How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need?
Summary: Many new parents wonder how much sleep a baby needs. New parents often worry that their baby is sleeping too much, or not enough.

Many new parents wonder how much sleep a baby needs. New parents often worry that their baby is sleeping too much, or not enough. Every baby is different; therefore babies’ needs are different as well. However, having a general idea of how long a baby should sleep at a certain age can provide some peace of mind.

What factors influence how much sleep a baby needs?
Several factors can influence how much sleep your baby needs. Babies’ needs are unique and determined by factors such as: genes, size, daily routine, personality, your expectations, and surrounding stimulus. Medical or health-related issues, such as breathing problems, infections, colic, teething, and allergies, can influence sleeping needs as well. Other factors may include noise, light, and temperature. Both a fear of sleep and separation anxiety can interfere with sleeping needs. Baby’s sleeping needs change with age too.

How much sleep is enough for my baby?
As you can see, sleeping needs vary and change continuously. There are no magical numbers set in stone; not even for a specific age group. However, there are basic guidelines that will help point you in the right direction.

Newborn to One Month
Newborn babies generally sleep about 18 out of 24 hours. They do not have any type of sleeping pattern yet, because their circadian rhythm will not develop until about three to four months of age. Newborns will usually wake up every two to four hours from hunger, if they don’t wake up then be sure to wake them up. Babies need to establish regular feeding times to obtain normal weight gain. Babies may jerk, twitch, or roll their eyes as they fall to sleep; this is normal behavior. Do not be alarmed if your baby cries suddenly or makes agitated movements while sleeping, this too is normal.

One Month to Three Months
During one to three months of age, a baby may start to develop some sleeping patterns. They may start sleeping four to six hour stretches at a time for a total of about 14 to 16 hours. Babies start to notice a difference between daytime and nighttime, thus they tend to sleep more often in the evening.

Three to Six Months
Babies at this stage, sleep approximately 14 hours on average. They start to develop a circadian rhythm, which allows them to sleep more during the night than the day. About two-thirds of the baby’s sleep will be at night. Although sleep patterns start to emerge, there will still be some off days with no pattern at all.

Six Months to One Year
At six months to one year of age, a baby sleeps a little less than the amount of time a three to six month old sleeps -- about 12 to 14 hours. However, the baby will start to sleep in longer stretches and generally nap one less time. Your child has a natural sleeping pattern now. This is the most important time to develop a solid sleeping routine. Any relaxing activity that you routinely perform before bedtime will become part of the bedtime routine. A bedtime routine helps the baby relax and wind down. Once in a comfortable state, the baby is able to fall asleep much more quickly than a baby without a bedtime routine.

One Year to Three Years
Toddlers need about 12 to 13 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period including one or two naps. This can be a difficult time as one nap is not enough and two naps are often too many. A well-rested baby will adapt to changes in a bedtime routine. However, a sleep deprived baby will have issues with a changing bedtime causing problems and frustration with the both of you.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough sleep?
With all the different factors that determine sleeping needs, it can be confusing to figure out the appropriate needs of your child. A common misconception among parents is that if a child doesn’t want to go to sleep until 11 12 at night, then they must not need very much sleep. Their point of view is often falsely reinforced when the child starts acting up or becomes hyper. Quite the opposite is generally true; these children are usually sleep deprived.
A few symptoms may point out the need for more sleep. If your child is often grouchy, irritable, or overly-tired during the day, they might be sleep deprived. Having to wake up your child every morning or having them fall asleep extra early some nights, can both be signs that your child needs more sleep. The quality and quantity of a child’s sleep can affect the child’s well being, as well as everyone around the child.

What baby sleeping safety precautions should I be aware of?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publishes some guidelines on safety precautions for sleeping babies. Many parents want to co-sleep with their baby, but AAP cautions against doing so. Co-sleeping is allowing the baby to sleep in the same bed as the parents. This practice can have a very dangerous outcome. The baby can suffocate or strangle under blankets or under an adult. Co-sleeping babies have an increased chance of developing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Do not place anything in the crib that could cause suffocation; this includes stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets. Make sure that any blankets or other items do not have tie cords. AAP also recommends that babies sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS. If you have any questions regarding your baby’s safety, do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician. They are more than happy to offer suggestions and guidance.