Is it normal for a newborn to sleep 20 hours a day?

He says it’s normal for some newborns to sleep up to 20 hours per day. If this describes your baby, get your 40 winks now because the phase won’t last long. Discover eight ways that bleary-eyed new parents can get more sleep.

Is it normal for a newborn to sleep 24 hours a day?

Newborns 0 to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, though up to 22 hours is in the realm of normal for preemies. Sleep typically happens in spurts during the day and at night, sometimes lasting only an hour or two at a time.

Is it OK newborn baby sleeping too much?

A baby occasionally sleeping for longer than usual is not a cause for concern unless there are other symptoms. In general, it is uncommon for a newborn to consistently sleep through feedings or to sleep for longer than 19 hours per day unless they are ill or are having feeding difficulties.

What happens if a newborn sleeps too long?

If you’re dealing with an overly sleepy baby, you’ll first need to make sure there are no medical issues causing them to sleep all the time. Jaundice, infections, and any medical procedures, such as circumcision, can make your baby sleepier than usual. Your pediatrician will check if your baby is gaining enough weight.

What is lethargy newborn?

Listlessness or lethargy Lethargic or listless babies appear to have little or no energy. They are drowsy or sluggish. They may also sleep longer than usual. They may be hard to wake for feedings and even when awake, are not alert or attentive to sounds and visual cues.

What do I do if my newborn won’t wake up to eat?

If your baby doesn’t wake up to eat, try being a bit more forceful with your nudges. Sing or talk a bit more loudly when you wake him, undress him completely or try taking him into another room to feed him, as a change of venue can sometimes work wonders.

How do I know if my newborn is lethargic?

Lethargy

  1. Your young child is lethargic if she stares into space or won’t smile. She won’t play at all or hardly responds to you. Your child is too weak to cry or hard to wake up. These are serious symptoms.
  2. Note: Sleeping more when sick is normal. When awake, your child should be alert.

How long is too long for a newborn to go without eating?

Newborns should not go more than about 4–5 hours without feeding. Signs that babies are hungry include: moving their heads from side to side.

Should you force a newborn to eat?

Tip #5: Don’t force your baby to feed Don’t push your baby by the head or try to force them to feed as this could put them off completely.

How many hours straight should a newborn sleep?

Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, says the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day. Newborns wake every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed often, about every 2–3 hours.