Thread: Newborns don't sleep?

Sleep and Newborns (1-2 months)

For newborns, sleep during the early months occurs around the clock and the sleep-wake cycle interacts with the need to be fed, changed and nurtured. Newborns sleep a total of 10.5 to 18 hours a day on an irregular schedule with periods of one to three hours spent awake. The sleep period may last a few minutes to several hours. During sleep, they are often active, twitching their arms and legs, smiling, sucking and generally appearing restless.

Newborns express their need to sleep in different ways. Some fuss, cry, rub their eyes or indicate this need with individual gestures. It is best to put babies to bed when they are sleepy, but not asleep. They are more likely to fall asleep quickly and eventually learn how to get themselves to sleep. Newborns can be encouraged to sleep less during the day by exposing them to light and noise, and by playing more with them in the daytime. As evening approaches, the environment can be quieter and dimmer with less activity.
Sleep Tips for Newborns

Observe baby's sleep patterns and identify signs of sleepiness.
Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep.
Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face and head clear of blankets and other soft items.
Encourage nighttime sleep.

Babies don't sleep the full night right when they come home anyways. But, sometimes, a big part of the "unusual-waking" has to do with the babies crib/bassinet mattress. Often times, they get uncomfortable and don't sleep, and get fussy. I had this problem, and never thought to wonder about the mattress. I just thought my baby was fussy. But I found one that really works, and helps them sleep! It's called Just Gel Baby Mattress. I'll give you the link just in case you want to check it out. But it really works, i know from personal experience. It not only helped him go to sleep, but it helped me too having him sleep!