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How much sleep does a baby need?
It varies a lot by age: a newborn sleeps around 14–17 hours per day, a toddler still 11–14. Just as important as the total is the wake window between naps — being awake too long is often the biggest culprit behind fighting sleep. All the guidance by age:
Sleep by age
| Age | Per 24 hours | Awake between naps | Per nap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 weeks | 14–17 hours | 45–60 min | 30 min–2 hours, variable |
| 6–12 weeks | 14–16 hours | 60–90 min | 45 min–2 hours |
| 3–4 months | 14–15 hours | 1.5–2 hours | 45 min–2 hours |
| 4–6 months | 13–15 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| 6–9 months | 13–14 hours | 2–3 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| 9–12 months | 12–14 hours | 2.5–3.5 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| 12–18 months | 11–14 hours | 3–4 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| 18–24 months | 11–14 hours | 4–5 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| 2–3 years | 10–13 hours | 5–6 hours | 1–2 hours, reducing |
| 3–4 years | 10–13 hours | 6+ hours, sometimes the whole day | 1–1.5 hours if still napping |
| 4–5 years | 10–12 hours | all day | usually no nap |
Good to know
- These are averages — every baby differs. Watch for tired signs (yawning, eye-rubbing, looking away) and put your baby down in time: too late is usually harder than too early.
- Around 4 months sleep architecture matures, so nights can temporarily look more restless (waking between sleep cycles). It's part of normal development and usually settles within weeks.
- Around 9–12 months many babies follow a 2-3-4 rhythm: 2 hours awake before the morning nap, 3 before the afternoon nap, 4 before the night.
- Safe sleep: always on the back, in a clear cot — no pillows, duvets or soft toys (The Lullaby Trust).
- Worried about your little one's sleep? Your health visitor or GP is happy to think along.
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Guidance by age: 0–6 weeks · 6–12 weeks · 3–4 months · 4–6 months · 6–9 months · 9–12 months · 12–18 months · 18–24 months · 2–3 years · 3–4 years · 4–5 years