Newborn Sleep Schedule
Data-backed sleep guide with real averages from 31 days of tracked baby sleep data. See how actual nap counts, bedtimes, and night wakings compare to CDC recommendations.
Sleep Breakdown REAL DATA
Detailed Statistics 31 DAYS TRACKED
Sample Newborn Schedule
ℹ️ This is a sample schedule. Every baby is different — use wake windows and sleepy cues as your primary guide, not the clock.
Sleep Tips for a Newborn
Newborns have no circadian rhythm yet — day/night confusion is completely normal and typically resolves by 6-8 weeks.
Follow the eat-play-sleep cycle: feed baby after waking, have a short period of activity, then put down for the next nap.
Swaddling mimics the womb and helps prevent the Moro (startle) reflex from waking your newborn.
Keep nighttime feeds boring — dim lights, minimal talking, no diaper changes unless soiled.
White noise at 60-65 dB (about the volume of a shower) helps newborns sleep longer stretches.
The safest sleep position is on the back, on a firm flat surface, with no loose bedding (ABCs: Alone, Back, Crib).
Signs Your Newborn Is Tired
Watch for these cues to catch the optimal sleep window before your baby becomes overtired:
🛏️ Safe Sleep Environment
Room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C). Pitch dark room. White noise machine. Firm, flat mattress with fitted sheet only. No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safe Sleep Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sleep does a newborn need?
The CDC recommends 14-17 hours of total sleep (naps + nighttime) for a newborn. In our dataset of 31 days, the average was 15.5 hours.
How many naps should a newborn take?
Based on 31 days of tracked data, the average was 6.4 naps per day, with each nap lasting about 77 minutes.
What time should a newborn go to bed?
In our tracked data, the average bedtime was 7:48 PM, ranging from 6:00 PM to 11:31 PM.
How many times does a newborn wake up at night?
In our dataset, the average was 4.9 night wakings, with the longest uninterrupted stretch averaging 171 minutes (2.9 hours).
What are the wake windows for a newborn?
Recommended wake windows for a newborn are 35-60 minutes (0.6-1 hours) between sleep periods.