How much sleep your baby or child needs each night, according to pediatric specialists

Pediatric specialists report that infants may need up to about 16 hours of sleep per 24 hours, toddlers around 11–14 hours, preschoolers 10–13 hours, and school-age children about 9–12 hours; experts highlight consistent bedtimes, protected daytime naps, and regular pre-sleep routines as supportive measures.

Pediatric specialists outline recommended sleep ranges for infants and children and share practical guidance that parents and caregivers often find helpful. Babies and young children need more sleep than adults because rapid growth and brain development occur during early life. Experts describe active sleep processes such as REM as supporting memory, growth hormone release, and emotional regulation. The article references guidance from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, and comments from two pediatric specialists. What experts report: - Infants about 4–11 months: about 12–16 hours of sleep per 24 hours (including naps), with similar guidance from the AASM and NSF. - Toddlers 12 months to 2 years: about 11–14 hours per 24 hours according to the AASM and NSF. - Children 3–5 years: about 10–13 hours per 24 hours, and children 6–12 years: about 9–12 hours per 24 hours, per the AASM and NSF. - Teenagers and adults: the AASM and NSF note teens (13–18) at about 8–10 hours, adults 18–64 at 7–9 hours, and older adults 65+ at 7–8 hours. - Experts emphasise keeping consistent bedtimes and wake times, protecting daytime sleep for young children, and using predictable pre-sleep routines that reduce stimulation. - Individual sleep needs can vary with temperament, development, health history, feeding ability, and whether a baby was born full term or prematurely. Summary: These guidelines underline that younger children require substantially more total sleep than adults and that routine timing and preserved daytime sleep are commonly cited supports for better sleep. Undetermined at this time.