How Much Sleep Do Babies Need? (By Age)
A trusted, parent-friendly guide to how much sleep babies need from newborn to 18 months, plus what “sleeping through the night” really means.
Table of Contents
Why Baby Sleep Feels So Unpredictable (and Stressful)
If you’ve ever Googled “how much sleep does my baby need?” or “how much sleep do babies need?” at 3 a.m. you’re not alone. Many parents worry that their baby isn’t sleeping enough, or sleeping too much, or not like other babies.
But here’s the truth: Every baby is different, and most are doing just fine.
Still, understanding what’s typical at each stage can help you feel more confident, less anxious, and better equipped to support your baby’s rest.
This guide breaks down:
- How sleep needs shift as your baby grows
- What’s truly typical (not just idealized)
- How to spot red flags without panic
Let’s take the pressure off and help you understand what your baby really needs, one age and stage at a time.
Why Baby Sleep Needs Change So Quickly
Your baby’s sleep patterns aren’t just unpredictable; they’re biologically designed to shift as they grow. Understanding why can make those erratic nights feel a little less frustrating.
Here’s what drives these frequent changes:
- Brain growth: Sleep is when your baby’s brain builds connections. During deep sleep, memory consolidation and learning take place.
- Feeding frequency: Babies have tiny stomachs, especially early on, and need to wake often for nourishment and comfort.
- Body clock development: Babies aren’t born with circadian rhythms. These internal clocks start developing around 6–12 weeks and keep evolving.
- Developmental leaps: Rolling, crawling, babbling, every leap in growth often brings temporary sleep disruptions.
👶 Tucksy Tip: Regression today is often a sign that your baby’s brain and body are learning something new.
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How Much Sleep Do Babies Need? (By Age)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sleep duration varies significantly by age, typically between 14–17 hours for newborns down to 12–14 hours at 18 months, inclusive of naps.
There’s no one right number. Instead, think of sleep needs in healthy ranges that shift with each developmental stage. Here’s what most babies need:
Age | Total Sleep (24 hrs) | Night Sleep | Daytime Naps |
0–6 weeks | 14–17 hrs | 2–4 hrs at a time | 4–6 scattered naps |
6–12 weeks | 14–16 hrs | 6–8 hrs (fragmented) | 3–5 naps |
3–4 months | 13–16 hrs | 8–10 hrs (still waking) | 3–4 naps |
5–6 months | 13–15 hrs | 10–11 hrs | 3 naps |
7–9 months | 13–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 2–3 naps |
10–12 months | 12–14 hrs | 11–12 hrs | 2 naps |
13–18 months | 12–14 hrs | 11–12 hrs | 1–2 naps (nap transition) |
📝 These are averages, not exact prescriptions. Some babies fall just outside these ranges and still thrive.
What “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Means
You’ll hear this phrase a lot, but it rarely means what people think.
Many assume “sleeping through the night” means 10–12 uninterrupted hours by a few months old. That’s unrealistic for most babies.
In reality:
- In research, “sleeping through the night” is often defined as a 5–6-hour stretch, not necessarily uninterrupted sleep all night.
- Many babies wake briefly but settle on their own or call out for comfort
- Waking during the night is biologically normal, and often protective
💡 Tucksy’s Take: Night waking doesn’t mean something’s wrong; it means your baby’s brain and body are doing what they’re designed to do.
When Do Babies Typically Sleep Through the Night?
There’s a wide range of normal, but here’s what you might expect at each stage. Just remember, sleep development isn’t linear.
Age | What’s Typical |
0–3 months | 2–4 hour stretches, day and night; frequent night waking |
4–6 months | May start 5–8 hour stretches; 1–2 feeds at night still normal |
6–9 months | Many sleep 6–10 hrs with 0–1 feed; some still need comfort |
9–12 months | Longer stretches become common; regressions may happen |
12+ months | Some babies sleep 10–12 hrs uninterrupted, others still wake occasionally |
👀 Watch for regressions; growth spurts, teething, and new skills (like standing) can all cause temporary night waking.
What Helps Babies Sleep Longer at Night
You can’t force sleep, but you can create the right environment for it to flourish. Here are gentle ways to help your baby rest longer:
- Consistent routine: A few calming steps before bed (bath, books, snuggles) signal to your baby that sleep is coming.
- Right wake windows: Every age has a sweet spot for awake time. Over- or under-tired babies often fight sleep.
- Plenty of daylight: Sunlight helps reset your baby’s internal clock, making night sleep more consolidated.
- Full feeds during the day: Make sure your baby is feeding well and often during the day to reduce nighttime hunger.
- Supportive settling: Whether it’s shushing, patting, or rocking, your soothing presence teaches security.
🧡 There’s no one right method. What matters is responding with calm, consistent care.
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Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Sleep
When your baby is well-rested, you’ll usually notice some predictable patterns. Here’s what to look for:
- Bright, alert behavior during awake times
- Falls asleep within 10–20 minutes
- Takes age-appropriate naps
- Meets growth and developmental milestones
- Wakes up content, not groggy or grumpy
If you’re seeing most of these, you’re probably in a good place.
Signs Your Baby May Be Overtired (or Not Getting Enough Sleep)
Overtiredness can be sneaky and often shows up as hyperactivity, not sleepiness. Here are signs to watch for:
- Frequent fussiness, especially in late afternoon or early evening
- Short or skipped naps
- Night wakings or early morning rising
- Resistance at bedtime despite looking tired
- Rubbing eyes, arching back, or intense crying
🔀 If your baby seems overtired, an earlier bedtime (by even 15–30 minutes) can make a big difference.
Conclusion: Sleep Isn’t Perfect but It Can Feel Peaceful
Baby sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all and it’s never linear. Some babies need more; some need less. There will be great nights and tough ones.
What matters most:
- Knowing the big-picture patterns
- Trusting your baby’s cues
- Creating consistent, comforting routines
- Letting go of perfection
You’re doing better than you think, and your baby is growing every day.