How Many Naps Does a Baby Need? Sleep Schedules by Age

Understanding Baby Sleep Needs

As a new parent, understanding your baby’s sleep needs can be overwhelming. Sleep plays a crucial role in your baby’s growth and development, but how many naps does a baby need? And how do sleep schedules change as they grow?

In this article, we’ll break down nap requirements by age, provide sleep schedule recommendations, and offer helpful tips to ensure your baby gets the sleep they need for healthy growth and well-being.

Newborn (0-2 Months): Sleep All Day, Sleep All Night (Sort of!)

At the newborn stage, your baby’s sleep patterns are still developing, and their sleep schedule will be unpredictable. Newborns sleep between 14-17 hours per day, typically broken up into short naps throughout the day and night.

Naps for Newborns:

• Newborns usually nap every 2-4 hours.
• They don’t yet distinguish between day and night, so their sleep is scattered.
• Babies may take 3-5 naps per day, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Tip: In these early months, it’s essential to follow your baby’s lead and feed them when needed. Sleep can be erratic, so focus on making your baby feel safe and comfortable.

Infants (3-6 Months): A More Predictable Nap Schedule

By the time your baby reaches 3-6 months, they start to develop more predictable sleep patterns, and they may be able to sleep for longer stretches at night. During this period, babies need 12-15 hours of sleep per day, including naps.

Naps for Infants:

• Most babies will take 3 naps per day.
• Morning nap: around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Afternoon nap: 1 to 2 hours.
• Late afternoon nap: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

As babies grow, they tend to consolidate their sleep into longer blocks, especially at night.

Tip: Encourage your baby to nap in a consistent, quiet environment to help them develop a healthy sleep routine. Avoid overstimulation right before naps.

Older Infants (6-9 Months): Transition to 2 Naps

Around 6-9 months, most babies will begin to transition from 3 naps to 2 naps per day. At this stage, babies need about 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including night sleep and naps. This is also the time when babies are more active and curious, so their sleep needs may shift.

Naps for Older Infants:

• 2 naps per day: one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
• Morning nap: about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Afternoon nap: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Babies at this age can also start to sleep for longer stretches at night, sometimes reaching 8-12 hours of sleep.

Tip: Help your baby transition to a 2-nap schedule by gradually shortening their afternoon nap to avoid it interfering with nighttime sleep.

Toddlers (12-18 Months): A Single Nap for the Day

Once your baby reaches 12 months, they’ll likely transition to a single nap in the afternoon. At this stage, toddlers typically need about 10-12 hours of sleep per day, including naps.

Naps for Toddlers:

• Most toddlers take 1 nap per day, usually in the afternoon.
• The nap usually lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The morning nap often disappears as your baby starts staying awake longer throughout the day.

Tip: At this stage, toddlers may have more energy, so ensure they get plenty of outdoor playtime to tire them out before their afternoon nap.

Preschoolers (2-5 Years): Sleep Needs and the Last Nap

By the age of 2-5 years, many children no longer need naps during the day. However, some preschoolers will still take 1 nap a day, and those who do typically need around 10-12 hours of sleep in total.

Naps for Preschoolers:

• Some toddlers will stop napping altogether by 3-4 years old.
• If they are still napping, it’s generally around 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Tip: If your toddler is transitioning away from naps, establish a quiet time where they can relax or read books quietly instead of napping.

How to Tell if Your Baby Needs a Nap

Sometimes, it’s tricky to figure out if your baby needs a nap, especially as they grow older. Here are a few signs that your baby may be overtired and in need of rest:

• Rubbing eyes.
• Yawning.
• Fussing or crying.
• Clinginess or wanting to be held more than usual.

If you notice these signs, try to get your baby down for a nap as soon as possible. Over-tired babies may struggle more to fall asleep.

Conclusion: Helping Your Baby Sleep Well

Understanding your baby’s nap needs is an important part of helping them grow, thrive, and develop healthy sleep habits. While sleep needs vary by age, following a consistent routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment will help your baby (and you) get the rest needed.

Remember that every baby is different. Some babies may need more or fewer naps, and sleep patterns will change as your baby grows. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician for guidance tailored to your baby’s unique needs.

For more baby sleep tips and helpful products, visit Omomly.com to explore our selection of baby sleep essentials.