Newborn Not Sleeping at Night? Proven Guide to Baby Sleep Hours & Solutions

Bringing a new baby home is a beautiful feeling, but it also comes with a few challenges — especially when it comes to the baby’s sleep. If your newborn isn’t sleeping well, especially at night, or you’re confused about how much sleep is normal for newborns, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Let’s go step by step and understand everything.

In this full guide, we’ll cover the key concerns most new parents have:
• Why doesn’t my newborn sleep at night?
• Is it safe for newborns to sleep on their tummy?
• How many hours do newborns sleep normally?
And one very important question — what to do when the mom herself isn’t getting enough sleep?

🍼 How Many Hours Do Newborns Sleep?

Newborn babies usually sleep around 14 to 17 hours a day, but their sleep comes in short naps spread throughout the day and night.

Baby’s Age	Average Sleep Duration	Important Notes
0–2 weeks	16–18 hours/day	Short naps every 2–3 hours
3–4 weeks	14–17 hours/day	Night sleep slowly increases
1–2 months	14–16 hours/day	Day-night confusion starts improving

⏰ Pro tip: Don’t count hours strictly — observe your baby’s signs like yawning, eye rubbing, fussiness — these are cues that they’re tired.

😴 Why is My Newborn Not Sleeping? – Common Reasons

Hunger – Newborns have tiny stomachs and get hungry every 2–3 hours.
Overtired – Skipping naps can make night sleep worse.
Gas or Colic – Gas pain can disturb their sleep.
Day-Night Confusion – Their body clock hasn’t developed yet.
Growth Spurts – Sudden changes in sleep and feeding patterns are common during growth.

🚨 Important: If your infant is not sleeping at all or seems extremely restless, it’s best to consult a doctor.

🌙 Why Doesn’t My Newborn Sleep at Night?

This is something almost every new parent faces. It’s called day-night reversal. Newborns don’t understand the difference between day and night because their internal clock is still developing.

✅ What you can do:

Keep the room bright and slightly noisy during the day.
Keep the environment dark and calm at night.
Use a white noise machine.
Try swaddling or gently rocking the baby.

🧸 Is Tummy Sleeping Safe for Newborns?

No. Sleeping on the tummy increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics):

🔺 Always put your baby to sleep on their back.

✅ When is tummy time okay?

During the day, under supervision only (helps develop neck and motor skills).

❌ Avoid tummy sleeping or unsupervised naps on the stomach, especially at night.

💤 Sleepy Newborn – Should You Worry?

If your baby:

Sleeps way too much
Responds slowly when awake
Refuses to feed or looks dull

🚩 These could be signs of jaundice, low sugar, or infection. In such cases, consult your doctor immediately.

But in most situations, a sleepy newborn = a baby who is growing well and normally.

🤱 Sleep Tips for Moms (You Matter Too!)

If the mom is healthy and rested, the baby is happier. A little self-care is essential:

Sleep whenever your baby is sleeping.
Share night duties with your partner.
Avoid caffeine in the evening.
Use earplugs and white noise when napping.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help — you don’t have to be a superwoman all the time 💖

🧾 Quick Summary Table

Problem	Possible Reason	Solution
Newborn not sleeping at night	Day-night confusion	Bright days, dark and quiet nights
Tummy sleeping newborn	Unsafe practice	Always put baby to sleep on their back
Infant not sleeping	Gas, overtired	Calm them, burp properly, try swaddling
Newborn sleeping on stomach	Risk of SIDS	Only allow tummy time during the day & supervised
Sleepy newborn	Could be medical	Monitor, feed regularly, consult doctor if unsure

📚 Sources:

If you found this post helpful, please share it with other moms. Your experience could really help someone else.

👶💤 Stay strong, mama. Sleep will return — we promise.