Good sleep habits start from birth. Sleep is essential to your child’s health and well-being and getting enough sleep is necessary for their development. This is because, babies can process the new experiences and skills they learnt during the day while they sleep — and wake feeling ready to learn some more!
How much sleep is enough sleep?
Sleep needs for babies vary depending on their age. Every baby is a unique individual, which means there will be differences in sleeping. Making sure your child gets enough sleep is typically a high priority for new parents. How much sleep does your baby need? When will your child sleep through the night? How many naps does your baby take at each age group?
Here are the guidelines on how many hours of sleep the average baby and toddler require at various ages:
Newborn – 3 months
Total Sleep: 16-18 hours
Night-time Sleep: 8-9 hours
Naps: 7-9 hours (3-5 naps)
3 months – 6 months
Total Sleep: 15 -16 hours
Night-time Sleep: 9-10 hours
Naps: 5-6 hours (2-3 naps)
6 months – 12 months
Total sleep: 14-15 hours
Night-time sleep: 10-11 hours
Naps: 4-5 hours (2-3 naps)
12 months- 18 months
Total sleep: 13-14 hours
Night-time sleep: 11 hours
Naps: 3-4 hours
18 months – 24 months
Total sleep: 12- 13 hours
Night-time sleep: 10-11 hours
Naps: 2-3 hours (2 naps)
3-5 years
Total Sleep: 10-13 hours
Night-time Sleep: 10-12 hours
Naps: 0-1 hours (naps usually stop by age 5)
Bonus Tip
A good bedtime routine gives your child a sense of security and teaches them to fall asleep independently. It is often good for parents, too, as it creates a special time for you to bond with your baby.
Bedtime routines can include things like bathing, brushing teeth and reading books. A good bedtime routine helps to soothe and calm your child to be ready for sleep. It also helps your child develop a good sleep habit now and in the future.
