How long should a 10 week old sleep?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

A 10-week-old baby should be getting a total of about 14 to 17 hours of sleep over the course of a 24-hour day. It’s important to note that every baby is different and may have slightly different sleep patterns, but this is a general guideline.

At this age, your baby will typically sleep in short spurts of two to four hours at a time. They will wake up to be fed, burped, changed, and soothed before going back to sleep. It’s common for newborns to have their days and nights mixed up, so you may find that your baby is more awake and active at night and sleeps more during the day. This is normal and will gradually sort itself out as your baby gets older.

Creating a consistent sleep routine can be helpful in establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby. This can include a bedtime routine such as a bath, feeding, and calming activities like reading or singing. It’s also important to create a sleep environment that is conducive to sleep, such as a dark, quiet, and comfortable room.

During the day, it can be beneficial to expose your baby to natural light and engage in stimulating activities to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle. This can include taking short walks outside or engaging in age-appropriate playtime.

It’s important to remember that newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, so expect your baby to wake up for feedings throughout the night. This is completely normal and necessary for their growth and development. As your baby gets older, they will gradually start to sleep for longer stretches at night.

It’s also worth noting that sleep patterns can vary from day to day, and your baby may have periods of fussiness or difficulty falling asleep. This is normal and can be caused by a variety of factors such as growth spurts, teething, or developmental milestones. Being responsive to your baby’s needs and providing comfort and reassurance can help them feel secure and settle back to sleep.

A 10-week-old baby should be getting about 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, sleeping in short spurts of two to four hours at a time. Creating a consistent sleep routine and a sleep-friendly environment can help establish healthy sleep habits. Remember that every baby is unique, and it’s important to be responsive to your baby’s individual sleep needs.