The importance of a good night’s sleep has been researched and proven time and time again. But do you know how much sleep your child should actually be getting? Here’s our guide on how much sleep kids need, broken down by age.
Sleep is one of the biggest topics in parenting, and it’s a conversation that starts with newborns and keeps going as your child grows.
It’s worth remembering that every child is different. Perhaps your child is an early riser but loves a nap, or maybe they’ve dropped naps altogether but sleep a solid 12 hours a night. There’s no single right answer — but having a general idea of how much sleep kids need at different ages can help you spot if your child might be missing out.
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Why Is It Important That Kids Get Enough Sleep?
Too little sleep affects the body’s levels of thyroid and stress hormones, which can in turn impact memory, the immune system, the heart, metabolism and much more.
A lack of sleep can also affect a child’s ability to concentrate and learn at school.
Studies have found that children who don’t get enough sleep have an increased risk of being overweight.
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How Much Sleep Do Kids Need, By Age
Newborn babies (0–3 months)
Newborns typically sleep between 10.5 and 18 hours a day, usually on an irregular schedule with periods of 1–3 hours spent awake.
Infants (4–11 months)
By around six months, night feeds are usually no longer needed, and many infants are sleeping through the night by this age, with the majority doing so by nine months. Infants typically sleep 9–12 hours overnight and take naps of 30 minutes to two hours, one to four times a day, with fewer naps needed as they approach their first birthday.
Toddlers (1–3 years)
Toddlers generally need about 11–14 hours of sleep across a 24-hour period. Naps are still typical for this age group.
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
Preschoolers usually need 11–13 hours of sleep each night, and most stop napping by the age of three or four.
Children and teens (6+)
Children aged 6 to 13 generally need 9–11 hours of sleep, while teens need around 9–10 hours a night.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of sleep does my child need each night?
It depends on their age. Newborns need the most (10.5–18 hours a day), while this gradually reduces through the toddler and preschool years, down to 9–11 hours for school-age children and 9–10 hours for teens.
What happens if my child doesn’t get enough sleep?
Ongoing lack of sleep can affect concentration and learning at school, and has been linked to a higher risk of weight gain. It can also affect hormone levels that influence memory, immunity and metabolism.
Do toddlers and preschoolers still need naps?
Many toddlers still nap regularly, but most children stop napping naturally by around three to four years of age. If your child has dropped their nap earlier or later than this, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern.
Is it normal for my child’s sleep needs to be different from the “average”?
Yes. The age ranges above are a helpful guide, but every child is different. Some children naturally need a little more or less sleep than others, so use these figures as a general reference rather than a strict rule.
Related Articles
- 6 Secrets to Developing Good Sleeping Habits in Kids
- No More Naps? Try These Tips from Parents for Toddler Quiet Time
- 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories for Kids
Save This for Later
Sleep needs change so much as kids grow, so it’s worth bookmarking this guide to check back on as your child moves through the ages and stages above.
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What’s your experience of your own child and sleep? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
