Newborn sleep: First 24 hours

Your newborn will ideally sleep through more than half of his first day - about 16-18 hours. However, his sleeping hours will be broken down into short bouts. Expect your baby to take 2-3 hours of sleep at a stretch multiple times throughout the day and night. Newborns have a tiny stomach that empties really quickly. So as much as they love to sleep, they will wake up every 1.5-3 hours to refuel. 

(Read more: How often should you feed your baby in the first 24 hours)

As a new mom, it would be quite difficult for you to adjust to the sleeping patterns of your baby and catch up with your own sleep. In fact, sleep deprivation is one of the most common problems most new parents face. While it’s alright to want to be there every time your baby wakes up during the night - which you would be at most times - your body also needs to recoup after childbirth. You can’t take care of your baby feeling exhausted and sleepy. So, take as much rest as you can and whenever you can. 

The best way to catch up with sleep is to get small naps every time your baby sleeps.

Don’t overburden yourself with the other household responsibilities. Guest visits are normal after the birth of a baby but they can be very tiring for a new mother and a newborn. Try to keep them to a bare minimum. The guests can wait. Also, take help from your family whenever you can.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the sleeping cycle of babies is almost similar to that of adults. They have a REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM phase. In other words, your baby may either sleep very still or move frequently. 

Don’t be alarmed if you notice your baby taking quick breaths periodically while sleeping. Newborns generally have an irregular breathing pattern. Your baby may alternate between breathing quickly, and normal breaths with tiny pauses in between. 

(Read more: Breathing pattern of a newborn baby)

Also, babies naturally breathe from their nostrils and create snuffling sounds while sleeping. This is because their airways are not yet used to the new environment and breathing. So while it may feel they have congestion or cold, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Do tell your doctor if you notice other signs though like change in temperature, whistling sounds, laboured breathing or excessive crying.

(Read more: Why is my baby crying)

The baby has spent nine months in your womb. He will miss the warmth and security of his previous home. You will not need to find any special corner for your baby to sleep as they can sleep anywhere. But he will feel more secure in your arms and close to your chest. Swaddle him from time to time. Just wrap him in a light and soft blanket. He will love to snuggle in it. 

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) suggests that a newborn baby should sleep on his back in a firm crib or bassinet until at least the first year. This would help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) due to accidental strangulation or suffocation. For the same reason, never leave your baby unattended.

Keep the room temperature normal, neither too hot nor too warm; 16 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius will be the ideal room temperature for the baby. 

Your baby will sleep a lot during his first day, waking up only when he needs to feed. It may disturb your own sleeping pattern. Take short naps while your baby is sleeping to cope with exhaustion and tiredness. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. 

Keep your baby close to you while he sleeps. However, it is best that your baby sleeps in a crib instead of on the bed with you. This will make it easy to take care of your baby whenever he needs to and prevent any mishap like sudden infant death. Always put your baby on his back whenever he sleeps and never leave him unattended.