Newborns typically sleep between 14 to 17 hours a day, but their sleep is divided into short periods. They usually sleep for 2 to 4 hours at a time, waking frequently for feeding. This pattern is due to their small stomachs and the need for nourishment, as well as their developing circadian rhythms. As babies grow, their sleep patterns gradually change. By around 3 to 6 months, many infants start to sleep longer stretches at night and take fewer naps during the day. This transition helps them develop a more regular sleep schedule, which is important for their overall growth and development.