HOW MUCH SLEEP IS ENOUGH?

Just as with adults, babies’ and children’s sleep patterns vary. From birth some babies need more or less sleep than others. The following list shows the average amount of sleep babies and children will need during a 24 hours period including daytime naps.

 

Birth to three months Most new-born babies spend more time asleep than awake. Total daily sleep can vary from eight hours up to 16-18 hours. Babies will wake during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or cold can also disturb their sleep.

 

Three to six months As your baby grows they will need fewer night feeds and be able to sleep for longer stretches. Some babies will sleep for around eight hours or even longer at night. By four months, they could be spending around twice as long sleeping at night as they do during the day.

 

Six to 12 months At this age, night feeds may no longer be necessary, and some babies will sleep for up to 12 hours at a stretch at night. However, teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.

 

12 months Babies will sleep for around 12-15 hours altogether.

 

Two years Most two year olds will sleep for about 11-12 hours at night, with one or two naps in the day.

 

Three to four years Most will need about 12 hours of sleep, but the amount can range from eight hours up to 14. Some young children will still need a nap during the day.