Understanding your baby’s sleep needs by age is essential for healthy development and family well-being. Newborns (0-3 months) need 14-17 hours of sleep per day, infants (4-12 months) require 12-16 hours, toddlers (1-2 years) need 11-14 hours, and preschoolers (3-5 years) should get 10-13 hours daily, all including naps. As children grow, sleep requirements gradually decrease, with school-aged children (6-13 years) needing 9-12 hours and teenagers (14-17 years) requiring 8-10 hours of sleep.
Sleep is crucial for your baby’s physical growth, brain development, immune system function, and emotional regulation. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based information from pediatric sleep experts to help you understand and support your child’s sleep needs at every stage.
Newborn sleep needs (0-3 months)
Newborns sleep approximately 14-17 hours per day, though individual babies may sleep anywhere from 11 to 18 hours depending on their unique needs. However, this sleep comes in short bursts rather than long stretches.
Sleep patterns in the first weeks
During the first month, newborns typically sleep for 1-4 hours at a time before waking to feed. According to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, newborns don’t differentiate between day and night until around 4-6 weeks when they begin developing their circadian rhythm.
Newborn sleep patterns by week show gradual changes:
- Week 1: Sleep 16-18+ hours in 2-hour chunks, waking to feed every 2-3 hours for breastfed babies or 3-4 hours for formula-fed infants
- Week 2: Continue sleeping approximately 16 hours total with irregular patterns, some naps longer than others
- Weeks 4-6: Begin responding to light and dark changes as circadian rhythm develops, still needing 14-16 hours per day
Newborn sleep cycle length
A newborn’s sleep cycle lasts approximately 45-60 minutes, significantly shorter than the 90-minute cycles adults experience. During each cycle, babies alternate between active REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and quieter non-REM sleep, spending about 50% of sleep time in REM compared to 20% for adults.
This explains why newborns wake frequently and may seem like light sleepers. Their shorter sleep cycles mean they transition through light sleep phases more often, creating more opportunities to wake fully.
Infant sleep requirements (4-12 months)
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends infants aged 4-12 months get 12-16 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, including naps. This stage brings significant sleep development as babies’ sleep cycles mature.
How long are baby sleep cycles at 3 months
At 3 months, baby sleep cycles are transitioning from newborn patterns and typically last 50-60 minutes, though some sources report cycles ranging from 40-90 minutes during this developmental period. Babies at this age begin spending less time in REM sleep (around 30-40%) and more in deeper non-REM sleep.
Most babies don’t start sleeping through the night (6-8 hours) without waking until around 3 months of age, according to research from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This milestone typically occurs once babies weigh 12-13 pounds.
Baby sleep cycle length at 6 months
By 6 months, sleep cycles typically last 40-70 minutes and are transitioning toward more adult-like patterns of 70-90 minutes. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health notes that babies generally don’t have fully regular sleep cycles until approximately 6 months old.
At this age, the sleep cycle composition shifts to roughly 70% deeper non-REM sleep and 30% lighter REM sleep, helping babies sleep for longer stretches at night.
6 month old sleep and feeding schedule
A typical 6-month-old needs about 13-14 hours of total sleep, divided between 11-12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day. Most babies this age take 2-3 naps daily.
Sample schedule for a 6-month-old:
- Wake windows: 2-3 hours between sleep periods
- Number of naps: 2-3 naps per day totaling 2-3 hours
- Nighttime sleep: 11-12 hours with 0-2 feedings
- Bedtime: Between 7:00-8:00 PM
- Feedings: 4-6 breast milk or formula feeds (24-32 oz daily), eating every 3-4 hours
Use our Baby Sleep Needs Calculator to determine personalized sleep recommendations for your infant based on their specific age and development.
Baby sleep patterns by month (first year)
Understanding baby sleep patterns by month helps parents set realistic expectations and recognize developmental changes.
| Age | Total Sleep | Night Sleep | Daytime Naps | Wake Windows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 14-17 hours | 8-9 hours (interrupted) | 4-5 naps (7-9 hours) | 45-90 minutes |
| 4-6 months | 12-16 hours | 10-12 hours | 3 naps (3-4 hours) | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 6-9 months | 12-16 hours | 10-12 hours | 2-3 naps (2-3 hours) | 2-3 hours |
| 9-12 months | 12-16 hours | 11-12 hours | 2 naps (2-3 hours) | 2.5-3.5 hours |
Around 9 months, many babies begin sleeping through the night for 9-12 hours and taking a morning and afternoon nap totaling 3-4 hours, according to research from Sleep Foundation.
Toddler and preschooler sleep needs
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. Most children this age take one afternoon nap lasting 1-3 hours, though the transition from two naps to one typically occurs between 14-18 months.
Sleep schedule for toddlers:
- Nighttime sleep: 10-12 hours
- Daytime nap: 1-3 hours (usually afternoon)
- Bedtime: Between 7:00-8:30 PM
- Wake time: 6:00-7:30 AM
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
Preschool children require 10-13 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Many children begin transitioning away from naps between ages 3-4, though some continue napping until age 5.
Once children stop napping, they typically need slightly longer nighttime sleep to compensate, aiming for the higher end of the 10-13 hour range.
School-age and teen sleep requirements
School-aged children (6-13 years): 9-12 hours
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends children aged 6-13 years get 9-12 hours of sleep per night. Adequate sleep at this age supports academic performance, attention, behavior, learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep nightly, though many don’t get enough due to early school start times, homework, extracurricular activities, and social demands. According to Cleveland Clinic, sleeping the recommended hours is associated with better mental and physical health outcomes.
Nap length by age for babies and toddlers
Nap duration and frequency change significantly as babies grow. Understanding appropriate nap length by age helps establish healthy sleep routines.
| Age | Number of Naps | Total Nap Time | Individual Nap Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 4-5 naps | 7-9 hours | 30 minutes – 3 hours |
| 4 months | 4 naps | 3-5 hours | 1+ hour (not exceeding 3 hours) |
| 6-8 months | 2-3 naps | 2.5-3.5 hours | 90 minutes each (morning/afternoon) |
| 9-12 months | 2 naps | 2-3 hours | 1-1.5 hours each |
| 12-18 months | 1-2 naps (transitioning) | 2-3 hours | 2 hours (afternoon nap) |
| 18 months – 3 years | 1 nap | 1-3 hours | 2 hours (starts 12:30-2:00 PM) |
| 3-4 years | 0-1 nap | 0-2 hours | Gradually stopping naps |
According to Baby Sleep Site experts, most children transition to one nap between 14-19 months old and stop napping entirely between 3-4 years of age, though this varies by individual child.
Understanding baby sleep cycles and why they matter
Baby sleep cycles consist of two main stages: REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep. Understanding these cycles helps parents recognize normal sleep patterns and respond appropriately to night wakings.
How sleep cycles change with age
Newborns spend approximately 50% of sleep time in REM (active) sleep, characterized by rapid eye movements, irregular breathing, and body twitches. This high proportion of REM sleep supports crucial brain development.
As babies mature:
- 3-6 months: REM sleep decreases to 30-40% of total sleep, cycles lengthen to 50-60 minutes
- 6-12 months: Sleep cycles approach 70-90 minutes, closer to adult patterns
- By 5 years: Sleep cycles reach adult length of approximately 90 minutes
According to research from RIKEN Center for Brain Science, babies often wake at the end of each sleep cycle, which is why they may need help transitioning back to sleep until they develop self-soothing skills.
Sleep training methods and rules for babies
What is the 5-3-3 rule for babies?
The 5-3-3 rule for babies is a parent-led sleep schedule framework where the baby sleeps for five hours, remains awake for three hours, and then sleeps for another three hours. This method is most commonly adopted between 4-6 months of age when infants begin stretching their sleep cycles.
How the 5-3-3 rule works in practice:
- First sleep block: Baby completes a 5-hour stretch of sleep (typically evening/early night)
- Wake period: Remains awake for 3 hours for feeding, diaper changes, and quiet play
- Second sleep block: Returns to sleep for an additional 3 hours
While not a medically endorsed regimen, some parents find the 5-3-3 rule helpful for imposing structure during unpredictable nights. However, it’s important to follow your baby’s cues and consult your pediatrician before implementing any sleep training method.
What is the 5-8-5 rule for babies?
The 5-8-5 rule (also called the 5+8 method) is a scientifically-backed technique for soothing crying babies and helping them fall asleep, based on research published in Current Biology by Dr. Kumi Kuroda at RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan.
The method works as follows:
- Walk for 5 minutes: Hold your crying baby and walk continuously for 5 minutes without abrupt stops or sharp turns. Research shows that within 30 seconds of being carried while walking, babies’ heart rates slow and they begin calming down.
- Sit for 8 minutes: After walking, sit while still holding your baby for 5-8 minutes. This sitting period is crucial-babies who were held still for 8 minutes after falling asleep were much more likely to stay asleep when placed in their crib compared to those held for only 3 minutes.
- Place in bed after 5-8 minutes of sleep: Once baby has been asleep for 5-8 minutes while you’re sitting, gently place them in their crib.
The science behind this method demonstrates that carrying has a distinct calming effect compared to simply holding a baby while stationary, likely due to evolutionary adaptations.
What is the 10-5-3-2-1 rule for sleep?
The commonly searched term appears to be the 10-3-2-1-0 sleep rule, which is actually a sleep hygiene guideline for adults and older children, not typically applied to babies. However, understanding this rule can help parents model healthy sleep habits.
The 10-3-2-1-0 rule breakdown:
- 10 hours before bed: No more caffeine (applies to nursing mothers as caffeine passes through breast milk)
- 3 hours before bed: No food or alcohol
- 2 hours before bed: Stop working and begin winding down
- 1 hour before bed: No screen time (blue light interferes with melatonin production)
- 0 times: Don’t hit the snooze button in the morning
While this rule isn’t designed for infants, the principle of establishing consistent bedtime routines applies to all ages. For babies, a calming routine might include bath time, feeding, reading, and dimming lights 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Common baby sleep problems and solutions by age
Sleep challenges vary by developmental stage. Understanding age-appropriate solutions helps parents address issues effectively.
Newborn sleep challenges (0-3 months)
Common problem: Day-night confusion
Solution: Expose baby to natural daylight during the day, keep nighttime interactions quiet and dimly lit, and establish consistent wake times.
Common problem: Frequent night wakings for feeds
Solution: This is developmentally normal. Breastfed newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours, formula-fed babies every 3-4 hours. Follow your pediatrician’s feeding guidance.
Infant sleep challenges (4-12 months)
Common problem: 4-month sleep regression
Solution: Maintain consistent bedtime routines, practice putting baby down “drowsy but awake” to develop self-soothing skills, and ensure age-appropriate wake windows.
Common problem: Short naps (under 30 minutes)
Solution: Ensure appropriate wake windows (not overtired or undertired), create a consistent nap routine, and provide a dark, quiet sleep environment.
Evidence-based sleep strategies
According to research from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, effective strategies include:
- Establish consistent bedtime routines: Bath, feeding, reading, and rocking signal sleep time
- Put baby down drowsy but awake: Helps develop independent sleep initiation skills
- Respond appropriately to night wakings: Comfort and reassure with patting and soothing, avoid stimulating activities
- Ensure adequate daytime rest: Appropriate naps lead to better nighttime sleep
- Create optimal sleep environment: Dark, quiet, comfortable temperature (68-72°F)
Using tools to track your baby’s sleep needs
Tracking your baby’s actual sleep patterns compared to recommended guidelines helps identify potential issues and celebrate progress. Our Baby Sleep Needs Calculator provides personalized recommendations based on your child’s age and individual characteristics.
For parents of newborns, understanding adjusted age is crucial when premature babies are involved. Use our Gestational Age Calculator to determine your baby’s corrected age, as sleep milestones for premature infants should be based on their adjusted age rather than chronological age from birth.
Safe sleep practices for all ages
Beyond sleep duration, safe sleep practices are essential for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related accidents.
Safe sleep guidelines (0-12 months):
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface with fitted sheet
- Keep crib free of blankets, pillows, toys, and bumpers
- Room-share without bed-sharing for at least 6 months, ideally 12 months
- Avoid overheating-dress baby in one more layer than comfortable for an adult
- Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
When to consult a pediatrician about sleep
While sleep challenges are common, certain signs warrant professional evaluation:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep
- Loud snoring or breathing pauses during sleep (may indicate sleep apnea)
- Extreme difficulty waking your child
- Persistent night terrors or sleepwalking
- Sleep problems accompanied by developmental concerns
- Your baby is consistently sleeping far less than the recommended range for their age
Your pediatrician can assess whether underlying medical issues, sleep disorders, or developmental factors are affecting your child’s sleep and recommend appropriate interventions.
Frequently asked questions about baby sleep needs
How much sleep does a baby need by age?
Newborns (0-3 months) need 14-17 hours per day, infants (4-12 months) need 12-16 hours per day, toddlers (1-2 years) need 11-14 hours per day, and preschoolers (3-5 years) need 10-13 hours per day. School-aged children (6-13 years) require 9-12 hours, while teenagers (14-17 years) need 8-10 hours. These recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine include both nighttime sleep and naps.
Is it normal for my baby to wake up frequently at night?
Yes, frequent night waking is developmentally normal, especially for babies under 6 months. Newborns have short sleep cycles (45-60 minutes) and small stomachs requiring frequent feeds. Most babies don’t sleep through the night consistently until 3-6 months old, and some continue night waking longer, particularly breastfed babies. As long as your baby is gaining weight appropriately and meeting developmental milestones, frequent waking is usually not a concern.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough sleep?
Signs your baby is well-rested include: waking up happy and content, having energy for play and learning during wake times, falling asleep relatively easily at nap and bedtime, and meeting developmental milestones. Signs of insufficient sleep include: extreme fussiness, difficulty calming down, rubbing eyes or yawning excessively, and falling asleep immediately during feeding or play. Track your baby’s sleep patterns and discuss concerns with your pediatrician.
What if my baby sleeps less than the recommended hours?
Sleep recommendations represent averages, and some healthy babies naturally need slightly less sleep than guidelines suggest. The key indicators are whether your baby seems well-rested, is meeting developmental milestones, gaining weight appropriately, and showing good attention and mood during wake times. If your baby consistently sleeps significantly less than recommended ranges and shows signs of overtiredness, consult your pediatrician to rule out underlying issues.
When do babies start sleeping through the night?
Most babies begin sleeping through the night (defined as 6-8 continuous hours) around 3-6 months of age, typically once they weigh 12-13 pounds and their stomachs can hold enough food to sustain them longer. However, this milestone varies widely-some babies sleep through the night earlier, while others continue waking into toddlerhood. Breastfed babies often take longer to sleep through the night than formula-fed babies due to faster digestion of breast milk.
Should I wake my baby to maintain a schedule?
For newborns under 2 weeks or babies who haven’t regained their birth weight, follow your pediatrician’s guidance about waking for feeds, typically every 2-4 hours. For older, healthy babies, you generally don’t need to wake them at night. However, you may wake them from an overly long nap if it’s interfering with nighttime sleep. Morning wake times should be relatively consistent (within 30 minutes) to help establish circadian rhythm.
Key takeaways for supporting healthy sleep at every age
Understanding baby sleep needs by age provides the foundation for establishing healthy sleep habits that support your child’s development and your family’s well-being:
- Sleep requirements decrease gradually as children grow, from 14-17 hours for newborns to 8-10 hours for teenagers
- Sleep cycles mature and lengthen with age, explaining why older babies can sleep longer stretches
- Consistent bedtime routines, appropriate wake windows, and safe sleep practices form the foundation of healthy sleep
- Individual variation is normal-some babies naturally need more or less sleep than average recommendations
- Most sleep problems are developmental phases rather than permanent issues
Remember that every baby is unique, and sleep development rarely follows a perfectly linear path. Use evidence-based guidelines as a starting point, observe your baby’s individual cues, and consult healthcare providers when concerns arise. With patience, consistency, and age-appropriate strategies, you can support your child in developing healthy sleep habits that will benefit them throughout their life.
For personalized sleep recommendations based on your child’s specific age and circumstances, try our Baby Sleep Needs Calculator to help guide your family toward better rest.