A child is considered a baby from after the 28th day of life until the end of their first year. Infancy is a period of intensive physical and psychological development, on which sleep has a considerable influence. Sleep supports the child's healthy development and affects their behaviour and well-being. This article explains what healthy sleep in a baby should look like.
How much sleep does a baby need?
It is important to note that newborns do not fall asleep at set times. Only gradually do they develop a circadian rhythm and learn the difference between night and day. Above all, it is therefore worth observing the child to understand their sleep needs. Pay attention to the time of day when the child falls asleep most easily, how long their naps last and how long they sleep at night. Too few hours of sleep in a day and accumulated tiredness have a major effect on development and behaviour. A child's sleep is an individual matter, so not every little one sleeps for the same number of hours. There are, however, certain guidelines that define the optimal amount of sleep most children need at a given stage of development.
- First Month of Life – the child sleeps for 17 to as many as 20 hours a day. During the day, they take 3–5 naps, each lasting an average of 30 minutes to 3 hours. The night-time sleep period is only 2–4 hours;
- Second Month of Life – a baby of this age may sleep for as long as five hours without waking for a feed. Naps may last 1–3 hours, with intervals of around one hour between them;
- Third Month of Life – at this stage of development, the baby sleeps for up to 16 hours a day, including 8–10 hours at night with breaks for feeding, while daytime naps account for 3–5 hours;
- Fourth Month of Life - a 4-month-old baby sleeps for about 4 hours during the day, divided into 2 or 3 naps, and may sleep for up to 9 uninterrupted hours at night;
- Fifth Month of Life - at this stage, the baby sleeps for as many as 15–16 hours a day, including 2.5–3.5 hours during the day across 2–3 naps;
- Sixth month of life - the optimal amount of sleep for a six-month-old baby is around 15–16 hours in 24 hours, with only 2 naps during the day. Some six-month-old babies can sleep for 10 uninterrupted hours in a single night;
- Seventh month of life – at around seven months, total sleep may be approximately 11–15 hours in 24 hours, including about 5–10 hours at night;
- Eighth month of life – eight-month-old babies need an average of 14.5 hours of sleep per day: 11–12 hours at night and 3–3.5 hours during the day, divided into two or three naps;
- Ninth month of life – at 9 months of age, most babies sleep for up to 14-15 hours in a 24-hour period, including no more than 2-2.5 hours during the day, divided into 2 naps;
- Tenth Month of Life – a 10-month-old baby needs an average of 14.5–15.5 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including around 11–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours across two daytime naps;
- Eleventh month of life - at this age, a baby needs about 14 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including around 10 to 11 hours at night, and may need two daytime naps, although these should become shorter;
- Twelfth Month of Life - a child of this age spends around 13 hours a day in their cot. They take 1–2 naps during the day, which means they sleep for approximately 10–11 hours at night and 2–3 hours during the day.
Practical Advice for Supporting a Child's Healthy Sleep
Every parent would like their child’s sleep to be even more comfortable. Introducing a few rituals can help the baby sleep peacefully through the night. Maintaining a suitable daily rhythm is very important because newborns do not initially distinguish day from night. If the child sleeps enough during the day, they may want to play at night, which is why following a consistent routine matters. Introducing daily bedtime habits can also be important and helpful, as repeated activities signal to the child that bedtime is approaching. These might include feeding in a particular place, dimming the lights, playing a melody or placing the child’s favourite comfort toy nearby. The number of hours a newborn sleeps may also depend on where they fall asleep. It is therefore worth preparing both the room and the cot appropriately to provide healthy sleep. Airing the room before bedtime, maintaining a suitable temperature and leaving a small night light on may help. It is also important to invest in a high-quality baby mattress and bedding made from high-grade materials.
As you can see, a child's sleep passes through different phases, and the amount of rest changes from month to month. Healthy infant sleep depends on many factors, so it does not always follow the textbook pattern, and this is not a cause for concern. Sooner or later, you and your little one will certainly develop your own sleep rituals.