How Much Sleep Do Babies and Toddlers Need?
Understand sleep needs by age—help your baby or toddler build healthy sleep routines and thrive at every stage.
Every child is unique, but understanding typical sleep needs can help parents nurture healthy growth and well-being. Knowing how much sleep babies and toddlers should get, what healthy routines look like, and how sleep changes with age will help you manage your child’s schedule and temperament.
Sleep Recommendations by Age
| Age Group | Age Range | Recommended Sleep (per 24 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns | Birth to 4 months | 14–18 hours (frequent naps) |
| Infants | 4–12 months | 12–16 hours (including naps) |
| Toddlers | 1–2 years | 11–14 hours (including naps) |
| Preschoolers | 3–5 years | 10–13 hours (including naps) |
These guidelines are based on broad expert consensus and should be tailored to your child’s unique needs and temperament. Some children may sleep a little more or less and still be healthy.
Newborn Sleep (Birth to 4 months)
Newborns sleep most of the day, typically between 14 and 18 hours, broken up into short sleep cycles. Their unique patterns stem from their need for frequent feedings and rapid development, meaning they wake often and don’t yet recognize night versus day.
- Sleep occurs in stretches of 2–4 hours, day or night.
- It is normal for newborns to wake multiple times per night for feeding.
- Establishing small routines (such as dim lights at night or consistent crib placement) can help cue sleep, but a regular schedule is not expected until later.
- Most babies naturally begin to form a more predictable sleep pattern beginning around 2 months.
Infant Sleep (4 to 12 months)
Most infants need 12 to 16 hours of total sleep, including naps. Expect changes as your baby grows—nap duration, nighttime stretches, and wakefulness all shift in the first year.
- At 4 months, many infants take three naps: morning, afternoon, and early evening.
- By 6–12 months, most infants consolidate to two longer naps (morning and afternoon).
- Some infants will begin sleeping longer nighttime stretches between 5 and 6 months, though frequent night waking remains common.
- Nap needs vary: some infants nap for just 20 minutes, others may nap for 3+ hours.
Healthy Infant Sleep Habits
- Keep a regular bedtime and nap schedule as much as possible.
- A soothing bedtime routine helps—many parents use the “3 Bs”: bath, book, bed.
- Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle; this prevents choking and reduces dental risk.
- If your baby wakes at night and cries, check for discomfort but avoid immediate picking up unless needed; gentle reassurance encourages self-soothing.
Toddler Sleep (1 to 2 years)
Toddlers typically need 11 to 14 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, usually comprising a longer nighttime sleep (10–12 hours) and one daytime nap (1–2 hours). Sleep can be complicated at this age as toddlers assert independence and routines shift.
- Common toddler sleep schedule:
- 7:00 am: Wake up
- 1:00 pm: Nap (1–2 hours)
- 3:00 pm: Wake from nap
- 7:30 pm: Bedtime
- If naps are too long or too late, bedtime can be delayed or disrupted.
- Early risers (5:30–6:00 am) are common, and later bedtimes generally do not result in later waking.
Toddler Sleep Challenges and Solutions
- Bedtime resistance is frequent; toddlers test boundaries as they grow.
- Settling for sleep or sleeping through the night may take extra patience and routine reinforcement.
- Recognizing signs of tiredness helps you settle your child before grumpiness or overtiredness sets in.
- Security objects (blankets/stuffed toys), calm routines, and consistent sleep environments are helpful.
Healthy Toddler Sleep Habits
- Keep sleep schedules and routines consistent—even more important during toddlerhood.
- Encourage winding down at least 30 minutes before bedtime using quiet, soothing activities.
- Gently but firmly reinforce boundaries if your child protests bedtime.
- Ensure the sleep environment is quiet, cozy, and lights are dimmed.
- Avoid pre-bedtime screen time (TVs, tablets) and caffeine.
Preschool Sleep (3 to 5 years)
By age three, most children move to one nap per day or drop naps altogether, but sleep needs remain significant—10 to 13 hours total daily is typical.
- Some preschoolers nap irregularly; use post-lunch ‘quiet time’ for reading or relaxing even if naps end.
- Sleep problems, bedtime resistance, and nighttime fears are common; nightmares may disrupt sleep.
- Stick to firm, predictable boundaries to counter stall tactics during bedtime (e.g., limit number of stories).
Healthy Preschooler Sleep Habits
- Avoid all caffeinated beverages.
- Maintain device-free bedrooms and avoid screens before bed.
- Reassure and comfort children after nightmares, but help them return to bed.
- Firmly but kindly reinforce bedtime limits.
How Sleep Patterns Change Over Time
Sleep evolves rapidly in early childhood. Typical transitions include:
- Birth to 4 months: Sleep is spread throughout the day and night.
- 4–12 months: Naps consolidate, nighttime sleep stretches grow longer.
- 12–24 months: Toddlers develop a single daily nap, assert independence about sleep.
- 3–5 years: Many children let go of daytime naps, and bedtime routines become crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for my newborn to wake up so often?
Yes, newborns usually sleep in brief stretches and need frequent feedings—they may wake every 2–4 hours day or night. Regular, longer nighttime sleep is not typical until several months old.
What if my toddler only sleeps 10 hours total?
Some healthy toddlers do need slightly less sleep, but chronic sleep loss may lead to daytime fussiness or developmental issues. Aim for 11–14 hours, adjusting routine and environment as needed, and consult your pediatrician for persistent sleep problems.
How do I know my child is getting enough sleep?
- They wake up alert and happy; falling asleep easily at night.
- Lack of persistent crankiness, hyperactivity, or difficulty waking can be signs of adequate sleep.
- Consistent trouble sleeping or waking up tired may require schedule adjustments or medical input.
Should my child’s nap schedule be fixed or flexible?
Regular nap schedules generally promote better sleep, but flexibility is needed for changing development or family activities. Watch for signs of overtiredness and tweak routines as required; avoid naps too close to bedtime.
Are sleep props (rocking, feeding to sleep) a problem?
While soothing methods are natural, overreliance can make self-settling harder. Gradually move toward calming routines that end with the child in bed drowsy-but-awake to foster independent sleep. Security objects like blankets or soft toys can help, especially for toddlers.
How do I handle my child’s bedtime resistance?
- Keep sleep routines predictable and wind-down time consistent.
- Set firm boundaries about bedtime and stick to them.
- Offer reassurance if fears arise, but don’t let stall tactics derail the process.
Tips for Building Healthy Sleep Routines
- Start early: Gentle sleep cues and routines from infancy encourage good habits.
- Consistency is key: Regular bedtimes, naps, and wake-ups help regulate your child’s inner clock.
- Comfort and security: Dim lights, quiet sounds, and favorite objects can help your child feel safe and relaxed.
- Screen-free zones: Avoid screens before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.
- Respond to cues: Watch for tiredness signals to avoid overtiredness and bedtime struggles.
Sample Daily Sleep Schedules
| Age | Wake Up | Nap(s) | Bedtime | Total Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4–12 months | 7:00 am | 10:00 am (45–60 mins) 2:00 pm (1–2 hrs) 4:30 pm (30 min) | 7:30 pm | 12–16 hrs |
| 1–2 years | 7:00 am | 1:00 pm (1–2 hrs) | 7:30 pm | 11–14 hrs |
| 3–5 years | 7:00 am | None or 1:00 pm (1 hr) | 7:30 pm | 10–13 hrs |
Remember: Your child’s sleep schedule may differ based on temperament, health, and family needs. Watch for tiredness, flexibility, and keep routines positive.
Safe Sleep Practices
- Always place infants on their backs to sleep.
- Use a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress.
- Keep pillows, blankets, and toys out of the sleep space for babies under one year.
- Never bed-share with infants; place them in their own safe sleep space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I do anything to make my toddler sleep later in the morning?
Putting your toddler to bed later rarely results in later wake-ups, and can lead to overtiredness. Instead, try adjusting nap timing or making bedtime routines extra calm, but accept that some children are natural early risers.
When should I worry about my child’s sleep?
If your child consistently has difficulty falling or staying asleep, wakes fatigued, or shows behavioral or developmental changes, consult your pediatrician—especially if these problems persist for weeks. Sleep needs can vary, but chronic lack leads to issues with mood, attention, growth, and health.
Should I wake my baby from naps?
Waking a baby from naps may sometimes be needed to preserve evening sleep or improve routines, especially for toddlers napping late. For infants, flexibility is key, but avoid allowing very long late-afternoon naps that might disrupt bedtime.
Does sleep affect my child’s growth?
Yes—adequate sleep is essential for physical growth, brain development, and emotional regulation in early childhood. Chronic sleep deprivation can affect health, growth, and learning.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Children’s sleep needs vary by age and individual temperament.
- Building stable routines from infancy sets the foundation for healthy sleep as your child grows.
- Be patient through transitions—sleep schedules change frequently in the first years.
- Respond to sleep problems with calm consistency and consult your pediatrician if persistent issues arise.
- Empower your child with positive attitudes about sleep for lifelong healthy habits.
