Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies but can be from 8 hours up to 16 or 18 hours. Babies will wake up during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or too cold can also disturb their sleep.
Baby's Sleep
Your baby will have their own pattern of waking and sleeping, and it's unlikely to be the same as other babies you know. Find advice on baby sleeping habits and routines.
Just as with adults, babies and children's sleep patterns vary. From birth, some babies need more or less sleep than others. The handy list below shows the average amount of sleep babies and children need during a 24-hour period, including daytime naps.
ALWAYS sleep your baby on their BACK in a CLEAR cot or sleep space (free of bumpers, toys and pillows).
Baby's Sleeping Needs
How much sleep does a newborn need?
How much sleep does a 3 months old need?
As your baby grows, they'll need fewer night feeds and will be able to sleep for longer. Some babies will sleep for 8 hours or longer at night, but not all. By 4 months, they may be spending around twice as long sleeping at night as they do during the day.
How much sleep does a 6 month old need?
For babies aged 6 months to a year, night feeds may no longer be necessary and some babies will sleep for up to 12 hours at night. Teething discomfort or hunger may wake some babies during the night.
How much sleep does a 12 month old need?
Babies will sleep for around 12 to 15 hours in total after their first birthday.
How much sleep does a 2 year old need?
Most 2-year-olds will sleep for 11 to 12 hours at night, with 1 or 2 naps in the daytime.
How much sleep does my 3 year old need?
Most children aged 3 or 4 will need about 12 hours of sleep, but this can range from 8 hours up to 14. Some young children will still need a nap during the day.
Safer Sleep with your baby
The Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep with your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.
The advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.
If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, please call the information line on 0808 802 6869 (lines open Monday-Friday 10 am-2 pm).
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
It is not known why some babies suddenly die in their sleep. Known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death the subject has and continues to be well-researched. Follow the steps below;
- place your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in the same room as you, for the first 6 months
- keep your baby's head uncovered - their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders
- if wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, do not cover their head with the sling material or with a muslin
- place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket
- do not let your baby get too hot or cold
- do not share a bed with your baby
- never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
- do not smoke during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby