What is normal for newborn’s sleep?

Whoever created the phrase “sleep like a baby” clearly did not have a newborn.

Here are the facts on what you can expect from your little one and sleep:

• Infant sleep cycles are about 40 minutes, whereas adult sleep cycles are 90 - 100 minutes. One sleep cycle contains both active and quiet sleep. You may see your infant start to wake up at the 35-40 minute mark. They may need help resettling after each cycle. Baby typically start to "connect" a 40-minute sleep cycle after about 6 months from their due date. 

Source: Love to Dream

• Sleeping “through the night” for infants is described as 6-8 hours. Sleeping through the night is not typical before 3 months. Infants typically need to eat every 2 to 4 hours, 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. 1-2 feedings at night is normal for up to 9 months. 

• Night Sleep: Bedtimes are late and erratic in the first 2–3 months, but drift earlier and regulate around the third month. The first third of the night consolidates around 3 months. Last third remains erratic. Some babies will sleep long 7–9 hour stretches in the first 3 months, which often changes suddenly around 4 months (regression).

• Day Sleep: Avoid overtiredness and long stretches of wakefulness. See below for a recommendation of your baby’s “wake window” (how long your baby should be awake).

Written by Kathleen Stern (bio here). For more infant feeding and parent support, reach out to Kathleen at www.strongnestconsulting.com

Last updated December 14, 2025