How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need?
Updated
Quick answer: Newborns (0–3 months) need about 14–17 hours of sleep in 24 hours, babies 4–12 months need 12–16 hours, and toddlers 1–2 years need 11–14 hours, including naps. These ranges come from the National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep needs by age
| Age | Total per 24 hours | Day sleep | Night (7 am wake-up) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–4 weeks) | 14–17 hours | Varies | Spread over day and night |
| 1 month | 14–17 hours | Varies | Spread over day and night |
| 2 months | 14–17 hours | Varies | Spread over day and night |
| 3 months | 14–17 hours | Varies | Spread over day and night |
| 4 months | 12–16 hours | 3h 15m | 11h 45m |
| 5 months | 12–16 hours | 3h | 11h 45m |
| 6 months | 12–16 hours | 3h | 11h 30m |
| 7 months | 12–16 hours | 2h 30m | 11h 30m |
| 8 months | 12–16 hours | 2h 30m | 12h |
| 9 months | 12–16 hours | 2h 15m | 11h 30m |
| 10 months | 12–16 hours | 2h | 11h 30m |
| 11 months | 12–16 hours | 2h | 11h 15m |
| 12–14 months | 11–14 hours | 2h | 11h 15m |
| 15–17 months | 11–14 hours | 2h 15m | 11h 45m |
| 18–23 months | 11–14 hours | 2h | 11h 15m |
| 2 years | 11–14 hours | 1h 30m | 11h |
Totals: National Sleep Foundation (0–3 months) and American Academy of Sleep Medicine (4 months and older). Day and night times are from our sample schedules; night includes normal wakings.
Day sleep vs night sleep
As babies grow, sleep shifts from being spread across day and night to one long night and fewer, longer naps. The table shows typical day sleep from our sample schedules alongside the recommended total for each age.
Every baby is different
These are healthy ranges, not targets. A baby who is happy, growing well and sleeps roughly within the range is usually getting enough sleep. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby seems unusually sleepy, is hard to wake, or regularly sleeps far less than the range for their age.
Signs your baby may need more sleep
- Frequent fussiness in the late afternoon or evening.
- Falling asleep in the car or stroller almost every time.
- Short naps and frequent night waking together.
- Waking up before 6 am most days.
Common questions
Do night wakings count toward total sleep?
The ranges are time actually asleep. Brief night wakings and feeds are normal for babies, so time in bed is often longer than time asleep.
How many hours should a 1-year-old sleep?
About 11–14 hours in 24 hours, usually 11–12 hours at night plus 2–3 hours of naps.
How much should a 6-month-old sleep?
About 12–16 hours in 24 hours, typically around 11 hours at night and 2½–3½ hours of daytime naps.