How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need? A Pediatrician Mom’s Overview Of Sleep in the First 2 Years
Wondering if your baby is sleeping enough? Or when they’ll finally sleep through the night? Here’s what’s normal (and what’s not) in the first two years—from a pediatrician who’s also been in the trenches as a mom of three.
1. How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need?
Babies grow, develop, and do a lot of behind-the-scenes brain work while they sleep—which is why getting enough rest is so important during the first two years. Here’s a general breakdown of recommended sleep by age, based on expert guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Sleep Foundation.
| Age | Total Sleep Per 24 Hours | Night Sleep | Naps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 14–17 hours | Variable | 4–6 naps |
| 4–6 months | 12–16 hours | 8–10 hours | 3–4 naps |
| 6–12 months | 12–15 hours | 10–11 hours | 2–3 naps |
| 12–24 months | 11–14 hours | 11–12 hours | 1–2 naps |
2. How Many Naps Should My Baby Take?
Nap needs shift a lot in the first year. Here’s what to expect:
Newborns (0–3 months): 4–6 short naps, often unpredictable
4–6 months: Usually 3–4 naps, with longer stretches of alert time
6–9 months: Typically 2–3 naps (often one morning and one afternoon nap)
9–12 months: Most babies settle into a consistent 2-nap schedule
12–24 months: 1-2 naps. Transition to 1 nap usually happens between 15–18 months
Don’t stress if your baby’s nap schedule doesn’t look “perfect”—consistency develops gradually.
3. When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?
Ah, the million-dollar question.
Here’s the truth: “Sleeping through the night” doesn’t mean 12 hours straight—in baby sleep research, it often refers to a 6–8 hour stretch.
Some babies begin longer nighttime stretches around 4–6 months
Many don’t consistently sleep through the night until 6–12 months
Even good sleepers may still wake briefly due to teething, illness, separation anxiety, or developmental leaps
This is normal and not necessarily a sign that something’s wrong—or that you’re doing anything wrong.
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4. What’s Actually Normal (and When to Worry)
- Frequent night waking is normal in the first 6 months
- Nap schedules may shift or regress (especially around 4, 8, and 12 months)
- Night wakings after 12 months may still happen—but look at the overall pattern
📞 Talk to your pediatrician if:
Your baby seems excessively sleepy during the day
Night wakings are extreme and disruptive past 12 months
You’re struggling with exhaustion, anxiety, or sleep-related stress
5. Final Thoughts from a Pediatrician Mom
Sleep in the first two years is a rollercoaster, and even though I’ve counseled hundreds of families through it—I’ve still been that exhausted mom Googling “when will my baby sleep??” at 2 a.m.
Here’s what I want you to know:
Your baby is likely doing just fine
You’re not failing if they’re not on a perfect sleep schedule
It gets better (truly!)
And if you’re looking for guidance backed by science and parent experience—we’re here for you.
💛 For more evidence-based tips on baby sleep, safe sleep, and parenting in the first year, check out our full library at MamaDocRx.com and follow us on Instagram @MamaDocRx.