How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need?

Sleep needs change dramatically across the first four years. Here are the current evidence-based recommendations — with realistic notes about the variation between individual babies.

Sleep Requirements by Age

Newborn (0–3 months): 14–17 hours total. 4–6 naps per day. Night stretches of 2–4 hours. No "schedule" is appropriate yet.

3–6 months: 13–15 hours total. 3–4 naps per day, shortening toward 3 naps by 5–6 months. Some babies begin a 5–6 hour night stretch.

6–9 months: 13–14 hours total. 3 naps (most babies drop to 2 naps between 6–8 months). Most babies capable of 6–8 hour night stretches if sleep habits support it.

9–12 months: 13–14 hours total. 2 naps (1–1.5 hours each). Night sleep of 10–11 hours possible with good habits.

12–18 months: 12–14 hours total. Transitioning from 2 naps to 1 (usually between 13–18 months). 1 nap of 1.5–2 hours plus 11 hours at night.

18 months–3 years: 11–14 hours total. 1 nap per day until age 2.5–3.5 years.

3–4 years: 10–13 hours total. Many children drop napping between 3–3.5 years. Replace with quiet time even if they don't sleep.

What If My Baby Needs Less?

These are averages. Some babies consistently need 1–2 hours less than these ranges and are clearly happy and well-rested. If your baby is content, hitting developmental milestones and not cranky, they're probably fine even if they're sleeping less than the chart says.

Signs of Under-Sleep

Chronic fussiness, difficulty falling asleep (overtiredness makes it harder, not easier), early morning waking before 6am, falling asleep during feeds or car journeys during the day, and difficulty waking in the morning are all signs a baby may need more sleep than they're getting.