How much sleep does my baby need?

Sleep needs vary by age: Newborns (0-3 months) need 14-17 hours total, infants (4-11 months) need 12-15 hours, toddlers (1-2 years) need 11-14 hours, and preschoolers (3-5 years) need 10-13 hours. This includes both nighttime sleep and naps. Individual babies may need slightly more or less within these ranges.

What are wake windows and why do they matter?

Wake windows are the periods of time a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleep sessions. Age-appropriate wake windows help prevent overtiredness, which can make falling asleep harder. Newborns have 45-60 minute wake windows, while toddlers can stay awake 4-6 hours. Following appropriate wake windows promotes better sleep quality and easier bedtimes.

When should my baby transition from 2 naps to 1?

Most babies transition from 2 naps to 1 nap between 13-18 months old. Signs your baby is ready include: consistently fighting or skipping the second nap, taking longer to fall asleep, waking earlier in the morning, or the second nap pushing bedtime too late. During transition, temporarily move bedtime earlier to prevent overtiredness.

What is the ideal bedtime for babies and toddlers?

Most babies and toddlers do best with a bedtime between 6:30-8:00 PM. The ideal time depends on their wake-up time, nap schedule, and age-appropriate total sleep needs. An overtired baby often sleeps worse, so earlier bedtimes (6:00-6:30 PM) may be needed during nap transitions or growth spurts. Consistency matters more than the exact time.

How do I know if my baby is overtired?

Signs of overtiredness include: fussiness and irritability, difficulty settling down, fighting sleep, short naps, frequent night wakings, early morning waking, hyperactivity (in older babies/toddlers), and eye rubbing or yawning. Catching your baby's sleep cues before overtiredness sets in makes for easier, better quality sleep.

When do babies drop their last nap?

Most children drop their last nap (the afternoon nap) between ages 3-5 years, with the average being around age 3.5. Signs they're ready include: consistently taking 30+ minutes to fall asleep at naptime, naptime affecting nighttime sleep, or being able to stay pleasant until bedtime without a nap. Quiet time can replace naptime during the transition.

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Sleep Schedule

Last updated: June 2026

Create Perfect Sleep Schedule

Age-appropriate wake windows and nap times

Baby's Age

Unit

Desired Bedtime

Most babies do best with 6:30-8:00 PM bedtime

0-3 months

Total: 14-17 hours

Night: 8-9 hours

Naps: 4-5 naps

Bedtime: 8:00-10:00 PM

4-6 months

Total: 12-15 hours

Night: 10-12 hours

Naps: 3-4 naps

Bedtime: 7:00-8:30 PM

7-12 months

Total: 12-14 hours

Night: 10-12 hours

Naps: 2-3 naps

Bedtime: 6:30-7:30 PM

13-18 months

Total: 11-14 hours

Night: 10-12 hours

Naps: 1-2 naps

Bedtime: 6:30-7:30 PM

19-24 months

Total: 11-14 hours

Night: 10-12 hours

Naps: 1 nap

Bedtime: 7:00-8:00 PM

2-3 years

Total: 10-13 hours

Night: 10-12 hours

Naps: 0-1 nap

Bedtime: 6:30-8:00 PM

Common Questions

When should I start a sleep schedule?

What are wake windows?

How long should my baby nap?

What if baby won't follow the schedule?

Sleep Guides

Baby Sleep Schedule by Age

Complete guide to sleep needs from newborn to toddler

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Timeline and tips for longer stretches

Sleep Training Methods Compared

Find the right approach for your family

Sleep Regression Ages Guide

What to expect and how to cope

Based on AAP and NSF sleep guidelines. Consult your pediatrician for concerns.

The companion book

Baby Sleep Schedule by Age

by Casey Morgan

Wake windows, nap schedules, and gentle fixes for night waking, from newborn to age three. The companion book to our sleep schedule calculators.

Paperback on Amazon Kindle edition

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Sleep Schedule

Create Perfect Sleep Schedule

Common Questions

When should I start a sleep schedule?

What are wake windows?

How long should my baby nap?

What if baby won't follow the schedule?

Related Tools

Sleep Guides

Baby Sleep Schedule by Age

Related Tools

Toddler Sleep Calculator

Feeding Schedule Calculator

Milestone Tracker

Nap Window

Sleep Essentials

Safe, Comfortable Sleep

Calms Startle Reflex for Newborns

Monitor Baby Without WiFi or Apps

Top Parenting Essentials

Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA

HelloBaby No WiFi Baby Monitor (5" Screen)

Pampers Pure Protection Baby Diapers

Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow (57")

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles (4-Pack)

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