patterns may look like when they first come home. Contact your pediatricians at Pediatric Associates of Wellesley in Weston and Medfield, MA, to learn more about newborn care and sleep patterns. Call (781) 736-0040 for the Weston, MA office and (508) 359-9200 for the Medfield, MA office for more information.