Caring for a newborn can be both joyful and exhausting. One of the biggest challenges for new parents is adjusting to a newborn’s sleep patterns. For the first 2 months, babies have irregular sleep schedules and may sleep at any time of day or night. Most won’t begin to develop a more predictable routine until they’re around 3–4 months old (AAP).
How Much Sleep Does a 1-Month-Old Need?
On average, a 1-month-old will sleep about 15–16 hours per day. Because they can only comfortably stay awake for 30–90 minutes at a time, much of the day is spent napping. Many parents find that they spend most waking moments feeding, changing, and soothing their newborn.
A popular method for structuring the day is the eat–play–sleep routine: feed your baby upon waking, follow with gentle play or bonding time, and then prepare them for their next nap. This helps babies process their feed and learn early sleep cues.
How Long Should a 1-Month-Old Stay Awake?
Most 1-month-old babies will be awake for 30–90 minutes before needing another nap. Nap lengths vary from 20 minutes to as long as 4–5 hours. Over a 24-hour period, expect about 7–8 naps.
As your baby grows, their wake windows will lengthen, and naps will consolidate, leading to a more predictable schedule. Until then, flexibility is key.
Sample 1-Month-Old Sleep Schedule
This is one possible daily rhythm for a healthy 1-month-old. Every baby is different, so variations are normal.
| 6:45 AM | Wake up (45 minutes awake) |
| 7:30–8:45 AM | Nap 1 (1 hr 15 min) |
| 9:45–11:00 AM | Nap 2 (1 hr 15 min) |
| 12:15–1:15 PM | Nap 3 (1 hr) |
| 2:30–4:00 PM | Nap 4 (1 hr 30 min) |
| 5:15–5:45 PM | Nap 5 (30 min) |
| 7:00–7:30 PM | Nap 6 (30 min) |
| 8:30 PM | Bedtime routine begins |
| 9:00 PM+ | Night sleep (with feedings as needed) |
Napping for a 1-Month-Old
How long should naps be?
Naps at this age range from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Since newborn sleep cycles are not yet regulated, it’s not realistic to expect consistency until around 3–4 months.
How many naps per day?
On average, 6–8 naps per day is typical for a 4-week-old. Each nap length will vary. Short naps are normal, and frequent naps help prevent overtiredness, which can make it harder for babies to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Many parents find that using a video baby monitor or breathing monitor provides reassurance during naps and helps track patterns as the baby grows.
Bedtime for a 1-Month-Old
What time should bedtime be?
Bedtime at this age is often late, sometimes as late as 11 PM. Over the next few months, it will naturally shift earlier. Focus less on a set bedtime and more on following your baby’s sleep cues.
How long will nighttime sleep be?
Night sleep totals 9–12 hours, but will be interrupted every 2–4 hours for feeding and comfort. Over time, stretches between feeds will lengthen.
Helping Your Baby Sleep
1. Build a consistent routine
While newborns aren’t ready for a strict schedule, gentle consistency helps. Try feeding and preparing for sleep in a similar sequence each time. Dimming lights 20–30 minutes before bed signals it’s time to rest.
2. Watch for sleep cues
Signs include looking away, unfocused gazes, rubbing eyes, or resting their head on you. Acting on cues before overtiredness sets in makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep.
3. Avoid keeping them awake too long
Overtired babies produce more cortisol (a stress hormone), which can make it harder for them to settle and stay asleep (Mayo Clinic).
4. Create a safe, soothing environment
Following the AAP safe sleep guidelines — placing your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding — promotes safety and comfort.
5. Don’t fear “spoiling” your newborn
Newborns need comfort and closeness. Holding, rocking, and soothing your baby can help them relax and sleep more soundly.
FAQs
Will a 1-month-old sleep through the night?
No, frequent night wakings are normal. Feeding needs and small stomach capacity mean your baby will wake multiple times.
How long should they be awake between naps?
Typically 30–90 minutes, with shorter wake windows in the morning and slightly longer ones later in the day.
Why does my baby sleep more during the day?
Newborns haven’t yet developed a circadian rhythm. You can encourage night sleep by dimming lights in the evening and keeping the room bright during the day.
What is sleep regression?
Sleep regression is a temporary return to shorter, more disrupted sleep patterns. The 4-month regression is common and linked to brain development.
