Newborns have completely different sleep patterns than older children and adults. In the first weeks, babies sleep in short stretches of 1–3 hours, day and night. Their sleep cycles are brief, and they need frequent feeds to maintain stable blood sugar, so a clear day–night rhythm has not yet developed.

Newborns often sleep “lightly” — moving, grunting, squeaking, or opening their eyes without waking. This is active sleep, an essential part of brain development. Many parents are surprised by how noisy a sleeping newborn can be. Quiet, deep sleep becomes more common later.

Crying is the newborn’s primary way of communicating. Babies may cry when hungry, tired, overstimulated, cold, warm, or in need of closeness. Most newborns have a daily “fussy period,” often in the evening, when they require extra comfort and skin-to-skin contact.

A lot of crying is normal in otherwise healthy infants. If the baby gains weight, feeds well, has regular wet and dirty diapers, and settles with closeness, there is usually no cause for concern. Babywearing, movement, breastfeeding, or a pacifier (if chosen) can soothe.

Seek medical care if crying is continuous for hours, if the cry sounds unusual, if the baby is hard to wake, refuses feeding, or if you feel overwhelmed by worry. Newborns should never be left to “cry it out.”

Alma’s tips

• Grunting and noisy sleep are normal.

• Try skin-to-skin, movement, or babywearing during evening fussiness.

• Follow your baby’s cues — the rhythm will develop later.

• Seek support if crying becomes emotionally draining.