Typical Sleep Behavior in Newborns (0–3 Months) – Grand Rapids, Michigan Guide

Newborn sleep can feel confusing and exhausting, especially for first-time parents in Grand Rapids. Understanding what’s normal for babies 0–3 months old can help you feel more confident and know when to reach out for help from local Grand Rapids pediatricians and hospitals like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Newborn Sleep Basics (0–3 Months)

Newborns in the first three months:

  • Usually sleep 12 to 16 hours in a 24-hour period
  • Sleep in many short blocks, day and night
  • Do not have an established day–night rhythm yet

Crying is your baby’s main way of communicating. In Grand Rapids, whether your baby is born at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health, you’ll likely hear the same message from nurses: frequent crying and frequent waking are usually normal in this age range.

Newborns cry because they need:

  • Feeding (breastmilk or formula)
  • A diaper change
  • Comfort, warmth, or help settling back to sleep

Sometimes babies cry even when all their needs are met. As long as your newborn is:

  • Gaining weight
  • Having regular wet and dirty diapers
  • Generally calm and alert at other times

…this pattern is usually normal. If you’re unsure, contact your baby’s pediatrician or a local Grand Rapids health resource.

Newborns and Day–Night Confusion

Newborns do not know the difference between day and night. This can feel especially challenging during long, dark West Michigan winters, when daylight hours are short.

In the first weeks, your baby will:

  • Wake frequently day and night
  • Often wake because they are hungry or need a diaper change
  • Have no consistent sleep–wake rhythm

Around 3 months of age, many babies begin to:

  • Sleep for longer stretches at night
  • Stay awake a bit more during the day

Helping Your Newborn Learn Day vs. Night

You can gently support a healthy sleep rhythm:

During the day:

  • Expose your baby to natural light (open curtains, sit near windows – especially helpful in cloudy Grand Rapids winters)
  • Talk, sing, and play gently when they are awake
  • Keep normal household noises (no need for a totally silent house)

At night:

  • Keep lights dim
  • Speak in soft, quiet voices
  • Avoid stimulating play
  • Use a consistent bedtime routine (feed, cuddle, swaddle if using, then sleep)

Newborn Sleep Cycles: What’s Normal?

We All Have Sleep Cycles – Babies Too

Sleep happens in cycles, and these change as your baby grows.

For newborns (0–3 months):

  • Sleep cycles are short – about 20 to 50 minutes
  • Each cycle has:
    • Active sleep (similar to REM sleep)
    • Quiet sleep (deeper, more restful sleep)

Active Sleep

During active sleep, your newborn may:

  • Move their arms and legs
  • Make faces, grimace, or smile
  • Groan or whimper
  • Open their eyes briefly
  • Breathe noisily or irregularly

This can look like your baby is waking up, but it is often normal sleep. Many West Michigan parents mistake active sleep for their baby being fully awake.

Quiet Sleep

During quiet sleep, your newborn will:

  • Lie more still
  • Have more even, regular breathing
  • Look very peaceful and relaxed

It is normal for newborns to wake briefly between sleep cycles. Over time, they gradually learn to link cycles and sleep for longer stretches.

What Is Self-Settling?

A newborn’s ability to fall back to sleep between sleep cycles is called self-settling.

  • Some babies learn to self-settle earlier
  • Others need more help and time
  • This is strongly influenced by temperament and personality

You can support self-settling by:

  • Putting your baby down drowsy but still awake
  • Using a consistent, calming routine (for example: feed → short cuddle/play → sleep)
  • Watching for tired signs and responding early

Creating Positive Sleep Associations

Why Sleep Associations Matter

A sleep association is anything your baby links with falling asleep (for example, being rocked, fed, or held every time they sleep).

Some sleep associations can be hard to maintain long-term, such as:

  • Always holding your baby until fully asleep
  • Always feeding to sleep

These are not “wrong,” but they may lead to your baby:

  • Needing the same help every time they wake
  • Struggling to settle back to sleep independently

Each Grand Rapids family is different. You can choose what works for you, your baby, and your household.

Gentle Ways to Build Healthy Sleep Habits

Consider:

  • A simple routine: feed → brief awake time → sleep
  • Putting your baby in their crib or bassinet when they are sleepy but awake
  • Using calming techniques:
    • Swaddling (if safe and appropriate)
    • Soft shushing or white noise
    • Gentle rocking or patting
    • A dark, quiet sleep space

Newborn Feeding and Sleep

In the first 3 months, feeding needs drive sleep, not the other way around.

  • Newborns need to eat frequently, day and night
  • They naturally sleep in short stretches between feeds
  • Whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed does not determine when they will “sleep through the night”

Focus on:

  • Feeding your baby on cue (when they show hunger signs)
  • Gradually building a flexible routine around feed and sleep
  • Allowing your baby to wake for feeds, especially in the early weeks

How Much Crying Is Normal for Newborns?

On average, newborns:

  • Cry and fuss for up to 3 hours a day
  • Are often most unsettled in the late afternoon and evening

From about 2 weeks to 3–4 months, many babies go through a phase of increased crying, often peaking around 6–8 weeks. This can be challenging, especially during cold Grand Rapids winters when you may be indoors more.

When Crying Is Hard to Soothe

Sometimes, even when you:

  • Feed your baby
  • Change their diaper
  • Hold, rock, or comfort them

…they may still cry. This can be normal as long as your baby is:

  • Growing well
  • Having regular wet and dirty diapers
  • Calm at other times

If you feel overwhelmed:

  • Place your baby in a safe sleep space (crib or bassinet)
  • Step away for a few minutes to breathe, get a drink of water, or call a support person
  • Never shake a baby

Taking Care of Yourself as a Parent

Your well-being matters. Sleep deprivation, especially in the first months, is very common among Grand Rapids parents.

Consider:

  • Accepting help from family, friends, or local community groups
  • Taking turns with a partner for night duties when possible
  • Resting when your baby sleeps, especially in the early weeks
  • Talking to your healthcare provider if you feel:
    • Very anxious
    • Persistently sad or hopeless
    • Disconnected from your baby

Postpartum depression and anxiety are treatable, and support is available locally.

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Newborn Sleep and Support

If you’re worried about your newborn’s sleep or crying, or if you’re struggling to cope, reach out for help. In the Grand Rapids and Kent County area, you can contact:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor
    Many families in Grand Rapids receive newborn care through practices affiliated with:

    • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health

  • Hospital-based newborn and parenting support
    Check the websites for:

    • Corewell Health / Spectrum Health – parenting and newborn classes
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – maternity and family education
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – family health resources
    • Mercy Health – family and pediatric services

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers maternal and child health programs, immunizations, and community health resources.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department maternal child health”

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City and community programs
    Look for:

    • Home visiting programs
    • Parenting support groups
    • Breastfeeding support

  • 24/7 Nurse or Advice Lines
    Many Grand Rapids hospitals and insurance plans offer nurse advice lines you can call anytime if you’re worried about your baby’s crying, sleep, or health. Check the number on:

    • Your insurance card
    • Your hospital discharge paperwork

  • Mental Health and Parenting Support
    If you feel overwhelmed:

    • Talk with your primary care provider or OB-GYN
    • Ask about postpartum support and local counseling options
    • Look for local parent groups (in-person or online) in the Grand Rapids area

If your baby:

  • Has a fever (especially under 3 months)
  • Is very hard to wake
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Has fewer wet diapers than usual
  • Seems very unwell

…seek medical care immediately. You can visit your nearest emergency department (for example, Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital) or call 911 in an emergency.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Parents

  • The first three months are a key time for you and your baby to learn about each other.
  • Newborns usually sleep 12–16 hours per day but in short stretches, day and night.
  • Frequent night waking is normal, especially while your baby needs regular feeds.
  • It’s helpful to create positive sleep associations and a gentle, consistent routine.
  • Crying is your newborn’s main way of communicating; respond calmly and consistently.
  • A phase of increased crying from about 2 weeks to 3–4 months, peaking at 6–8 weeks, is common.
  • As long as your baby is gaining weight, feeding well, and generally content, these patterns are usually normal.
  • If you are worried about your newborn’s sleep or crying, or about your own mental health, contact your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or local public health resources for support.

Understanding typical newborn sleep behavior can make these early months in Grand Rapids a little less stressful and help you know when to reach out for help.