Newborn Won't Sleep?

A newborn's sleep pattern is one of the most exhausting topics for parents. In the first weeks, babies sleep 16-18 hours a day, but this is usually broken into 1-3 hour blocks — they haven't yet grasped day-night differences. When a baby seems not to sleep, it's usually one of these: hunger (newborn stomach is tiny, feeding is needed every 2-3 hours), need for diaper change, environmental stimulus (too bright, too quiet/noisy, too warm/cold), or simply needing to be held. Newborns can't soothe themselves; responding to early cues before crying (restlessness, sucking movements, hands to mouth) makes it easier to transition to sleep. Swaddling, dim environment, and white noise (like "shush" sounds) can help. If sleep problems are affecting feeding and weight gain, or if the baby is constantly fussy, consult your pediatrician.