Is my baby sleeping too much or too little? Understanding baby sleeping hours by age can help parents recognise what is normal during the first year of life.
Is my baby sleeping too much or too little?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask during the first year of life. Between frequent night wakings, short naps, and changing routines, baby sleep can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.
A baby’s first year is filled with milestones, and sleeping through the night is often one that parents look forward to most. However, it takes time for babies to develop regular sleep patterns, and it also takes time for parents to adjust to a new baby’s sleep routine. It is natural to have questions about what is considered normal and how sleep changes over the first twelve months of life.
Understanding baby sleeping hours and how sleep needs evolve with age can help parents set realistic expectations and recognise what is part of healthy development.
How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?
Sleep patterns change significantly during a baby’s first year. This includes both the total number of hours slept in a 24-hour period and how sleep is distributed between day and night.
| Age Range | Total Sleep in 24 Hours | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 months | 11–19 hours | Sleep is spread throughout day and night in short periods to allow for feeding. Frequent waking is normal, and sleep patterns vary widely at this stage. |
| 4–6 months | 12–16 hours | Sleep begins to consolidate into longer stretches as babies can go longer without feeding. Many start sleeping longer at night, though night waking may still occur. |
| 6–12 months | Varies within age range | Most sleep occurs at night. By later infancy, many babies can sleep 8–9 hours uninterrupted at night and may no longer need night feeds, although night waking can still occur due to teething, illness, growth spurts, sleep regressions, or separation anxiety. |
These figures represent general ranges, and it is normal for individual babies to sleep more or less than the average.
Can Babies Sleep Too Much?
It is normal for newborns to sleep for long periods, especially in the early weeks after birth. In most cases, parents do not need to worry about a newborn sleeping too much.
However, if a newborn sleeps through a feeding, it may be necessary to wake them to eat. Babies who breastfeed or drink formula generally need to feed at least every four hours. Gentle methods such as a diaper change or light touch can help wake a sleeping baby for feeding when needed.
Helping Babies Settle and Stay Asleep
During the first few months, a baby’s sleep schedule is largely driven by feeding needs. As babies grow and are able to go longer between feeds, parents can begin to support a clearer day–night pattern by establishing consistent routines.
Putting babies down before they are fully asleep can help them learn to fall asleep independently. This may make it easier for them to settle themselves if they wake during the night.
When babies wake crying, they may be hungry, uncomfortable, or need a diaper change. Caregivers can respond quickly and calmly, using low lighting where possible, and offer reassurance without overstimulation.
Read also: The Real Deal With Baby Sleep Training Methods
Sleep Regressions
It is common for babies to experience periods of disrupted sleep, often referred to as sleep regressions. These are a normal part of infancy and may occur due to teething, illness, growth spurts, changes in nap schedules, or the development of new skills.
How caregivers respond during these periods can influence how long a regression lasts. Responding to a baby’s needs while continuing to encourage independent sleep may help sleep patterns stabilise again more quickly.
When to Seek Advice
Every baby is different, and occasional sleep challenges are expected. Parents should not hesitate to speak with a paediatrician if they have concerns about their baby’s sleep patterns, especially if sleep issues are persistent or affecting feeding, growth, or daytime behaviour.
Baby sleeping hours vary widely during the first year of life, and frequent waking is a normal part of development. Understanding how sleep needs change with age can help parents recognise what is normal, set realistic expectations, and feel more confident supporting healthy sleep as their baby grows.
For more science-backed insights and tips on sleep health, check out our Sleep Page.
References
- Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D’Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., Malow, B. A., Maski, K., Nichols, C., Quan, S. F., Rosen, C. L., Troester, M. M., & Wise, M. S. (2016). Recommended Amount of Sleep for Pediatric Populations: A Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 12(6), 785–786. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27250809/
- Henderson, J. M., France, K. G., Owens, J. L., & Blampied, N. M. (2010). Sleeping through the night: the consolidation of self-regulated sleep across the first year of life. Pediatrics, 126(5), e1081–e1087. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/126/5/e1081/65212/Sleeping-Through-the-Night-The-Consolidation-of
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2020, October 2). Bedtime habits for infants and children. MedlinePlus., Retrieved October 26, 2020, fromA.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2018, October 11). Bedtime habits for infants and children. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002392.htm
