Newborn Sleep: What's Normal

If you’re finding newborn sleep a bit of a wild ride—you’re not alone. New babies don’t sleep in neat little stretches, and they definitely don’t follow the clock. Despite what you might have heard, frequent waking and contact naps are totally normal.

We’re here to help you understand what’s going on, what’s biologically expected, and why you are not doing anything wrong.

Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns don’t follow a typical “night and day” pattern. Their sleep cycles are shorter (around 45–60 minutes) and made up of more active (REM) sleep than adults. This is important for brain development and why they often stir or wake frequently.

You’ll notice they:

• Wake often to feed—especially in the night

• Seem to nap better in the day than at night

• Prefer to be close to you when sleeping

It’s all part of normal newborn development.

Why Do New Babies Want to Sleep On You?

This is one of the most common things we hear: “My baby will only sleep on me.”

And honestly? That’s not only normal—it’s exactly what their biology is asking for. Your baby spent 9–10 months inside you, listening to your heartbeat, being gently rocked with your every movement, feeling the warmth and rhythm of your body.

After birth, sleeping on or close to a caregiver helps:

• Regulate their heart rate, breathing, and temperature

• Soothe stress and support emotional development

• Promote bonding and attachment

It's not spoiling them—it's responding to their deep, biological needs. And it’s okay to soak up those sleepy cuddles.

The Importance of Circadian Rhythms

Babies aren’t born knowing the difference between night and day. Their circadian rhythms (internal body clocks) begin developing after birth and are influenced by exposure to natural light, social cues, and feeding patterns.

You can gently support this development by:

• Taking your baby out in daylight during the day

• Keeping lights low and voices soft during night feeds

• Creating a short, calming bedtime routine

Eventually, their sleep will shift—but it takes time, and that’s normal.

So, What Is Normal Newborn Sleep?

• Waking every 1–3 hours

• Sleeping in short bursts

• Wanting to nap on or near you

• Fussiness in the evening (often called the “witching hour”)

• No consistent “routine”

This isn’t bad behaviour or poor sleep—it’s just how newborns work. And while it’s exhausting, it won’t last forever.

Safe Sleep: Always a Priority

Even when sleep is broken and unpredictable, safe sleep is non-negotiable. In the UK, the Lullaby Trust provides up-to-date and evidence-based guidelines for safer sleep. We always recommend checking their current advice when planning your baby’s sleep space.

You can visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk for trusted, current guidance.

How We Can Support You

Sleep is one of the biggest topics in early parenthood, and while there’s no quick fix for newborn sleep (and it’s not something that needs fixing!), support makes all the difference.

In The Birth & Baby Academy, we cover newborn care (including realistic sleep expectations) so you can feel informed and empowered. You’ll also find support, reassurance and common connections in our in-person classes - all designed to support you through the first year.

Whether you need reassurance, tips, or just to know you’re not alone—we’ve got you.