Families For Life | About Sleep: Babies

Sleep is one of the biggest adjustments new parents face — and for good reason. Babies sleep very differently from adults, and understanding what to expect can make those early months a little easier to navigate.

How much sleep does a baby need?

Newborns sleep a lot — typically between 14 to 17 hours a day — but rarely in long stretches. Sleep is distributed across multiple short periods throughout the day and night, which is why new parents often find themselves exhausted. As babies grow, their sleep gradually consolidates into longer nighttime stretches, with most babies sleeping through the night by around 6 months, though this varies widely.

Sleep patterns and cycles:

Babies spend more time in light, active sleep (REM sleep) than adults do. This means they rouse more easily and may stir between sleep cycles. It is completely normal for babies to wake frequently, especially in the early weeks.

Building a sleep routine:

A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it is time to sleep. This does not need to be elaborate — a simple sequence of a bath, feed, and lullaby can be enough. Keeping the routine calm and predictable is what matters most.

A few things to keep in mind:

Safe sleep practices are important. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, and keep the sleep area free of loose items like pillows and soft toys. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is generally recommended for at least the first six months.