How many hours of sleep does a baby need?
Sleep needs shift dramatically in the early years. Here are general benchmarks by age, from newborn to age 3.
A newborn (0 to 3 months) sleeps on average 14 to 17 hours a day, but spread across short 2- to 4-hour stretches around the clock — their internal clock isn't set yet, and that's completely normal.
Between 4 and 11 months, total sleep need drops slightly, to around 12 to 15 hours a day, typically with 2 to 3 daytime naps and nighttime stretches that gradually lengthen as baby grows.
Log naps and nights, and find tips adapted to their age.
Download the app for free✨ Free to download — on phone, tablet and computer.
From 1 to 2 years old, the general target is 11 to 14 hours a day, often with a single afternoon nap after around 18 months. From 3 to 5 years, the need shifts to roughly 10 to 13 hours, and many children drop the nap altogether around age 4-5.
These numbers are averages, not strict rules — some children naturally need a bit more or less sleep than these benchmarks. What matters most is whether your child seems rested, in good spirits, and active during the day.
Sources
Photo: Unsplash
This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
