How much sleep does a baby need?

Newborns average roughly 14 to 17 hours across a day, easing over the first year to around 12 to 15 hours including naps. These are averages, and individual babies differ.

Is total sleep or nap timing more important?

Total daily sleep is the better guide than any single nap or night. Some days will be short and some long; the pattern over a week matters more.

My baby sleeps less than the range. Should I worry?

Sleep needs vary. If your baby is generally happy, feeding well and growing, small differences from the average are usually fine. Raise persistent concerns with your health visitor or GP.

How much sleep does my baby need? By age

Baby sleep needs by age

Baby age

Typical averages, shown in your browser. Every baby is different.

Averages, not targets

The ranges here are broad because healthy babies really do vary. Use them to sense-check whether your baby is roughly in the normal spread, not to chase a number.

Total sleep is the thing to watch

A short nap or a rough night is not a problem on its own. What matters is the total daily sleep and the pattern over a week. If your baby seems persistently over- or under-tired, tracking their sleep for a few days makes the pattern clear.

Quick answer

Pick your baby's age to see the typical total sleep, number of naps and night sleep for that stage. These are averages across a 24-hour day, not targets to hit; healthy babies vary a lot. It runs entirely in your browser.

How to use it

Pick the age band. Choose the range that matches your baby's age.
Read the typical range. You get total daily sleep, a usual nap count and rough night sleep for that age.
Use it as a guide. Compare it with your baby loosely. Wide variation is normal and total daily sleep matters more than any single night.

Frequently asked questions

How much sleep does a baby need?: Newborns average roughly 14 to 17 hours across a day, easing over the first year to around 12 to 15 hours including naps. These are averages, and individual babies differ.
Is total sleep or nap timing more important?: Total daily sleep is the better guide than any single nap or night. Some days will be short and some long; the pattern over a week matters more.
My baby sleeps less than the range. Should I worry?: Sleep needs vary. If your baby is generally happy, feeding well and growing, small differences from the average are usually fine. Raise persistent concerns with your health visitor or GP.