Newborns generally start sleeping longer at night and show more adult-like sleep patterns around 3 to 4 months of age. At this time, they begin to stretch their sleep cycles from short bursts of 30 to 45 minutes to longer periods of 90 to 120 minutes, and some babies can sleep 5 to 6 hours at a stretch by 4 months. Most babies start sleeping through the night (which can mean 6 to 8 hours without waking) by about 6 months old, although this can vary widely with some starting earlier and others later. Before this, newborns typically sleep in short cycles and wake every 2 to 4 hours for feeding and comfort.
Newborn Sleep Patterns
- Newborns sleep about 16 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period but in short segments.
- They do not have an established day-night rhythm initially and wake frequently due to hunger or discomfort.
Around 3-4 Months
- Sleep cycles lengthen to 90-120 minutes.
- Babies start developing a circadian rhythm, with longer stretches at night.
- Some can sleep 4-5 hours at a time by 3 months and up to 6 hours by 6 months.
By 6 Months
- Many babies sleep through the night with stretches of 5 to 6 hours or more.
- Night wakings decrease but can still occur due to developmental changes like separation anxiety.
- Total sleep usually is about 11 to 14 hours in 24 hours, including naps.
In summary, while newborns initially sleep in short bursts and wake often, longer nighttime sleep typically starts around 3 to 4 months and becomes more consistent by 6 months, with most babies sleeping 5 to 6 hours or longer in one stretch by then.
