How much should a baby sleep?
Updated October 14, 2026
Short answer
Newborns sleep about 14–17 hours in 24, in short stretches. From 4 to 12 months the recommendation is 12–16 hours including naps, and 11–14 hours from 1 to 2 years (AASM, endorsed by the AAP).
Total sleep by age
| Age | Sleep in 24 hours | Naps (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 14–17 hours | 4–6+, irregular |
| 4–6 months | 12–16 hours | 3–4 |
| 6–9 months | 12–16 hours | 2–3 |
| 9–12 months | 12–16 hours | 2 |
| 1–2 years | 11–14 hours | 1–2, moving to 1 |
The 4-months-and-up ranges are the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s recommendations, endorsed by the AAP; the newborn range is the National Sleep Foundation’s. Sleep isn’t regulated by a day/night rhythm until around 3–4 months, so newborn sleep is all over the place.
Wake windows (a rough guide)
A wake window is how long your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. These aren’t medical rules, just a common starting point:
| Age | Wake window |
|---|---|
| 0–1 month | 35–60 minutes |
| 1–3 months | 1–1.5 hours |
| 3–6 months | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| 6–9 months | 2–3 hours |
| 9–12 months | 2.5–3.5 hours |
When will my baby sleep through the night?
Newborns wake every 2–3 hours to eat — that’s by design. Many babies manage one longer stretch (5–6 hours) somewhere between 3 and 6 months, but night waking through the whole first year is normal and very common. Growth spurts, teething and the “4-month sleep regression” can bring wake-ups back.
Safe sleep basics (AAP)
- On the back, for every sleep — naps too.
- A firm, flat surface: crib, bassinet or play yard that meets safety standards. No inclined sleepers.
- Nothing else in the crib: no pillows, bumpers, blankets or soft toys.
- Room-share (not bed-share), ideally for at least the first 6 months.
- Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling. Avoid weighted sleep sacks and swaddles.
Tracking sleep (if you want to)
TallyTot’s sleep tracker is one tap to start and one to stop, and shows total sleep, naps and the longest stretch per day — useful when your pediatrician asks “how’s sleep?”. Honest note: TallyTot doesn’t predict nap times. If sleep is your main focus, Huckleberry’s SweetSpot predictions are popular.
Sources: Paruthi et al., AASM consensus recommendations (2016), endorsed by the AAP; National Sleep Foundation; AAP safe sleep policy statement (2022). General information, not medical advice.
FAQ
How many naps does a 6-month-old take?
Usually 2–3 naps a day.
When do babies sleep through the night?
It varies enormously. Many babies manage a longer stretch by 3–6 months, but night waking through the first year is normal.