Newborn Sleep Schedule: What to Expect in the First 6 Weeks
If you’re a new parent, one of your biggest questions is: “How much will my newborn sleep?” The answer? A lot—but not all at once!
Newborn sleep is unpredictable in the first few weeks, but understanding your baby’s natural sleep cycle can make life easier.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How much newborns sleep at each stage.
✅ A week-by-week sleep schedule (realistic expectations!).
✅ How to gently improve sleep without strict routines.
✅ The best newborn sleep essentials (including cozy Mimi Barcelona baby bedding!).
Let’s dive in!
How Much Do Newborns Sleep? (0-6 Weeks Overview)
Newborns sleep between 14-18 hours per day, but their sleep is broken into short periods. Unlike adults, babies don’t have a set day/night rhythm yet.
General Sleep Patterns in the First 6 Weeks:
✔️ Sleep cycles are short (usually 30–50 minutes).
✔️ Babies wake up frequently for feeding (every 2–3 hours).
✔️ They don’t know the difference between day & night.
💡 Mimi Barcelona Tip: Using soft, breathable bedding can help regulate baby’s body temperature, making sleep more comfortable.
✨ Discover Cozy, Handmade Baby Bedding → Mimi Barcelona
Newborn Sleep Schedule: Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: Sleep is Completely Unpredictable
🛏️ Total Sleep: 16–18 hours per day
⏳ Wake Windows: 30–45 minutes
🌙 Longest Night Sleep Stretch: 1.5–2 hours
✔️ Your newborn will sleep most of the day and wake up often for feeds.
✔️ Their sleep is very light—they wake up easily!
✔️ Cozy, womb-like comfort (soft swaddles & footmuffs) can help them settle better.
✨ Mimi Barcelona’s cozy newborn swaddles mimic the womb and help babies feel secure.
Week 2: Sleep is Still in Short Cycles
🛏️ Total Sleep: 15–17 hours per day
⏳ Wake Windows: 40–60 minutes
🌙 Longest Night Sleep Stretch: 2–3 hours
✔️ Your baby is still waking up often, but their longest sleep stretch may increase slightly.
✔️ They may start having a fussy period in the evening (this is normal!).
✔️ Keeping the nursery dark & quiet at night can help start teaching day vs. night.
💡 Mimi Barcelona Tip: Use a breathable footmuff during naps and stroller walks for extra warmth & comfort.
Week 3-4: A Slightly More Predictable Pattern
🛏️ Total Sleep: 15–16 hours per day
⏳ Wake Windows: 45–75 minutes
🌙 Longest Night Sleep Stretch: 3–4 hours
✔️ Your baby may have slightly longer awake periods.
✔️ They might start showing signs of day/night awareness.
✔️ Some babies start enjoying a bedtime routine (bath, massage, feeding, swaddle, sleep).
✨ Mimi Barcelona’s soft muslin swaddles can help make bedtime more comforting.
Week 5-6: Sleep Patterns Begin to Form
🛏️ Total Sleep: 14–16 hours per day
⏳ Wake Windows: 1–1.5 hours
🌙 Longest Night Sleep Stretch: 4–5 hours
✔️ Sleep cycles are still short, but longer night stretches are possible.
✔️ More awake time during the day helps babies sleep better at night.
✔️ Creating a simple bedtime routine can make a big difference!
💡 Mimi Barcelona Tip: Use a soft, breathable sleeping bag instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm and safe.
How to Gently Improve Your Newborn’s Sleep
1️⃣ Follow Your Baby’s Sleep Cues
- Signs of sleepiness: Yawning, fussiness, rubbing eyes.
- Try putting your baby down before they are overtired.
2️⃣ Create a Cozy Sleep Environment✔️ Use soft, high-quality bedding (breathable materials like cotton).
✔️ Keep the room slightly cool (16-20°C)—babies sleep better in a cooler environment.
✔️ A dim nightlight can help during night feeds.
✨ Mimi Barcelona’s crib bedding sets create a calm, cozy sleep space for your baby.
3️⃣ Differentiate Between Day & Night
🌞 Daytime: Keep the room bright, engage with your baby, play soft music.
🌙 Nighttime: Keep lights low, voices quiet, and minimize stimulation.
4️⃣ Try Swaddling for Better Sleep
✔️ Swaddling mimics the womb and helps newborns feel safe.
✔️ Reduces startle reflex, preventing unnecessary wake-ups.
✔️ Use light, breathable swaddle blankets (like Mimi Barcelona’s organic muslin swaddles!).
Common Newborn Sleep Questions
1. When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?
Most newborns won’t sleep through the night before 3-6 months. However, by 6-8 weeks, some babies start sleeping longer stretches.
2. Why Does My Newborn Wake Up So Often?
Newborn sleep cycles are short (30-50 min), so they naturally wake up frequently. They also need to eat every 2-3 hours.
3. Should I Keep My Baby Awake During the Day for Better Night Sleep?
❌ No! An overtired baby sleeps worse. Stick to age-appropriate wake windows.
4. What If My Baby Hates Swaddling?
Try a sleep sack or footmuff—some babies prefer their arms free but still need warmth!
Why UK & Spanish Parents Love Mimi Barcelona for Baby Sleep Essentials
✨ Handmade, Spanish-inspired baby bedding—soft, breathable, and stylish.
✨ Matching sets—so you don’t have to spend hours finding coordinated bedding.
✨ Exclusive UK stock—bringing Spanish baby trends to British parents.
📌 Help your baby sleep better with our cozy crib bedding & swaddles → Mimi Barcelona
Your Turn!
How is your newborn sleeping? Any tips or experiences to share? Let us know in the comments! 💬👇