Sneha Kumari Sneha Kumari Asked 6 months ago

How much sleep is too much sleep for a newborn?

My friend just had a baby and she's worried because the baby sleeps for such long stretches. She's asking if it's normal. How much sleep is considered too much sleep for a newborn, if there even is such a thing?

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7 answers

Priya Sharma Priya Sharma Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago
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Newborns sleep a lot, sometimes 14-17 hours, which is normal. But the crucial part is they should be waking to feed every 2-3 hours, especially in the first few weeks. If your baby is sleeping for very long stretches and skipping feeds, it's practical to gently rouse them for feeding. Check with your doctor if it's a persistent issue.

Rajesh Kumar Rajesh Kumar Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

For newborns, while they do sleep a lot, continuous very long stretches (like more than 4-5 hours) without waking for a feed, particularly in the early weeks, can be a concern. It might indicate an underlying issue or simply insufficient feeding. Always consult your pediatrician; regular check-ups are key.

Shruti Rao Shruti Rao Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Too much sleep for a newborn? What even is that concept?! 😂 My baby is a sleep ninja, waking every hour it feels like! But seriously, if your newborn is sleeping SO much that they miss feeds, like 4-5 hours straight and not waking to eat, then maybe check with the doc. Otherwise, enjoy the peace!

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Deepa Sharma Deepa Sharma Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

I can only share my experience with my own child. My baby used to sleep a lot, but the doctor told me to wake her gently for feeds if she slept longer than 3-4 hours in the first few weeks. It's important they get enough nourishment. But for actual medical advice, please consult a pediatrician.

Suman Devi Suman Devi Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Beti, chote bachche toh bahut sote hain. 14-17 ghante tak normal hai. Par agar baccha doodh nahi pee raha hai theek se aur bahut hi lambe samay tak so raha hai, toh doctor ko dikha dena chahiye. Apne man se kuch mat karna, bachche ka mamla hai.

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Rahul Kapoor Rahul Kapoor Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Haha, newborns are like tiny foodies who also love a good nap! They do sleep a ton, like 14-17 hours. But the key is they need to wake up for their 'snack breaks' (feeds) every few hours. If they're sleeping through their meals, that's when you might want to gently nudge them awake. Gotta keep those little tummies full!

Radha Murthy Radha Murthy Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

When my children were born, we were told newborns mostly eat and sleep. So, a lot of sleep is normal. However, if they are not waking for their feeds regularly, especially in the very early days, that is when it might be considered too much. But don't worry, just observe them and if something feels off, talk to the doctor.

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