It’s typical for your newborn to only be awake for about an hour at a time before they doze off for another multi-hour nap. A good portion of their total daily sleep needs – about 10-12 hours – will be met during the day in their first month home with you. So, what is a typical day like with all this sleep?

Below, we’ll share a sample daily schedule. Please note, the concept of a daily schedule this young loosely describes the rhythm that develops when you observe and respond to your baby’s hunger and sleepy cues as they arise. Follow your baby, not the clock.

7:00 - 8:00 AM - First morning wake period

8:00 - 9:00 AM - First nap

9:00 - 10:00 AM - Second wake period

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Second nap

12:00 - 1:00 PM - Third wake period

1:00 - 2:15 PM - Third nap

2:15 - 3:30 PM - Fourth wake period

3:30 - 4:30 PM - Fourth nap

4:30 - 5:45 PM - Fifth wake period

5:45 - 6:15 PM - Last nap

6:15 - 7:30 PM - Last wake period

7:30 - 8:00 PM - Bedtime routine

While there’s no singular schedule for all newborns, it is typical to see this tug and pull between frequent wakings and frequent naps. Wake periods entail feedings, diaper changes, bonding, and playtime.