Newborn and Infant Sleep Pattern Resources from UPMC in Central Pa.

It’s no secret that new parents are often exhausted due to lack of sleep. Most infants wake up for feedings every two to three hours until they are about six to eight weeks old.

As your baby grows, he will sleep for longer periods of time and establish a more regular sleep pattern. In the meantime, it is a good idea to plan your "rest periods" for when your baby is sleeping.

Sleeping Through the Night

At first, your baby's sleep may not coincide with your own nighttime sleeping pattern. Around four to eight weeks of age, your baby's sleeping patterns will change. He or she will begin to sleep through one or two nighttime feedings, which will allow you to get five to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Eventually, your baby will sleep through the night, allowing you to get six to eight hours of rest.

Around five to six months of age, some infants begin to wake up again at night. If this happens, you might want to check with your baby's physician to see if you should start feeding your baby solid foods.

Cribs for Kids® Program

UPMC in central Pa. is a Cribs for Kid's® partner providing a program to educate parents, family members, child care providers, and health professionals about safe infant sleep and SIDS. Learn more about the Cribs for Kids Program.

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