Baby Sleep Hours by Age — Full Chart
In the first months and throughout the first year, a baby spends most of the time sleeping — and the total includes both nighttime and daytime naps. Choose the baby’s age below to see the recommended sleep range per day, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Recommended sleep per day
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Choose the age group above.
Baby sleep by age chart
| Age | Recommended sleep per day | Typical naps |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0 to 3 months) | 14 to 17 hours | Several blocks, day and night |
| Infant (4 to 6 months) | 12 to 16 hours | 2 to 3 naps |
| Infant (7 to 11 months) | 12 to 15 hours | 2 naps |
| Toddler (1 to 2 years) | 11 to 14 hours | 1 to 2 naps |
These totals add up nighttime sleep and naps. They’re reference ranges: every baby has their own rhythm, and what matters most is that they’re growing well, active when awake, and in a good mood most of the time.
How a baby’s sleep changes in the first year
A newborn sleeps in short blocks spread across the day and night, because the body clock is still forming. Around 3 to 4 months, sleep starts to organize: nighttime stretches get longer and daytime naps become more predictable. Over the course of the first year, the number of naps decreases and the night consolidates — although waking up during the night is still normal and expected at this age.
Signs that a baby is sleeping well
- Gains weight and grows as expected at checkups
- Is alert and interested when awake
- Falls asleep without much difficulty most of the time
- Has periods of good mood throughout the day
If the baby sleeps far below the range, cries persistently, seems consistently irritable, or isn’t gaining weight, it’s worth talking to the pediatrician — whoever is tracking growth is always the best reference.
Family sleep matters too
A baby’s sleep affects the sleep of whoever cares for them, and interrupted nights build up fatigue in adults. To gauge that buildup, see the sleep debt calculator, and to check your own hours, the sleep duration calculator.
This content is for informational purposes and does not replace pediatric guidance, which tracks each child’s growth and development.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a newborn sleep?
14 to 17 hours a day, adding up nighttime sleep and several naps. In the first months, a newborn's sleep doesn't follow a day/night rhythm and is spread across short blocks.
How many naps does a baby take per day?
It varies with age: newborns sleep in several blocks; around 4 to 11 months, babies usually take 2 to 3 naps; and close to 1 year, generally 1 to 2 naps in addition to nighttime sleep.
My baby sleeps less than the chart says. Is that a problem?
The chart shows ranges, and every baby is different. What matters is the baby growing well, being active when awake, and generally in a good mood. Sleep far below the expected range, with irritability, deserves a conversation with the pediatrician.
When does a baby start sleeping through the night?
There's no fixed date. Many babies start sleeping longer stretches at night starting around 4 to 6 months, but waking up during the night is still normal in the first year.
Sources
- How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need? (National Sleep Foundation)
- Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations (American Academy of Sleep Medicine)
Written by Lucas Silva · Reviewed by Lucas Silva · Updated on July 20, 2026