How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need at Each Stage?

When you first announce your pregnancy, along with the excitement and congratulations, you’ll likely hear jokes about sleepless nights. Every parent knows that disrupted sleep is part of raising a child, but how much sleep should your child actually be getting at different stages of their development?

Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns tend to have unpredictable sleep schedules. They spend most of their time sleeping, waking only to feed. Generally, newborns cannot stay awake for longer than 40 minutes at a time. Ironically, this is also the stage when parents experience the least sleep themselves!

Your baby will usually wake every two hours for a feed, nappy change, and back to sleep. Since their tiny tummies can only hold small amounts of milk, feeding on demand is essential. The main focus during this stage should be following safe sleep practices.

Despite these irregular patterns, you can start teaching your baby the difference between day and night early on. For example, feeding your baby their first morning feed in a room with plenty of natural light can help them distinguish day from night.

Sleep Needs for a 3-Month-Old

By the time your baby reaches 2-4 months, they may start showing signs of a more structured sleep routine. They will still sleep for a substantial portion of the day (around 16-18 hours) but should begin staying awake a little longer between feeds.

During this phase, focus on creating longer, more defined nap periods. Aim for around 4-5 substantial daytime naps. As their stomach grows and holds more milk, these longer naps become more achievable. Try putting your baby down when they are tired but still awake to help them learn to self-settle.

Sleep Routine for 4-5 Months

At this stage, babies generally need about 15-16.5 hours of sleep each day. However, sleep patterns can vary widely. Some babies will settle into three naps a day and sleep for 11-12 hours at night with minimal waking. Others may still need support to establish this routine, or they may experience the common 4-month sleep regression.

If your baby is still struggling to develop a pattern, remember that this is normal. Each child is different, and some need extra guidance. Developing self-settling skills is key at this stage and can help create an enjoyable bedtime experience that promotes better night-time sleep.

Sleep Needs for a 6-Month-Old

From 6 to 8 months, babies typically need around 15-16.5 hours of sleep a day. Ideally, this will include 11-12 hours overnight and three daytime naps: two longer naps and a shorter "power nap" before bedtime.

Many parents worry that a late-day power nap will interfere with nighttime sleep, but the opposite is often true. A brief 45-minute nap ending 1.5-2 hours before bedtime can improve feeding and settling. Skipping this nap may lead to an overtired, cranky baby and the dreaded "witching hour."

Sleep Routine for 9-11 Months

During this stage, babies generally need about 14-15 hours of total sleep each day. This typically includes 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep and two naps: a short morning nap (about 45 minutes) and a longer post-lunch nap (1.5-2 hours).

One common challenge in this period is sleep regression, often triggered by separation anxiety or rapid physical development. While it can be tough not to let your baby join you in bed, it's important to maintain consistent sleep practices to support their independent sleep skills.

Sleep Needs for Toddlers (12-36 Months)

At the start of this age range, toddlers typically transition to one solid daytime nap lasting 1.5-2.5 hours after lunch. Over a full 24-hour period, they will likely sleep around 13-14 hours. Most toddlers at this stage can stay awake for about 4-4.5 hours before bedtime.

Should My 3-Year-Old Still Nap?

By the time your child nears their third birthday, you may notice signs that they are ready to drop their nap. They may start resisting naps or struggle to fall asleep at bedtime. While those long daytime breaks may become a thing of the past, offering your child some "quiet time" during the day can help them rest and recharge.

Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits

From birth through toddlerhood, establishing positive sleep habits can help your child get the right amount of rest at the right times. Setting a consistent routine, fostering self-settling skills, and maintaining a calm bedtime environment will all support your child’s sleep journey.