Sleep is one of the most important concerns for many parents, as infants need a specific amount of sleep to support their physical and mental development. Since each child is unique, the recommended sleep duration depends on several factors, including the baby’s health, age, and developmental stage.(1)
Discover the average number of hours your baby should sleep and how you can help them sleep better!
How Many Hours Should a Baby Sleep?
The amount of sleep a baby needs varies by age:(2)
Infants 0–3 Months
During the first few months, sleep patterns vary widely between babies. On average, infants sleep 16–18 hours per day in short periods. (2)
At around 2–6 weeks, babies may sleep 2–4 hours at a time.By 6–8 weeks, longer stretches of sleep may be observed.(3)
The total sleep depends mainly on feeding needs and may also vary according to factors such as:(1)
- Metabolism and digestion rate
- Brain growth and development
- Stomach capacity
Infants 3–6 Months
At this stage, babies typically need 12–15 hours of sleep daily. Parents may notice more regular sleep patterns, with infants sleeping up to 8 hours at night plus several daytime naps of about 2 hours each.(1)
Infants 6–12 Months
Sleep becomes more regular and closer to adult sleep patterns. Babies at this age generally sleep about 16 hours a day, including approximately 12 hours at night and 2–4 hours during the day.(1)
Factors that may affect sleep duration include: (1)
- Physical development, such as crawling ability
- Emotional development, such as separation anxiety
- Social development
Toddlers 12–24 Months
Children at this stage need 11–14 hours of sleep per day. Daytime naps reduce to 1–2 hours, while nighttime sleep becomes more consistent. (2)
How Can I Help My Child Sleep Better?
Here are some tips to improve your baby’s sleep: (4)
- Maintain a consistent routine: Set regular sleep and wake times, schedule naps, and mealtimes to help your child feel secure and sleep more soundly.
- Encourage daytime activities: Age-appropriate activities help regulate nighttime sleep.
- Optimize the sleep environment: Reduce room lighting, adjust temperature, and minimize toys to prevent distractions.
- Avoid feeding in bed: Whether formula or juice, feed your baby outside the bed and use the bed only for sleeping. Only water can be served in bed.
- Avoid early solid foods: Introducing solids before 6 months can disrupt sleep due to digestive discomfort.
If you have concerns about your child’s sleep patterns or feel they are sleeping too much or too little, consult a pediatric specialist at Al-Ahli Hospital.
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