Last Updated Jun 18, 2019.

I’m write this post not because I believe newborns can or should be on a schedule, but because I know this is a question frequently asked by new parents. First, let’s define two terms –  newborn and schedule. Newborns are babies aged birth–16 weeks, counting from their due date. If you give birth 4 weeks early, your baby remains in the “newborn” stage until they are 20 weeks of age chronologically. Schedule refers simply to naps and bedtime happening at more or less the same times each day. (With an emphasis on sleep lengths lasting for more or less the same durations each day.)  

Beautiful baby lying on fur blanket with eyes open

Photo Credit: Daria Shevtsova

Keep Your Expectations In Check

For many reasons, newborns are not biologically capable of having a “schedule” in the traditional sense of the word. While many resources online encourage the scheduling of newborns, it is generally unwise to try to mandate or even expect a super predictable pattern in newborn sleep. Newborns do not have regular outputs of the hormone (melatonin) that regulates their sleep patterns. Therefore, you may find them physically incapable of sleeping at some times, and next to impossible to wake them at other times.

There are some easy-going newborns who adapt well to sleeping at the same times each day. But most new babies are not capable of having wholly predictable sleep patterns. Know that while your newborn can’t yet be on a schedule, there is a tremendous amount you can do to encourage lengthy periods of sleep overnight, and good sleep habits during the day.

Cycles Not Schedules

For those sweet mothers who are like me (type A, anyone?), I will not leave you without something to work with when it comes to your newborn’s daytime sleep “schedule.”

First, try to remember that your goal should be a pattern or cycle, and not a schedule. A good tip is to try to start your day at the same time each day. If you have to get out of bed each morning at 7 am to get an older child to school, get your newborn up as well. Expose them to sunlight, and give them a good feeding. Try very hard to keep them alert and awake throughout the whole feed. Then, watch them closely to see when they may be starting to feel sleepy. This can happen within 30 minutes or 90 minutes. It depends on the baby, their age, and whatever their melatonin output from their brain happens to be doing on that particular day.

(Note: their varying wake time lengths from day to day is what makes it impossible to schedule them. They may want or need to be awake for different lengths throughout the day. And it can vary widely from day to day, changing with each week they grow older.)

If this is your first baby, and you can sleep in, fantastic! But, still aim to get up and start your baby’s day within 30 minutes of the same time each morning. (Whether that’s 7 am or 10 am.) Once baby shows a tired sign, put them down for a nap. Their nap may last 25 minutes, or up to two hours. Wake them at the 2 hour mark. Note, the varying length in nap, which is NORMAL, is another reason it’s impossible to “schedule” a newborn. Then simply restart the “eat, wake, sleep” cycle. Continue this pattern throughout the day, and aim for “bedtime” to be about 12 hours after you got them up to start the day.

Finally, for the 12-hour “overnight” period, aim to keep lights low and also do not have any wake time after feedings. Simply feed in as little light as possible, then put baby down again right away. Repeat until your morning start time. Some days you may have more naps than others. And some days you may have some long naps and some short naps. That’s all normal and okay.

When putting your newborn on a schedule remember…

  1. Aim for a “pattern” or “cycle” – not an actual “schedule.”
  2. Try to start your day at the same time.
  3. Put baby down for a nap when they show their first tired sign.
  4. Keep lights low at bedtime and during night feedings.

I also have one more thing for you  –  My Newborn Sleep Program designed especially for infants aged 0-16 weeks. This incredibly robust program includes both videos, and a written guide to help you navigate everything related to your newborn. Through this affordable program, you can learn not only how to help your newborn get the best daytime and nighttime sleep as possible (with lots more tips than what I was able to include above), but you’ll also gain guidance on feeding, bedroom environment, crib safety, and more. Use the coupon code NewbornBlog10 at checkout for 10% off The Newborn Sleep Program.

Here’s to great sleep and newborn cuddles!!