Every new parent cherishes those unexpected long naps or stretches of nighttime sleep their baby manages to log. More sleep often means more rest for you—yay! But when your baby starts sleeping more than usual, it’s natural to wonder: Can babies sleep too much?
Babies, especially newborns, require a significant amount of sleep, though their sleep patterns are often short and unpredictable. It’s not uncommon for newborns to sleep for only a few hours at a time. As your baby grows and their sleep patterns become more regular, you’ll likely have a good sense of how many hours of sleep they typically need both during the day and at night.
How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?
Understanding your baby’s sleep needs is essential, as it can vary by age. Here’s a breakdown:
Newborns (0 to 3 months)
Newborns typically need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, though some might sleep up to 22 hours, particularly if they were born prematurely. This sleep usually happens in short spurts, both during the day and night, sometimes lasting only an hour or two at a time.
Older Babies (4 to 12 months)
For babies aged 4 to 12 months, 12 to 16 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period is typical. At least two to three hours of that sleep should be daytime naps. As your baby grows, you’ll notice they start sleeping for longer stretches at night. For instance, a 4-month-old might sleep for a six- or eight-hour stretch, while a 6-month-old could sleep for 10 or 11 hours at night. By the time your baby reaches their first birthday, they might be sleeping between 10 and 12 hours each night.
It’s important to note that a sleep stretch significantly longer than usual can seem out of the ordinary.
Can a Baby Sleep Too Much?
Yes, a baby can sleep too much, whether they are a newborn or an older baby. However, a newborn who sleeps excessively is generally more concerning than an older baby, who might only sleep more when they’re sick or after an extra busy day.
Newborns have small tummies and need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they need. While it might be tempting to let a particularly sleepy newborn continue snoozing, if they aren’t waking up on their own to eat, you’ll need to rouse them.
For the first two to three weeks, keep a close eye on the clock. Newborns who are breastfed shouldn’t go longer than two to four hours without eating, while formula-fed babies shouldn’t go longer than three to four hours. If a newborn sleeps for more than these periods without waking, you should gently wake them for a feeding.
Once your newborn’s weight gain is on track, your pediatrician will likely tell you it’s safe to wait until your baby wakes up naturally for feedings. This development often brings more sleep for you, too!
Can Older Babies Oversleep During the Day?
Sometimes, yes. If your baby naps for more than four hours during the day, they may be less tired at night, making it harder for them to settle down for bedtime or causing them to wake up very early in the morning. However, every baby is different, and a longer nap might simply be due to a particularly active day. As long as their nighttime sleep isn’t disrupted, occasional extra daytime sleep isn’t usually a cause for concern.
When your baby is sick, they might sleep for longer stretches, which is normal as their body fights off the illness. However, if your baby is sleeping for six to eight hours at a time when they’re just a few months old, it’s wise to consult your pediatrician.
Should I Wake My Baby During the Day?
Your baby’s naps might feel like a gift, but if they snooze for too long, you might need to wake them.
Newborns need to eat frequently to get the nourishment they need. If your newborn’s sleep schedule doesn’t align with their feeding needs, you should wake them if they’ve slept too long, whether during the day or at night.
Once your baby is older and consistently gaining weight, your pediatrician will likely give you the green light to stop waking them for feedings.
For older babies, it’s generally a good idea to limit daytime naps to no more than four hours. Napping longer could interfere with their ability to settle in for bedtime or cause them to wake up too early the next morning. The exception to this is when your baby is sick. It’s natural for them to need more sleep when they’re not feeling well, so don’t stress too much about sticking to their usual schedule.
If your sick baby naps for more than three or four hours, you might want to wake them to check their temperature, offer fluids, or ensure they’re comfortable.
When to See the Doctor
Occasional long naps or periods of sleep are usually nothing to worry about. However, if your newborn is consistently sleeping more than 17 hours a day and missing feedings, or if their sleepiness is accompanied by other symptoms like extreme lethargy, dehydration, or irritability, it’s time to call your pediatrician.
For newborns or older babies, you should also consult your doctor if sleepiness coincides with:
- Difficulty waking your baby or extreme lethargy after waking.
- Signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, darker urine, or dry lips.
- Unresponsiveness or lack of interest in eating after waking.
While an occasional long nap isn’t usually a cause for concern, chronic sleepiness that interferes with feeding or comes with other symptoms should be discussed with your pediatrician. This ensures your baby’s sleep patterns support their overall health and development.
