16/03/2026
Your baby isn’t born knowing the difference between night and day, and that matters more than you think ❤️
It’s completely normal for newborns to sleep more during the day and be wide awake at night.
And no, it’s not something you’re doing wrong.
This is normal newborn behaviour, and there are a few key reasons why:
✨ Newborns don’t have a body clock yet
Babies aren’t born with a circadian rhythm. That internal clock doesn’t begin to develop until around 4–6 weeks of age, so day and night feel the same to them at first.
✨ Night waking supports feeding and growth
Babies naturally wake more overnight when prolactin (the milk-making hormone) is highest. This frequent night feeding helps establish a strong milk supply and supports early growth.
✨ Tiny tummies need frequent refills
A newborn’s tummy is very small, so it fills quickly and empties quickly. That means more frequent feeds, day and night (especially in the early weeks).
Around the 4–6 week mark, babies can start to learn the difference between day and night (but it can’t be forced, only supported). Here’s how you can gently help:
☀️ During the day
Open the curtains in the morning and let natural light in. Feed and spend time with your baby in daylight, and get outside when you can. Let naps happen naturally, at home or out and about.
🌙 At night
Keep things calm and low-key. Dim lights, quiet voices, minimal stimulation. Night feeds are for feeding, not entertaining.
The simplest way to support your baby’s body clock is to let them experience real day and real night. There’s nothing to “fix” right now... just a tiny human adjusting to the world.
Rest where you can. The naps will come ❤️
