The following 'daily diaries' are aimed at illustrating some of the more common newborn sleep and wake patterns, over a 24-hour cycle. The first diary is of a new baby (about 2 weeks old) and the second is of a slightly older baby (about 5 weeks old). Both babies are having around 15-17 hours sleep in total, but they are broken up over the 24-hour period. The diaries also show how feed times can be 3 to 4 hours apart, but that this time also includes the baby being awake and feeding, often equating to them only having 2 to 3 hour sleeps in between these feeds.
Please note: These are examples of two babies, and not a strict guide as to how your baby will behave.
A 2 week old baby
This diary illustrates the feeding and sleeping patterns of one 2 week old baby, who is taking around 1 hour to feed and change at each waking time.
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| 5.00 am |
Baby wakes - feeds, nappy change and feeds again. |
| 6.00 am |
Baby and mother sleep (3 hrs sleep), dad takes the toddler to childcare. |
| 9.00 am |
Baby wakes, feeds, nappy change and feeds again. |
| 10.00 am |
Baby sleeps (21/2 hours)- mother eats breakfast and then sleeps (2 hrs sleep). |
| 12.30 pm |
Baby feeds, nappy change, fusses a little then falls asleep. |
| 1.30 pm |
Baby sleeps (2 hrs). Mother has a shower, lunch and puts a load of washing on. |
| 3.30 pm |
Baby feeds and sleeps - off and on over the next 2 hours, has a bath, and feeds again. |
| 5.30 pm |
Baby sleeps (3 hours), mother has dinner, catches up with dad (and sibling). |
| 9.30 pm |
Baby wakes, wet nappy change, feeds, soiled nappy change, finishes feed. |
| 11.00 pm |
Baby falls asleep (2 1/2 hrs sleep), mother sleeps as well (dad was in bed at 10pm). |
| 1.30 am |
Baby feeds, fusses and cries a little feeds for the next 1 1/2 hours. |
| 3.00 am |
Baby and parents sleep (3 hours). |
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Back to 6 am.....baby wakes |