Managing a feeding and sleeping schedule for newborns and small babies can be challenging, but having a routine in place can help create a sense of stability and make the process smoother for both parents and the baby. It’s important to remember that each baby is unique, so the schedule may need to be adjusted to suit your baby’s individual needs.
In the newborn stage, it’s completely normal for babies to eat around the clock. Their bodies are growing rapidly, their stomachs are small, and they need frequent opportunities to eat to remain full and satisfied.
By around 8–12 weeks old (yes, weeks!), an average-size baby is physically able to consume all the calories they need during daytime hours — especially when those daytime feeds are full feedings® (including a dreamfeed between 10–11 pm).
When you prioritize full feedings® from birth — and continue adjusting intake as your baby grows — calories naturally shift from nighttime to daytime. This supports your baby’s circadian rhythm and sets the stage for consistent nighttime sleep.
What Is a “Full Feeding”?
In the early weeks, we increase milk intake slowly and intentionally.
A full feeding is defined as:
30 minutes to complete an age-appropriate amount of milk (including burp time, as long as burping isn’t excessive).
When your baby starts finishing their usual amount faster than 30 minutes, it’s a sign they’re ready for a small increase. We typically recommend increasing by 0.5 oz per feeding. These small increases are what allow feeds to stretch further apart overnight — and ultimately support sleeping through the night earlier.
Here are some general guidelines to consider:
Feeding Schedule:
- Newborns usually feed on demand, which means they may need to eat every 2-3 hours. Watch for hunger cues like smacking lips, sucking on fingers, or rooting (turning their head to search for the breast or bottle).
- Breastfeeding: Aim for at least 8-12 feedings in 24 hours during the first few weeks.
- Formula feeding: Offer formula in quantities based on the baby’s age and size, as per the instructions on the formula packaging.
- As the baby grows and their stomach capacity increases, they may be able to go longer between feeds. Typically, by 3-4 months, babies can start spacing their feeds to every 3-4 hours.
Sleeping Schedule:
- Newborns sleep a lot, often up to 16-17 hours a day, but their sleep is typically not consolidated into long stretches. They’ll wake up for feedings every few hours.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine to help signal to the baby that it’s time to sleep. This could include activities like bathing, reading a short story, or singing a lullaby.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the room dimly lit, using white noise to block out external sounds, and maintaining a comfortable temperature.
- Place the baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
How much sleep does your baby need?
Just as with adults, babies’ and children’s sleep patterns vary. From birth, some babies need more or less sleep than others. The list below shows the average amount of sleep babies and children need during 24 hours, including daytime naps.
Newborn sleep needs
Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies, but can be around 18 hours. Babies will wake during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or too cold can also disturb their sleep.
Sleep requirements at 3 to 6 months old
As your baby grows, they’ll need fewer night feeds and may be able to sleep for longer. Some babies may sleep for 5 to 8 hours or longer at night, but not all.
Baby sleeps at 6 to 12 months
For some babies aged 6 months to a year, night feeds may no longer be necessary, and some babies will sleep for around 15 hours, most of this at night. Teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.
Sleep requirements from 12 months
Babies will sleep for around 12 to 15 hours in total after their first birthday.
2-year-old sleep needs
Most 2-year-olds need about 12 to 14 hours sleep, including naps in the daytime.
Sleep requirements for 3 to 5-year-olds
Most children aged 3 to 5 will need about 12 hours sleep. Some young children will still need a nap during the day.
Coping with disturbed nights
Newborn babies invariably wake up repeatedly in the night for the first few months, and disturbed nights can be very hard to cope with.
If you have a partner, ask them to help. If you’re formula feeding, encourage your partner to share the feeds. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your partner to take over the early morning changing and dressing so you can go back to sleep.
Once you’re into a good breastfeeding routine, your partner could occasionally give a bottle of expressed breast milk during the night. If you’re on your own, you could ask a friend or relative to stay for a few days so you can get some sleep.
Dealing with baby sleep pattern changes
All babies change their sleep patterns.
Be prepared to change routines as your baby grows and enters different stages. And remember, growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can all affect how your baby sleeps.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping or you need more guidance on establishing a routine, speak to your health visitor.
Helping your baby to sleep
Some babies sleep much more than others. Some people sleep for long periods, while others sleep in short bursts. Some soon sleep through the night, while some do not for a long time.
Your baby will have their own pattern of waking and sleeping, and it’s unlikely to be the same as other babies you know.
It’s also unlikely to fit in with your need for sleep. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
If you’re breastfeeding, in the early weeks your baby is likely to doze off for short periods during a feed. Carry on feeding until you think your baby has finished or until they’re fully asleep. This is a good opportunity to try to get a bit of rest yourself.
If you’re not sleeping at the same time as your baby, do not worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. It’s good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise.
How can I get my baby used to night and day?
It’s a good idea to teach your baby that nighttime is different from daytime from the start. During the day, open curtains, play games, and do not worry too much about everyday noises when they sleep.
At night, you might find it helpful to:
- keep the lights down low
- Don’t talk much and keep your voice quiet
- Put your baby down as soon as they’ve been fed and changed
- Don’t change your baby unless they need it
- Don’t play with your baby
Your baby will gradually learn that night-time is for sleeping.
Where should my baby sleep?
For at least the first 6 months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they’re asleep, both day and night. This can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Particularly in the early weeks, you may find your baby only falls asleep in your or your partner’s arms, or when you’re standing by the cot.
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