How much sleep is normal for a baby in its first few weeks?

[aamia]

I'm not sure how much he should be awake for? We had issues with jaundice, him being so sleepy I struggled to wake him for feeds, so now he wakes up himself and spends a little time each day awake and watching, seems loads more alert. Other people say he should be awake between feeds during the day though. So - what is 'normal'? How alert should he be?

It's really variable, but it's common for them to sleep a lot! Try not to worry. Definitely not awake between feeds when very little, most can only manage an hour to an hour and a half. If you post on sleep, I am sure there will be loads of other new mums who will make your DC seem totally normal :)

Enjoy the sleepy cuddles - you'll miss them when you're chasing around after a hyperactive toddler!

My answer is not going to be helpful! It depends on the baby. Each of my DC always slept lots 18 out I'd 24 hours for the first few weeks. I just judged it by them-if they woke up happy then I took it as a sign that they'd had enough sleep. (they never cried for milk and we're never sensitive about wet nappies)

Depends entirely on baby. If jaundice is now an issue, nor weight gain, then ENJOY the sleep and time off in the day :)

The only time to be worried about this I think is if they have almost no awake/ alert time, are not gaining weight well, or are otherwise not meeting expected milestones.

You are a lucky lady. And he will wake up plenty soon enough :)

If jaundice is not an issue, that should have read. Sorry...