Newborns sleep a lot - typically 14 to 17 hours in every 24-hour period - but rarely in long stretches. This is completely normal. Newborn sleep is distributed across day and night in cycles of 2-4 hours, reflecting both their tiny stomach capacity and their rapidly developing brains.

Unlike adults who have 90-minute sleep cycles, newborns have much shorter cycles of around 45-60 minutes. A large proportion of that time is spent in active sleep - the newborn equivalent of REM - during which you will notice twitching, irregular breathing, and occasional sounds. Far from being a problem, this active sleep is essential for neurological development.

“Unlike adults who have 90-minute sleep cycles, newborns have much shorter cycles of around 45-60 minutes. A large proportion of that time is spent in active sleep - the newborn equivalent of REM - during which you will notice twitching, irregular breathing, and occasional sounds. Far from being a problem, this active sleep is essential for neurological development.”

The distinction between day and night develops gradually. Most newborns have no circadian rhythm until around 6-12 weeks, when melatonin production begins to mature. You can gently encourage day/night awareness by keeping feeds bright and stimulating during the day, and dark and quiet at night - but do not expect long nighttime stretches before 8-12 weeks at the earliest.

Safe sleep is non-negotiable. The NHS and AAP both recommend placing babies on their back on a firm, flat surface with no pillows, duvets, bumpers, or soft toys in the sleep space. Room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for the first 6 months reduces SIDS risk significantly. A well-fitted sleeping bag is far safer than loose blankets for any baby who cannot yet roll.

Tracking your baby's sleep with a tracker - like the Newborn section of MyVitalsHub - helps you spot patterns you would otherwise miss entirely. Many parents are surprised to find their baby has loose rhythms once they start logging: often a longer stretch in the early evening and shorter daytime naps. These patterns form the foundation of sleep training methods used from around 4-6 months.

Sleep consolidation - longer nighttime stretches - typically begins between 3 and 6 months as the circadian rhythm matures and feeds become less frequent. Some babies drop night feeds earlier, some later, and both are normal. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep quantity or quality, your health visitor is always the right first port of call.