10 Things Parents Need to Know About Newborn Sleep
Newborn sleep can feel like a total mystery—especially with all the conflicting advice out there. But the truth is, babies aren’t meant to sleep like adults, and their sleep patterns are biologically designed for survival and development. Instead of fighting against their natural rhythms, understanding how newborn sleep really works can make the whole experience much less stressful for everyone.
Here are 10 important things every parent should know about newborn sleep.
1. There’s no magic number for sleep.
A healthy newborn can sleep anywhere from 9 to 18 hours a day. There’s no perfect amount of sleep they "should" be getting at each age, and no one—other than your baby—can determine exactly how much they need.
2. Daytime sleep should happen in natural daylight.
Let your baby nap in regular daylight with normal household sounds and activity. This helps their body clock (circadian rhythm) develop more quickly. While a dark, quiet room might lead to longer naps, it can also make it harder for them to distinguish between day and night—leading to more sleep challenges later on.
3. Babies fall asleep in light sleep first, then transition into deep sleep.
Unlike adults, newborns start in a light sleep stage before drifting into deeper sleep about 20 minutes later. This means if you try to put them down too soon, they’ll often wake up! Also, keep in mind that babies need to be held a lot—some more than others. A baby who doesn’t sleep well in their own bed is completely normal and not necessarily a sign of a problem.
4. Frequent night waking isn’t just about hunger.
If your baby wakes frequently, it doesn’t necessarily mean they need more calories (like formula top-ups or starting solids early). Babies wake at night for many reasons—including the biological need for security, safety, and connection.
5. Babies rely on instinct—not logic.
Newborns don’t have the ability to think logically yet; they operate entirely on instinct. They know the safest place to be is close to an adult. If your baby wakes up crying soon after being put down, it’s often a signal for security—not a sign of pain or hunger.
6. Self-soothing takes years to develop.
Babies are not born with the ability to self-regulate or self-soothe. It’s an ongoing process that takes years to fully develop. Expecting a newborn to self-settle is like expecting them to walk—it can’t be forced.
7. Feeding to sleep is not a bad habit.
Sucking, warmth, and closeness—combined with a full tummy—are the perfect recipe for sleep. Waking your baby to burp them, change them, or feed them more can actually disrupt their natural sleep rhythm and cause more harm than good.
8. Babies thrive on sensory stimulation.
A baby’s brain develops rapidly, and they need lots of sensory input—touch, closeness, movement, and conversation. Instead of worrying that your baby is overtired, focus on giving them plenty of interaction, and you’ll likely find they sleep better because of it.
9. Newborn sleep cycles are short.
A baby’s sleep cycle only lasts 40–50 minutes—about half the length of an adult’s. There’s no need to try to “link” sleep cycles or ensure your baby sleeps for a set amount of time. The purpose of sleep is simply to relieve sleep pressure enough to get them to the next sleep cycle, whether that’s 10 minutes, 3 hours, or anything in between.
10. You can’t force sleep.
Sleep can’t be controlled—it happens naturally. Babies are incredibly sensitive to their caregivers and can pick up on the pressure to fall asleep. Often, the more we try, the harder it becomes for them to settle.
The newborn stage is temporary, and while broken sleep can feel exhausting, it’s also completely normal. Your baby isn’t broken, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Instead of searching for quick fixes, trust that your baby is communicating their needs in the only way they know how.
By tuning into their natural rhythms and offering comfort and connection, you’re not just supporting their sleep—you’re building a foundation of security that will benefit them for years to come.
Anne Cullen is a Family Strategist who helps mission-driven founders build thriving families without sacrificing their own wellbeing. With a focus on conscious parenting, responsive care, and breaking generational patterns, Anne blends practical strategies with values-driven insights to support parents from the very start of their journey. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her walking in nature, listening to business and wellness podcasts, or spending time with her husband and two sons.
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