Which category best describes the newborn's sleeping patterns?

The category that best describes a newborn's sleeping patterns is characterized by being consistent and lengthy. Newborns typically sleep for a significant portion of the day, often logging around 16 to 18 hours in total, usually divided into longer stretches at night and shorter periods throughout the day. This sleep is crucial for their development, allowing for growth, brain development, and recovery.

While newborns do wake frequently for feeding, which could suggest shorter sleep periods, the overall pattern can still be seen as prolonged sleep, with bouts of activity in between. Many newborns will cycle through various stages of sleep, including REM sleep, which is essential for their neurological development. Understanding this consistent need for sleep helps caregivers establish proper routines and manage expectations regarding newborn behavior.