Guide
Newborn sleep by month
Newborns sleep a lot — often 14–17 hours a day — but in short stretches around the clock. Total sleep slowly drops while night stretches get longer.
| Age | Total sleep in 24 h |
|---|---|
| 🐣 Newborn · first 2 weeks | 14–17 h |
| 🌱 2–6 weeks | 14–17 h |
| 🌼 6–12 weeks | 14–17 h |
| 🌈 3–4 months | 12–16 h |
| 🧸 4–6 months | 12–16 h |
| 🦋 6–9 months | 12–15 h |
| ⭐️ 9–12 months | 12–15 h |
| 🎈 1 year + | 11–14 h |
General, widely published guidance (AAP, NHS and similar). Every baby is different.
Safe sleep, every sleep
Place your baby on their back, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows, bumpers or loose bedding. Room-sharing for the first months is widely recommended.
Around 4 months
Sleep can feel unsettled around 4 months as sleep cycles mature. It’s common and usually passes.
When to talk to your doctor
Speak to your doctor if your baby is very hard to wake, much sleepier than usual, or breathing seems laboured or noisy during sleep.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your baby, talk to your doctor or midwife.