Is your little one sleeping like a, well, a baby? Since your baby was born, it's likely you've been making the effort to track their sleep or sleep when they're sleeping, so as their parent, you'll be more than clued up on their sleeping patterns.
That's why when there's a change to their sleeping habits, it can be rather concerning. Why are they sleeping more? Are they poorly? Is it something I did?
The good news is that there's often a very logical reason why your baby is sleeping more than usual. Keep reading to find out more about newborn sleep and the reasons why your baby might be sleeping more.
How long should my baby sleep for?
During those first few months, your newborn will be sleeping a lot. We’re talking around 16 to 18 hours in every 24 hour period.
If you're keen to find out more about baby sleep from 0-6 months, read our guide to baby sleep.
How can I tell if my baby is sleeping too much?
Generally, it's uncommon for a newborn to sleep more than 19 hours per day, unless they're feeling under the weather.
Usually, unless the increased amount of sleep comes with other symptoms, it's not normally anything to worry about. But if your baby is sleeping excessively, and you're feeling concerned, it might give you some peace of mind to check in with your GP.
Why is baby sleeping more than usual?
There are a number of reasons why your baby might be sleeping for longer. These include:
Teething
Growth of any kind requires more rest, so keep an eye on your baby's teething gums and red cheeks. If you're concerned about your teething baby, and think there may be another underlying issue, it's a good idea to speak to your GP.
Growth spurt
Physical development is tiring work for your baby, so those early growth spurts require a lot of rest. Other signs of growth spurts include eating more, and more naps.
Illness
Fighting off something like a cold can use up a lot of energy, and little bodies have to work much harder to fight off illness. If they're suffering from a cold or something similar, it's a good idea to let them rest and build up their strength. If it continues for longer than a week, speak to your GP.
Vaccinations
Their routine vaccinations can cause them to feel rather under the weather for the days following. Plenty of cuddles and rest should do the trick.
When to seek medical advice
Feeding problems
Newborns should eat every 2-3 hours, so if they miss a few feedings and are eating considerably less than normal, then you may want to check in with your doctor.
Respiratory issues
While waking up your baby for a night feed can take some time, pay attention to their breathing if you're having trouble. Look out for wheezing or loud breathing, especially if they have a fever.
When it comes to anything fever-related, it's important to seek medical attention.