How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need? Guide by Age (2026)
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April 25, 2026
One of the most common questions new parents ask is simply: how much should my baby be sleeping? The answer changes dramatically over the first two years, and understanding the typical sleep needs at each age helps you set realistic expectations, spot potential issues, and avoid the anxiety that comes from comparing your baby's sleep to someone else's. This guide breaks down sleep needs month by month, including total sleep, number of naps, and typical nighttime patterns.
Newborn (0-2 months): 14-17 hours total. Sleep comes in 2-4 hour bursts with no distinction between day and night. Your newborn has 6-8 sleep periods per 24 hours, and there's no predictable nap schedule — "naps" and "nighttime sleep" are essentially the same thing. Expect 8-9 hours of nighttime sleep (with multiple wakings for feeds) and 7-8 hours of daytime sleep spread across 4-5 naps. Swaddling is your best tool for extending those short sleep stretches by dampening the startle reflex.
Baby Sleep Needs by Age
| Age | Total Sleep | Nighttime | Naps | Wake Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 months | 14–17 hrs | 8–10 hrs (with waking) | 4–5 naps | 45–90 min |
| 3–4 months | 14–16 hrs | 10–11 hrs | 3–4 naps | 1.5–2 hrs |
| 5–6 months | 13–15 hrs | 10–11 hrs | 2–3 naps | 2–3 hrs |
| 7–9 months | 13–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 2 naps | 2.5–3.5 hrs |
| 10–12 months | 12–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 2 naps | 3–4 hrs |
| 12–18 months | 12–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 1–2 naps | 3–5 hrs |
| 18 months–3 years | 11–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 1 nap | 4–6 hrs |
3-4 months: 14-16 hours total. This is when the first real patterns emerge. Nighttime sleep begins to consolidate into a longer stretch of 5-8 hours, and daytime naps start settling into 3-4 per day. The 4-month sleep regression may temporarily disrupt things as your baby's sleep architecture matures. This is also when you'll transition from swaddles to sleep sacks as your baby begins showing signs of rolling. A well-fitting sleep sack keeps your baby warm and cozy without the safety concerns of loose blankets.
5-6 months: 13-15 hours total. Most babies settle into 2-3 naps per day (morning, afternoon, and a short late-afternoon catnap), with nighttime stretches of 6-10 hours. Many babies at this age are physiologically capable of sleeping through the night without a feeding, though some still need one nighttime feed. This is the most commonly recommended window for sleep training if you choose to do it, because your baby is developmentally ready to learn self-soothing skills.
7-9 months: 12-15 hours total. The late-afternoon catnap drops, leaving most babies on a solid 2-nap schedule: a morning nap (usually 1-1.5 hours) and an afternoon nap (1-2 hours). Nighttime sleep is typically 10-12 hours. The 8-month regression may temporarily increase nighttime wakings as separation anxiety peaks and new motor skills (crawling, pulling up) make it hard to settle down. A consistent sleep environment with familiar crib sheets and a predictable bedtime routine helps your baby feel secure during this phase.
10-12 months: 12-14 hours total. Most babies remain on 2 naps until at least 12 months, though nap length and timing may shift. Nighttime sleep is 10-12 hours, and many babies this age can go 11-12 hours without feeding. The 12-month regression may make it look like your baby is ready to drop to 1 nap, but most babies aren't truly ready for one nap until 14-18 months. Dropping too early usually leads to overtiredness and worse sleep overall. A baby monitor lets you observe whether your baby is truly awake or just stirring between cycles.
13-18 months: 12-14 hours total. The transition from 2 naps to 1 happens during this window for most toddlers. The single nap usually falls after lunch and lasts 1.5-3 hours. Nighttime sleep is 11-12 hours. The nap transition can take 2-4 weeks to settle, during which your toddler may alternate between needing one and two naps. On two-nap days, they'll seem fine; on one-nap days, they may be overtired by bedtime. Follow their cues and don't rush the transition.
19-24 months: 11-14 hours total. Most toddlers are firmly on one afternoon nap of 1.5-2.5 hours, with 10-12 hours of nighttime sleep. The 18-month regression may disrupt things temporarily, and some toddlers begin resisting their nap around 24 months — though most still need it until age 3. If your toddler lies in the crib babbling happily during "naptime," that quiet rest period still has value even if actual sleep doesn't happen. Comfortable, seasonal-appropriate sleepwear keeps them comfortable whether they're sleeping soundly or just resting quietly.
A critical reminder: these are averages, and the range of normal is wide. A baby who sleeps 12 hours at night and takes short naps is getting just as much total sleep as a baby who sleeps 10 hours at night and takes long naps. If your baby is growing well, meeting developmental milestones, and generally happy during wake periods, their sleep is probably fine — even if it doesn't match the charts. Use these numbers as a rough guide, not a prescription, and talk to your pediatrician if you have specific concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sleep does a 6-month-old need?
A 6-month-old needs about 14 hours of total sleep per day — typically 10–11 hours at night and 3–4 hours split across 2–3 naps. Most 6-month-olds are ready for a consistent 2-nap schedule with wake windows of 2–3 hours.
How many naps should a 1-year-old take?
Most 1-year-olds take 2 naps per day, totaling 2–3 hours. The transition from 2 naps to 1 typically happens between 14–18 months. Signs your toddler is ready to drop to 1 nap include consistently refusing the second nap or taking very long to fall asleep for it.
What are wake windows?
Wake windows are the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleep periods. They range from 45–90 minutes for newborns to 4–6 hours for toddlers. Putting your baby down within the right wake window — not too early, not too late — is one of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality.
Is my baby sleeping too much?
While rare, excessive sleep in newborns (consistently sleeping more than 19 hours per day) or sudden increases in sleep in older babies can sometimes indicate illness. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and alert when awake, their sleep amount is likely fine. Consult your pediatrician if you're concerned.
What time should a baby go to bed?
Most babies and toddlers do best with a bedtime between 6:30 and 8:00 PM. The ideal bedtime depends on when they woke from their last nap and their age-appropriate wake window. An overtired baby actually has more difficulty falling and staying asleep.
