How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?

Sleep plays a huge role in your baby’s growth, mood, and development — but the amount of rest they need changes quickly during the first year.

Here’s a clear breakdown of average sleep needs by age, plus tips for establishing healthy habits.

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Baby Sleep by Age#

Age Range	Total Sleep in 24 Hours	Daytime Naps	Notes
Newborn (0–2 months)	14–17 hours	4–6 naps	Wakes often to feed; no set schedule
3–4 months	13–16 hours	3–4 naps	Starts developing longer night stretches
5–6 months	12–15 hours	2–3 naps	May sleep 6–8 hours at night
7–9 months	12–14 hours	2 naps	More consistent bedtime routine emerges
10–12 months	11–14 hours	1–2 naps	Many drop to one long nap after 12 months

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Signs Your Baby Is Getting Sleepy#

• Rubbing eyes or ears
• Yawning or zoning out
• Fussiness or clinginess
• Losing interest in toys or people

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Creating Healthy Sleep Habits#

1. Follow a consistent routine — Bath, story, and lullaby help babies wind down.
2. Set a calm sleep environment — Dim lights, cool room, soft white noise.
3. Encourage self-soothing — Put baby down drowsy but awake.
4. Watch wake windows — Avoid overtiredness by learning your baby’s cues.

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Common Sleep Transitions#

Age	Change	What Helps
4 months	Sleep regression	Keep routines steady; avoid new habits
6 months	Longer night sleep	Establish regular nap times
9–10 months	Nap resistance	Adjust schedule; include quiet time
12 months	Transition to one nap	Follow baby’s cues for timing

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When to Talk to Your Doctor#

Check in with your pediatrician if your baby:

• Snores loudly or has pauses in breathing
• Sleeps excessively and seems hard to wake
• Is consistently cranky or under-rested despite routines

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Final Thoughts#

Baby sleep can feel unpredictable, but with patience and structure, it becomes more manageable over time. Focus on consistency, follow your baby’s cues, and know that better sleep is just around the corner.

Read next: When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? or explore our Pregnancy & Family Tools.