Science says no. Newborn sleep is chaotic by design. Lacking an internal clock, they cycle through rest unpredictably. Research from sleep labs pinpoints 14-17 hours total sleep in the initial weeks, occasionally up to 18.

Break it down: about 8 hours at night in snippets, plus 8-9 daytime. Naps last 30 minutes to 3 hours, broken by hunger pangs from minuscule tummies needing milk every few hours.

Extended stretches? Rare before 3 months. By 4-6 months, many settle into longer nights. Environmental cues accelerate this: lively days under natural light, serene evenings in dimness train the body’s rhythm.

Sleep isn’t indulgence—it’s essential fuel. During these hours, growth hormones surge, repairing tissues and wiring the burgeoning brain for learning.

Red flags demand attention: excessive drowsiness preventing feeds or abrupt sleep surges. Armed with facts, parents navigate this phase confidently, building bonds without undue stress.