Mothers often wish their new babies came with instruction manuals describing exactly how much they are supposed to eat and how many hours they are supposed to sleep. Babies sleeping habits vary. Newborns sleep anywhere from 10 hours a day to 23 hours a day, with the average being about 16 hours. Some babies, just like adults, need more sleep than others.

Breastfed babies require more frequent feedings than bottle fed babies. Nursing babies will wake up more throughout the night, often every two hours. Breastfed babies might not sleep through the night until they are three to six months old. Whereas, bottle fed babies who might need feedings every four hours may sleep through the night as early as two months. So while it may be tempting to let the baby cry itself to sleep, it is not advisable during the first several months.

Wisdom regarding the proper sleeping position for babies has changed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy, full-term babies should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, also known as crib death.

Some other suggestions to improve sleeping include making sure the room is at a comfortable temperature, playing some music or other background noise and gently rocking the baby to sleep.

Also, be sure that mom gets enough rest by napping when the baby is asleep.