Baby Sleep Calculator: How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need?
Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest challenges of new parenthood — and it is made worse by uncertainty about what is normal. This calculator tells you the recommended total sleep and number of naps for your baby's exact age, based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines.
Recommended Sleep by Age
| Age | Total Daily Sleep | Nap Pattern |
|---|
| 0–2 months | 14–17 hours | 3–5 naps (unpredictable) |
| 2–5 months | 12–15 hours | 3–4 naps (3–4 hours total) |
| 6–11 months | 12–15 hours | 2–3 naps (2–3 hours total) |
| 12–23 months | 11–14 hours | 1–2 naps (1.5–3 hours total) |
| 2–3 years | 10–13 hours | 1 nap (1–2 hours) |
Find your baby's sleep needs with our Baby Sleep Calculator.
Sleep Development Stages
0–3 months: No established circadian rhythm yet. Sleeps 2–4 hour stretches randomly throughout the day and night. Normal to wake every 2–3 hours at night for feeding.
3–6 months: Circadian rhythm begins developing. May start sleeping longer stretches at night (4–6 hours). Consolidating to 3 naps.
6–12 months: Most healthy, typically developing babies can sleep 10–12 hours at night by this age (with or without night feeds depending on developmental readiness and parental choice).
12 months onward: Transitioning from 2 naps to 1 (usually around 15–18 months). One long nap of 1–2 hours becomes the pattern.
Safe Sleep Guidelines (SIDS Prevention)
- Back to sleep for every sleep until age 1
- Firm, flat surface — crib or bassinet with firm, fitted mattress only
- No loose items in the sleep space — no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months
- Temperature — keep the room at 16–20°C; avoid overheating
Practical Tips
Watch for tired cues. Eye rubbing, yawning, looking away, and pulling ears signal it is time for a nap or bedtime. Waiting until the baby is overtired makes settling much harder.
Create a consistent bedtime routine. Bath, feed, story, song — the same sequence signals sleep is coming. Even babies as young as 6–8 weeks can begin responding to routine.
Prioritise night sleep. Short naps during the day can consolidate night sleep. A well-rested baby generally sleeps better, not less.
Final Thoughts
Understanding normal sleep expectations by age helps parents respond appropriately, avoid unnecessary sleep training before babies are developmentally ready, and identify genuine sleep concerns.
Find your baby's sleep recommendations with our free Baby Sleep Calculator.
Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance for your baby's individual sleep needs and safety.