How much sleep does my baby need?

The amount of sleep your baby needs changes as they age. Download our handy sleep guide that outlines recommended hours of sleep (naps and nighttime) by age range.

Babies (0 to 3 months)

Newborns may sleep for as many as 18 hours a day, for 3 to 4 hours at a time. It’s normal and healthy for babies to wake up during the night to feed. As your baby gets older, they will stay awake longer during the day and sleep for longer stretches at night.

Infants (4 to 12 months)

During this age range, babies sleep an average of 14 hours a day, between nighttime sleep and naps, but anything less or more can be normal for your baby. By 4 months, most babies will start consolidating their sleeping to three naps a day; one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the early evening.

When should my child transition from three naps to two? Between 6 and 12 months, your baby will probably go from having three naps a day to two longer naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. But every baby’s napping needs are different and there are no hard milestones. Some naps will be 20 minutes long, and some 3 hours. Some babies will hold to a regular schedule, and others won’t. 

Toddlers (1 to 2 years)

Most toddlers sleep between 11 and 14 hours in a 24-hour period. Sometime during this period, they may further consolidate naps, from two to one a day.

Children (3 to 5 years)

Preschoolers typically sleep about 10 to 13 hours a day. As your child approaches 3 years old, they will probably be taking one nap a day, though some will still have two, and others will give up daytime naps altogether. If they’re rejecting their naps or having trouble falling asleep at night, consider using the time after lunch as quiet time, for everyone to relax and recharge.

At this age, it’s common for children to have some nighttime sleep problems and to resist going to bed. Your child may also wake up during the night from nighttime fears or nightmares. 

Remember, all children are different. There are a range of acceptable sleep totals in a 24 hour period. Pay attention to whether your child seems rested after waking up to gauge appropriate sleep needs for your child.

 

This article has been reviewed by our team of experts.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment you should consult with your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.