There’s nothing more precious than a sleeping baby or child. It’s so soothing to watch them slumber, and you just know they’re getting the best sleep of their lives. But how much sleep do babies and kids actually need?

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of debate surrounding how much sleep kids need. On one hand, you have parents who believe that their children should get as much sleep as possible. But, on the other hand, you have parents who say that kids should never be put on a schedule and should only sleep when they’re tired. So, what’s the truth?

How much sleep do babies and kids need? In this article, we will dispel the myths and give you the truth about how much sleep kids need at different stages of life.

How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?

When it comes to kids and sleep, there seem to be many myths and misconceptions floating around. For example, how much sleep do babies need? How much sleep do toddlers need? What about school-aged children? How can you tell if your child is getting enough sleep?

As a parent, it’s important to understand how much sleep your child needs at different stages of life. Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences for children, including behavioral problems, poor school performance, and even health issues.

So, how much sleep do babies and kids need? Let’s take a look.

Babies spend most of their days sleeping. However, the typical length of time a newborn sleeps is determined by their age.

1. Newborns (0-3 Months Old) – 14-17 Hours

Babies between the ages of 0 and 12 weeks old need 14-17 hours of sleep per day. This includes naps and nighttime sleep.

2. Infants (12 Weeks – 11 Months Old) – 12-15 Hours

Once your baby hits the age of 12 weeks, they will start to sleep for shorter periods during the day and longer periods at night. The average infant sleeps 12-15 hours a day, including naps and nighttime sleep.

3. Toddlers (12 Months – 36 Months Old) – 11-14 Hours

Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. At this age, most toddlers will take two or three naps each day.

Infants’ sleep patterns can vary, and parents should be aware that the changes are not necessarily a sign of an issue. As a result, the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have decided against recommending a specific amount of sleep for newborns under four months old.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?

The amount of sleep required by children changes significantly with age. As kids get older, they need less sleep. They also tend to nap less during the day. School-aged children need between nine and twelve hours of sleep each day.

Sleep is as essential to a child’s health and development as it is to that of a newborn. Although children sleep for fewer hours than infants do, they still need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep every day. Like infants, toddlers’ sleep patterns can vary, and parents should not be concerned if their child’s sleeping habits change from one week to the next.

Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences for children, including behavioral problems, poor school performance, and even health issues. So, parents need to ensure their children get the sleep they need. The best way to do this is to create a bedtime routine and stick to it.

1. Toddlers (1-2 Years Old) – 11-14 Hours

Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. At this age, most toddlers will take two or three naps each day.

2. Preschoolers (3 -5 Years Old) – 11-13 Hours

Kids in this age group need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep each day, including naps and nighttime sleep. Most preschoolers will take one or two naps each day.

3. School-Aged Children (6-12 Years Old) – 9-12 Hours

School-aged children need between nine and twelve hours of sleep each night. This is the age group that is most likely to experience insomnia and other sleep problems.

4. Teens (13-18 Years Old) – 8-10 Hours

Teens need eight to ten hours of sleep per night. However, many teens do not get enough sleep due to early school start times, homework, extracurricular activities, and social obligations.

Is Your Kid’s Sleep Cycle Off? What Can You Do If They Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep?

It is estimated that 25% of young children and 50% of school-aged children experience sleep problems. While the nature of children’s sleeping difficulties varies, insufficient sleep has been linked to numerous issues in children, such as behavioral problems, low academic performance, and even health concerns. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t getting enough sleep, talk to his or her doctor. They can help you determine whether there is a problem and offer solutions.

Creating a Bedtime Routine

A bedtime routine should be calm and relaxing. It should include activities that will help your child wind down for the night. Here are some ideas:

Bath your child.
Read them a story.
Have a quiet time together.
Give your child a massage.
Put on some calm, soothing music.

Following a bedtime routine will help your child feel sleepy and ready for bed. It will also signal to their body that it’s time to wind down for the night.

Sticking to a Schedule

It’s imperative to put your child on a sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. A consistent sleep schedule will help regulate your child’s natural sleep rhythm.

Making Some Adjustments

If your child is having trouble sleeping, there are some adjustments you can make:

Make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
Remove all electronics from the bedroom.
Establish a bedtime routine.
Put your child on a sleep schedule.
Avoid giving your child caffeine before bedtime.

Finding The Best Mattress For Your Child’s Needs

It is essential to create a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment for your child. A good mattress is an integral part of this. When choosing a mattress for your child, keep in mind the following:

Mattresses should be firm to provide support.
Mattresses should be free of toxins and chemicals.
Mattresses should be comfortable and breathable.

The bunk bed for kids is sturdy, comfortable, and safe. Bunk beds are a great option for kids who share a room because they save space. When shopping for a bunk bed, choose one with a solid frame and guardrails on all sides.

Comfort is important when it comes to mattresses, so is finding one that is the right size and provides adequate support. The best way to find a supportive mattress is to lie down on it and pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel any pain, the mattress is likely too firm. If you don’t feel any support, the mattress is likely too soft. When it comes to mattresses, there are many options on the market. Therefore, it’s essential to do your research to find the right one for your child.

FAQs (Frequently Asking Questions)

1. How much sleep do babies need by month and age?

Babies need a lot of sleep, so most pediatricians recommend 12-16 hours in total. However, the exact amount varies by age. For example:

The newborn stage requires up to 18 hours per day (the majority will get 16-18).
A one-month-old typically needs 14 hours, and it is recommended they don’t sleep more than 4 hours at a time
By 6 months old, they should be getting around 12 hours of sleep each day, including naps.
At 9 months old, the average baby needs about 11 hours of sleep.
Finally, by 12 months old most babies need about 10-12 hours of sleep in 24 hours.

2. How much sleep does a 4-month-old need?

Children over 6 months can sleep for about 15 hours per day. Newborns may sleep up to 18 hours per day. So at four months old, your baby is probably sleeping for about 15 hours each day — including naps. Bedtime might happen around 9 PM, and morning wake-up time could be as early as 6 AM or even earlier on some days.

3. How much sleep does a 1-year-old need?

On average, a 1-year-old needs about 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day. This includes naps and nighttime sleep. In addition, 1-year-olds are still developing and growing, so they need a lot of sleep to help their bodies develop properly. If your 1-year-old is not getting enough sleep, it can lead to irritability, poor eating habits, and difficulty paying attention.

4. Is it right for a two-month-old to sleep 8 hours?

There is no one correct answer to this question. Some babies may sleep 8 hours at two months old, while others may only sleep 4 or 5. It’s important to listen to your baby and trust your instincts to determine what works best for them.

5. Can a 4-month-old sleep 12 hours straight?

No, a 4-month-old cannot sleep 12 hours straight. They will typically sleep for around 10 hours per night. However, they will often take a few naps during the day, which can add up to a total of 12 hours of sleep. So, while they cannot sleep for 12 hours straight at night, they can reach that total amount of sleep during the day and night.

6. Is 9 PM too late for a toddler to go to bed?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it will vary depending on the individual toddler. Some toddlers may be ready for bed by 9 p.m., while others may not be ready until later in the evening. It is essential to pay attention to your child’s energy levels and bedtime habits to understand what time works best for them.

7. Why is bedtime so hard for toddlers?

Parents have a tough time making sure that their toddlers get enough sleep every night. Their busy schedules, erratic bedtimes, and early wake-up times make the battle for deep snoozes extremely difficult to win. Parents need to find the right combination of things that work best for toddler-style sleeping — whether it be cozy pajamas, a bedtime story, or a relaxing bedtime routine.

8. Do babies need a sleep schedule?

Babies need a strict routine, not just sleep. They usually take two-hour naps during the day and should be in bed sleeping by 8:00 or 9:00 PM. After they are born, they also need what’s called “womb sleep”, which is basically when they look like they’re fast asleep, but really their heart rates are going up and down, and they’re getting used to being outside the womb. So don’t worry if your baby is sleeping a lot—it’s normal.

Conclusion

There you go—everything you need to know about how much sleep babies and kids need. If you have any concerns about your child’s sleep, talk to their doctor. And, when it comes time to buy the best mattress for your child, keep the factors discussed in this article in mind. With a little bit of effort, you can create a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment for your child.

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Jennifer R. Heller

She is a writer at Sleeping Park, the leading source for sleeping products and information. She has spent her time researching sleeping health topics, testing out new sleeping merchandise, and interviewing experts in the field to create informative articles on all things related to sleep. She also writes about her findings in blogs published with every piece she writes on the site. Jennifer also has an economics degree and enjoys using her knowledge of supply and demand to help customers find their perfect mattress match. Jennifer likes to read or travel overseas when she's not at work or hanging out with her family.

How Much Sleep Do Babies And Kids Need?