How much should a baby sleep?
Up to 3 months, a baby sleeps 14 to 17 hours a day in total, from 4 to 11 months 12 to 15 hours, and at 1 to 2 years 11 to 14 hours, naps included.
Sleep per day by age
| Child’s age | Sleep per day |
|---|---|
| 0 to 3 months | 14 to 17 hours |
| 4 to 11 months | 12 to 15 hours |
| 1 to 2 years | 11 to 14 hours |
| 3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 hours |
These ranges cover the whole day, naps included. Every child sleeps differently, so treat them as a reference, not a rule.
Newborns wake often
A newborn sleeps in short stretches and wakes every 1 to 3 hours, mostly to feed. The day and night rhythm usually settles during the first 2 months. Bright days and dark, quiet nights help.
Worse sleep around 4 months
Around 4 months, sleep often gets worse for a while. It is a natural stage of brain development, not a parenting mistake.
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Get it on Google PlaySources
- National Sleep Foundation, Sleep Time Duration Recommendations (2015)
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations (2016)
This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. If something worries you, contact a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.