Newborn sleep patterns can be perplexing for new parents. One of the most common concerns is restless sleep—tossing, turning, and even whimpering. But rest assured, this behavior is a natural part of your baby’s development. In this article, we’ll explore why newborns sleep the way they do and offer practical tips to help you and your baby achieve better rest.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Is Your Newborn Tossing and Turning?
- Should You Pick Up a Restless Baby?
- When Will Babies Sleep More Soundly?
- Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better
- Fact-Checked Content
- References
Introduction
Newborns sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours a day, but the quality and pattern of their sleep can differ significantly from adults. Many parents worry about their baby’s restless sleep, but this is a normal developmental stage. Understanding the reasons behind tossing and turning can help you feel more confident in managing your baby’s sleep habits.
Why Is Your Newborn Tossing and Turning?
Restless sleep in newborns is largely due to their unique sleep cycles. Unlike adults, who spend about 20–25% of their sleep in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, newborns spend 50% of their sleep in REM.
Key Features of Newborn Sleep
-
REM Sleep (Light Sleep)
- Increased movement, vivid dreams, and rapid eye flickering.
- Helps the brain consolidate memories and develop cognitive skills.
-
Non-REM Sleep (Deep Sleep)
- Divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: Drowsiness with drooping eyelids.
- Stage 2: Light sleep, where the baby is easily startled.
- Stage 3: Deep sleep, characterized by minimal movement.
- Divided into three stages:
Newborns experience shorter sleep cycles—about 50 minutes compared to an adult’s 90–120 minutes. The frequent transitions between REM and non-REM stages are responsible for much of the tossing and turning you observe.
Should You Pick Up a Restless Baby?
No Need to Rush
When your baby becomes restless, it’s tempting to intervene immediately. However, experts recommend waiting. Tossing and turning are normal behaviors during REM sleep. If left undisturbed, most babies will naturally transition back into a deeper sleep phase.
When to Intervene
- If your baby is crying persistently, they may need feeding, a diaper change, or comfort.
- A gentle pat or soothing voice can often help them settle without fully waking.
Pro Tip: Rushing to pick up your baby every time they stir may disrupt their sleep cycle and make it harder for them to learn to self-soothe.
When Will Babies Sleep More Soundly?
The good news is that restless sleep improves as your baby grows. Here’s what to expect:
- Newborns (0–3 Months): Sleep cycles are short, with frequent waking for feeding.
- 3–4 Months: Many babies start sleeping in longer stretches, up to 5–6 hours.
- 6–12 Months: Babies often develop more consistent sleep patterns, with 8–10 hours of uninterrupted sleep by their first birthday.
Remember, every baby is different. Factors such as feeding schedules, temperament, and developmental milestones can influence sleep patterns.
Continue for Part 2...
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Better
While you can’t change the biology of newborn sleep cycles, you can adopt strategies to encourage more restful sleep.
1. Create a Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Ideas include:
- A warm bath.
- Gentle rocking or singing.
- Reading a short, soothing book.
- Changing into pajamas.
When repeated daily, these activities build a strong association with sleep and help your baby relax.
2. Avoid Active Play Before Bed
Engaging in high-energy activities close to bedtime can overstimulate your baby, making it harder for them to settle down.
- Choose calming activities like cuddling or listening to a lullaby.
- Dim the lights to create a relaxing environment.
3. Differentiate Between Night and Day
Newborns don’t naturally distinguish between night and day, but you can help them learn:
- During the day:
- Allow plenty of natural light into your home.
- Keep noise levels normal.
- Engage in active play.
- At night:
- Dim the lights.
- Minimize stimulation during feedings and diaper changes.
4. Put Your Baby to Bed Drowsy but Awake
Placing your baby in their crib while they’re still awake helps them learn to fall asleep independently. This can reduce their reliance on being rocked or held to sleep.
Safe Sleep Tips
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
- Keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, and toys to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
5. Comfort Your Baby When They Cry
If your baby wakes up crying, gently pat or soothe them without picking them up immediately. This reassures them while encouraging self-soothing.
Fact-Checked Content
This article has been reviewed by trusted pediatric experts to ensure accuracy and helpfulness. For more details about our editorial standards, visit Flo Fact-Checking Standards.
References
- “Default - Stanford Children's Health.” Stanford Children's Health.
- “Infant Sleep.” Department of Neurology, Columbia University, Infant Sleep.
- “Stages of Newborn Sleep.” HealthyChildren.org.
- Grigg-Damberger, Madeleine M. “The Visual Scoring of Sleep in Infants 0 to 2 Months of Age.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, vol. 12, no. 3, 2016, pp. 429–45. doi:10.5664/jcsm.5600.
- “Help Your Baby Sleep through the Night.” Mayo Clinic.
Mindmap
# Restless Sleep in Newborns
- Why Restless Sleep Happens
- High proportion of REM sleep.
- Shorter sleep cycles (50 minutes).
- Should You Pick Up Your Baby?
- Wait before intervening.
- Pick up only for crying or feeding.
- Sleep Patterns by Age
- 0–3 months: 3-hour sleep stretches.
- 3–4 months: 5–6 hours at a time.
- 6–12 months: 8–10 hours uninterrupted.
- Tips for Better Sleep
- Create a bedtime routine.
- Avoid active play before bed.
- Differentiate between night and day.
- Place baby in crib drowsy but awake.
- Comfort without disrupting sleep cycle.