Newborn Sleep: Myths vs. Facts Every Parent Should Know
As a postpartum doula, I’ve heard it all—from “don’t hold the baby too much” to “you just have to let them cry it out.” If you’re a new parent trying to make sense of the mixed messages, you’re not alone. One of the biggest areas of confusion is newborn sleep—how much, how often, and whether you’re “doing it right.”
Let’s clear the air and replace fear with confidence by busting some common myths around newborn sleep.
❌ Myth #1: “Newborns should sleep through the night.”
✅ Fact: It’s completely normal—and expected—for newborns to wake every 2–3 hours.
Their stomachs are tiny, their circadian rhythms aren’t fully developed, and frequent waking is actually protective, especially in the first few months of life. Night waking helps prevent issues like low blood sugar and even supports safer sleep by reducing the risk of SIDS.
❌ Myth #2: “Keep your baby awake all day so they sleep better at night.”
✅ Fact: An overtired baby has a harder time falling and staying asleep.
Newborns need a lot of rest—anywhere from 14 to 17 hours per day in short stretches. When they miss naps or stay awake too long, their stress hormones rise, which can lead to fussiness and even less sleep at night.
❌ Myth #3: “You’re spoiling your baby if you rock or feed them to sleep.”
✅ Fact: You cannot spoil a newborn.
Babies are born needing constant connection. Feeding, rocking, and snuggling to sleep are normal, nurturing behaviors that meet your baby’s deep need for safety and comfort. It’s how they bond with you and learn that the world is a safe place.
❌ Myth #4: “Frequent night waking means something is wrong.”
✅ Fact: Every baby is different, and frequent waking can be biologically appropriate.
Some babies are more sensitive, more aware, or just need more touch and reassurance. There’s no single “right” sleep pattern for all babies—especially not in the first few months.
So What Is Normal?
Here’s a quick idea of what to expect:
Wake windows of 45–90 minutes for newborns
Naps that range from 20 minutes to 2 hours
Night waking every 2–4 hours
Lots of movement and noise during sleep (totally normal!)
Needing help to fall asleep—this is biologically expected
Tired? You're Not Alone.
Sleep deprivation is real, and you deserve rest and support, too. If you’re struggling with nighttime wake-ups or navigating postpartum recovery, please know: you don’t have to do this alone.
As a postpartum doula, I provide hands-on, heart-centered support to families in Lindale, Tyler, and East Texas. Whether it’s answering your sleep questions, helping with baby care, or just making sure you get a nap—you have someone in your corner.
💗 Let’s replace myths with real-life support and reclaim rest for the whole family.
Need help at night or during the day?
📩 Contact me to schedule a postpartum support session.
📍Serving families in Lindale, Tyler, and East Texas
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