• A 7-week old infant requires anywhere from 15 to 20 hours of sleep every day.sleeping baby image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com
  
  

Sleep Schedules

• Since newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping with no rhythm or pattern, as they get older it is good to begin to develop a sleep schedule. A good time to start is around 7 to 8 weeks as they begin to sleep in less frequent intervals and start sleeping more in blocks of time. A sleep schedule made early on will mean fewer struggles later as the infant becomes a toddler.
  
  

Not Enough Sleep

• Since the experts only give parents guidelines, it is important to note that not all babies need the same amount of sleep at the same time in their lives. If your infant suddenly becomes overly cranky, has a hard time falling asleep or sleeps in the car, your baby's sleeping pattern could be to blame.
  
  

Bottom Line

• Sleep is very important in brain development early in an infant's life. Naps are just as important as sleeping at night during this period. On average a 7-week old baby should be sleeping anywhere from 15 to 20 hours; 5 to 7 of those hours should be spent napping during the day.