Quick answer: Newborns aged 0–3 months need 14–17 hours of sleep per 24 hours, dropping to 12–16 hours at 3–6 months, 12–15 hours at 6–9 months, 12–14 hours at 9–12 months and 11–14 hours at 12–18 months. Naps reduce from 4–5 a day in the newborn weeks to two by around nine months, with the move to one nap usually between 12 and 18 months.
What parents need to know
Sleep is one of the most talked-about topics among new parents — because getting it right (or even close to right) makes such a difference to everyone's wellbeing. But how much sleep do babies actually need, and is your baby getting enough?
Here's a comprehensive, age-by-age breakdown based on current guidance.
| Newborn 0–3 months | 14–17 hours per 24 hours, 4–5 naps |
|---|---|
| 3–6 months | 12–16 hours, 3–4 daytime naps |
| 6–9 months | 12–15 hours, 2–3 naps a day |
| 9–12 months | 12–14 hours, usually 2 naps |
| Room temperature | 16–20°C, the NHS-recommended range |
How much sleep do babies need by age?
Newborn: 0–3 months
Total sleep: 14–17 hours per 24 hours
Newborns sleep in short stretches of 2–4 hours, waking to feed. They cannot yet distinguish day from night — their circadian rhythm hasn't developed. This is exhausting but normal. Naps happen frequently throughout the day (4–5 per day), and night sleep is fragmented.
3–6 months
Total sleep: 12–16 hours per 24 hours
Circadian rhythm begins to develop around 3–4 months. Many babies start consolidating sleep at night and taking 3–4 more predictable daytime naps. This is a good time to start a simple bedtime routine. Some babies naturally begin sleeping longer stretches; others won't until later.
6–9 months
Total sleep: 12–15 hours per 24 hours
Most babies settle into 2–3 naps per day by 6–7 months. Night sleep improves for many — though the 6-month sleep regression (associated with developmental leaps) can temporarily disrupt things. This is the most popular age for beginning sleep training if desired.
9–12 months
Total sleep: 12–14 hours per 24 hours
By 9 months most babies are on 2 naps (morning and afternoon). Some start transitioning to 1 nap towards the end of the first year, though most don't drop the morning nap until 14–18 months. Night wakings may increase during periods of developmental change.
12–18 months
Total sleep: 11–14 hours per 24 hours
The transition from 2 naps to 1 typically happens in this window. The 1-nap transition can be bumpy — expect some overtired days as your toddler adjusts. A consistent, earlier bedtime can help compensate.
Signs your baby isn't getting enough sleep
- Yawning excessively and showing tired cues frequently
- Falling asleep quickly on car journeys or in the pram
- Waking very early (before 6am) despite seeming tired — often a sign of overtiredness
- Fussiness and difficulty settling in the evenings
- Difficult to wake in the mornings
Signs your baby may be sleeping too much
It's rare for babies to sleep too much, but if your newborn is regularly sleeping more than 19 hours and seems hard to rouse for feeds, speak to your health visitor or midwife. In the early weeks, adequate feeding is essential and babies shouldn't go more than 4 hours without a feed.
Tips for better baby sleep
- Protect that wake window. Putting your baby down before they're overtired is one of the biggest factors in easier settling.
- Darken the room. Blackout blinds make a genuine difference, especially in summer or for early morning waking.
- Consistent bedtime routine. Even a short sequence of events signals to your baby's brain that sleep is coming.
- White noise. Can help babies fall asleep and stay asleep through household noise and light sounds.
- Cool the room. 16–20°C is the NHS-recommended range for a baby's sleep environment.
When to seek advice
If your baby's sleep is severely disrupted over an extended period, affecting their health or your mental health, your health visitor can signpost you to sleep support. You don't have to just endure it.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours should a newborn sleep?
Newborns aged 0–3 months need 14–17 hours of sleep per 24 hours, taken in short stretches of 2–4 hours with waking to feed. They cannot yet tell day from night, so fragmented night sleep is normal.
When do babies drop to one nap?
The move from two naps to one typically happens between 12 and 18 months. Most babies don't drop the morning nap until 14–18 months, and the transition can be bumpy with some overtired days.
Can a baby sleep too much?
It's rare, but if your newborn regularly sleeps more than 19 hours and is hard to rouse for feeds, speak to your health visitor or midwife. Babies shouldn't go more than four hours without a feed in the early weeks.
What temperature should a baby's room be?
Keep the room cool: 16–20°C is the NHS-recommended range for a baby's sleep environment.
Sources & further reading
- NHS — Helping your baby to sleep
- The Lullaby Trust — Safe sleep guidance
- NCT — Baby sleep: what to expect
General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.
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