The first few weeks are usually chaotic but a pattern emerges around 5-6 weeks.
Feeding
Newborns will feed 6-8 times a day (i.e. in 24 hours). Feeds may last from 20 minutes to an hour. They are not always spaced regularly. They can be from 2 to 5 hours apart.
By 2 months they may have 5-6 feeds in 24 hours. Feeds are usually more frequent during the day (i.e. 3-4 hours, compared to every 5-6 hours during the night).
Sleeping
Newborns need at least 15 hours sleep in 24 hours. Each sleep will last from 1 1/2 - 4 hours, day or night.
By 2 months babies should sleep for periods of 1-2 hours during the day (after each feed), and for periods of 3-5 hours during the night. Sleep should total 15 hours.
During the First Few Weeks
Take advantage of your baby's short waking times to get to know one another, even if it is just a cuddle and a chat.
By 2 Months
Baby is more responsive to people and the environment. Each day they should have 2-3 playtimes, lasting about 1/2 hour, before or after feeds. When you put baby in a cot, make up the cot so baby's feet are at the bottom end (rather than baby's head at the top end). This avoids the risk of baby wriggling down and slipping underneath the bedclothes.
Bedtime Safety
- Sleep baby on their back.
- Barren is best - no pillows, no quilts or doonas, no canopies, no fluffy toys in the bassinet.
- Use a firm well fitting mattress.
- If swaddling don't cover their head.
- Don't overheat with heavy blankets.
- Make sure their room is smoke free.
Crying
Crying is the only way babies have to communicate their needs. At the beginning, it's quite normal to have at least one or two unsettled periods a day (where there is a lot of crying), and at least one unsettled day a week. It helps if you make sure your baby is not overtired.
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