How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need?
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: How much sleep does a baby need? Newborns usually sleep about 14-17 hours a day. From 4 to 12 months, the AAP-endorsed range is 12-16 hours in 24 hours including naps, and from 1 to 2 years it's 11-14 hours. Individual babies vary; a baby who is growing well and mostly content is usually getting enough.
TL;DR
- Newborn: about 14-17 h. 4-12 months: 12-16 h.
- 1-2 years: 11-14 h, including naps.
- Watch your baby's mood and growth, not just the clock.
Parents ask how much sleep does a baby need more than almost anything else. Here are the numbers pediatric sleep experts use, with honest caveats.
Baby sleep by age
| Age | Total sleep in 24 h | Typical naps |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | About 14-17 h (no AAP target under 4 months) | Many, irregular |
| 4-12 months | 12-16 h (AAP/AASM) | 2-4 |
| 1-2 years | 11-14 h (AAP/AASM) | 1-2 |
The 4-month-and-up ranges come from American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendations endorsed by the AAP. See every age in the baby sleep schedule by age.
Night sleep vs naps
As babies grow, more sleep shifts to the night. By around 6 months many babies sleep 10-12 hours at night with 2-3 naps; by 18 months most take one nap. Plan naps with the nap schedule calculator.
Signs your baby is getting enough sleep
- Wakes mostly content
- Feeds well and is growing
- Has alert, happy awake periods
Signs of overtiredness include fussiness, rubbing eyes, arching and fighting sleep. Shorter wake windows can help; see the wake window calculator.
Safe sleep always comes first
However much your baby sleeps, every sleep should follow the AAP's safe sleep advice: on the back, alone, on a firm, flat surface. Read safe sleep basics.
Tracking total sleep
It's hard to add up naps in your head. Logging naps and night sleep with start and end times in Tot gives you daily totals and trends by day and week.
Related: how to track baby sleep · baby sleep tracker · 6-month-old sleep schedule
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Healthy Sleep Habits, How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Getting Your Baby to Sleep: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Helping your baby to sleep: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (AAP policy explained): www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
How many hours should a newborn sleep?
About 14-17 hours in 24 hours, in short stretches.
How much should a 6-month-old sleep?
12-16 hours in 24 hours including naps (AAP-endorsed).
Can a baby sleep too much?
If a newborn is hard to wake for feeds or unusually floppy, call your pediatrician.
Do all babies need the same amount of sleep?
No. Ranges are wide; follow your baby's cues.
When do babies sleep through the night?
It varies a lot. Many babies still wake at night in the first year, and that's normal.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
