What's Happening at 0-2 Months?
This isn't a true regression—your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb. Their sleep-wake cycle is still developing, and they spend much of their sleep in lighter stages. This is a common source of stress for parents, but it's completely normal newborn behavior.
What's normal: Irregular, fragmented sleep driven primarily by feeding needs and day/night confusion.
What to Expect (Normal Newborn Sleep)
Typical Newborn Sleep Patterns:
- Sleep 14-17 hours in 24 hours (in short stretches)
- Wake every 2-3 hours to feed
- Day/night confusion with more alertness at night
- Short sleep cycles that last 50-60 minutes vs. adult 90 minutes
- Lots of REM sleep, which is why they seem to wake easily
What You Might Notice:
- Baby sleeps well during the day, wakeful at night
- Very frequent waking for feeds (every 1-3 hours) and short sleep stretches (2-4 hours max)
- Restless, noisy sleep with lots of movement
- Difficulty staying asleep when put down
- Seems to need constant holding to sleep
- Day/night confusion
- Irregular sleep patterns
Treatment at Home
Setting Realistic Expectations:
- Newborn sleep is erratic - this is normal brain development
- Their sleep isn't consolidated - this doesn't happen until 3-4 months
- Night feeds are necessary - don't try to eliminate them
- You're not doing anything wrong - this phase is temporary
What Helps:
- Daylight exposure - take baby outside or near windows during day
- Low stimulation at night - dim lights, quiet voices, minimal interaction
- Safe sleep practices - back to sleep, firm mattress, no loose bedding
- Swaddling - may help with startling and comfort
- White noise - mimics womb environment
- Consistent caregiving - same responses to night wakings
Day/Night Confusion Strategies:
- Bright lights and activity during day feeds
- Dark, calm environment for night feeds
- Keep night interactions brief, e.g. feed, change, and back to sleep
- Expose to natural light cycles by e.g. opening curtains during the day
Safe Sleep Reminders
✅ Always:
- Back to sleep - for naps and nighttime
- Firm sleep surface - no soft bedding, pillows, bumpers
- Room sharing - recommended for first 6 months
- Smoke-free environment - during pregnancy and after birth
❌ Never:
- Bed sharing (increases SIDS risk)
- Soft bedding in crib
- Overheating - dress baby in light sleep clothing
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Reach out to us if:
- You're struggling with realistic expectations
- You need support with day/night confusion strategies
- You're concerned about feeding patterns
- You need reassurance about normal newborn behavior
When to Contact Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Fever - rectal temp >100.4°F/38°C
- Difficulty feeding / signs of dehydration
- Persistent lethargy - hard to wake for feeds
- Breathing concerns - fast, slow, or irregular breathing
- Signs of jaundice - yellowing of skin/eyes
- Poor weight gain / concerning weight loss
- Signs of reflux - that are affecting feeding or sleep
Typical Newborn Schedule (Very Loose!)
0-6 Weeks:
- No set schedule, just follow baby's cues
- Feed every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day
- Sleep 2-4 hours between feeds
- Total sleep: 14-17 hours in 24 hours
6-8 Weeks:
- Slight pattern emergence where there may have longer stretch at night
- Still frequent feeds every 2-4 hours
- Beginning of day/night recognition
Common Newborn Sleep Myths
MYTH: "Newborns should sleep through the night"
TRUTH: Night waking is biologically normal and necessary for growth and brain development.
MYTH: "Holding baby too much creates bad habits"
TRUTH: You cannot spoil a newborn. Comfort and closeness support healthy development.
MYTH: "Sleep training should start immediately"
TRUTH: Sleep training isn't appropriate until 4-6 months when sleep patterns mature.
Self-Care for Parents
Remember:
- This phase is temporary - usually improves by 3-4 months
- Take help when offered - sleep when baby sleeps
- Tag team with partner - share night duties
- Lower other expectations - focus on basics: feed baby, rest when possible
Warning Signs of Parental Distress:
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Extreme fatigue affecting safety
- Signs of postpartum depression/anxiety
Don't hesitate to reach out for support - caring for yourself helps you care for your baby.
Remember: This Is Normal Development
Your newborn's sleep patterns are not a problem to fix—they're a normal part of brain development. Their nervous system is still maturing, and sleep consolidation takes months to develop. For more information on sleep regressions, you can read the full guide here.
Key insight: Newborn sleep is about survival and growth, not convenience. Your consistent, loving response helps build the foundation for healthy sleep habits later.
We'll check in with you within 48 hours after your visit. If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out.
