How much sleep does a baby need?
February 5th, 2009
Sometimes it is helpful to know about the average baby’s sleep requirements so that you can stop comparing them to friends children and wondering if your little one is different or abnormal. Sleep researchers have discovered that babies sleep needs differ at different ages and of course that babies are individuals, just like adults and have different personal sleep needs. This list is meant to be a guide, so when looking at it, bear in mind that babies differ greatly and that it does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your baby if he sleeps much more or much less than the average.
A healthy baby will take as much sleep as she needs, so don’t worry that she is coming to harm.
Average Number of Hours Needed:
Age During the DAY At NIGHT
1 week 8 hours 8hours 30 min
4 weeks 6-7 hours 8-9 hours
3 months 5 hours 10 hours
6 months 4 hours 10 hours
9 months 2-3 hours 11hours
12 months 2 hours 30 min 11-12 hours
2 years 1 hour 15min 11-12 hours
3 years 1 11-12
4 years none 11-12
5 years none 11-12
Notice that as they get older the daytime nap gets shorter and sometimes fall away completely. However, if your 4 year old needs a nap, it is fine to continue to do so…just because the average child may not need it, you should look at your own child’s individual needs. If she is happy, alert and thriving, then the amount she is taking is sufficient. If she seems grumpy and irritable, then perhaps she needs more.
Tags: baby napping, baby sleeping, sleep requirements
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