Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • Newborns generally sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period and do not know the difference between day and night.
  • Newborns need regular feeding, so they usually sleep in short periods. 
  • Newborns sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long.
  • In the first 3 months of life, babies cry a lot – it is their main way of communicating.
  • From approximately 2 weeks to 3-4 months of age, newborns go through a stage of increased crying, which will be at its worst at 6-8 weeks of age.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 27-03-2023