Every baby will have different sleep patterns and habits. Many newborns will sleep for up to 16 to 17 hours a day; however, only expect them to sleep for a few hours at a time. Sleep patterns won’t become solidified until after your baby is about six months old. You should also put babies on their backs when they sleep to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Until babies are old enough to roll over by themselves, it is advised that all parents put babies to sleep on their backs only and never their side or stomach.