Total Sleep Needs: Newborn to 5 Years
Alright, let's talk about sleep - that precious commodity that keeps both parents and babies sane.
But seriously, how much sleep does your kiddo actually need?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog, we're diving into the sleep needs of babies and toddlers from day one to age five, because let's face it, sleep is the holy grail of parenting.
NEWBORNS (0-3 MONTHS)
Welcome to the land of round-the-clock snuggles and sleep marathons (with regular intermissions). Newborns are the ultimate sleep champs, clocking in a solid 14-17 hours of shut-eye a day. Yep, you heard that right - sleep is their full time job. Enjoy those little snooze session whenever you can snag them!
INFANTS (4-11 MONTHS)
As your mini-human morphs from a newborn blob into a tiny person, their sleep schedule starts to shape up too. Infants still need a hefty 12-15 hours of sleep a day, including those catnaps and nighttime zzz's. Embrace the chaos and cherish those midday siestas - they're a lifesaver.
TODDLERS (1-2 YEARS)
Ah, the wild and wonderful world of toddlerhood - where every day is an adventure and bedtime is a battleground. Toddlers need a bit less sleep than infants, clocking in around 11-14 hours a day. Yep, they're still racking up those zzz's, just with a little more sass and a lot more energy. Cheers to surviving another day!
PRESCHOOLERS (3-5 YEARS)
And just like that, your tiny tornado is now a full-fledged preschooler, complete with opinions, attitudes, and a newfound love for finger painting on your walls. Preschoolers need a solid 10-13 hours of sleep a day, with most of them ditching daytime naps by age 5. Embrace the bedtime battles and late-night giggles - they're all part of the parenting rollercoaster.
NAVIGATING SLEEP NEEDS
While these guidelines are a good starting point, remember that every kiddo is different. Pay attention to your little one's sleep cues and adjust their schedule accordingly.
It's also important to highlight that the above is also not taking into consideration genuinely low, or high sleep needs babies! In both cases these can have as much as 1-2hrs more or less sleep on either end.
Hang in there parents - you're doing amazing!
And hey, if you're feeling overwhelmed, we've got your back. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the sleep maze like a boss.
- Our Newborn Sleep Guide, 3-12 Month Sleep Guide and 12-36 Month Sleep Guide have so much information about all things sleep for each age group and are a great place to start. Want them all? Newborn to Toddler Sleep Guide Bundle encompasses all you'll ever need!
- For parents struggling with several things such as catnapping, frequent night waking, early morning rising or things that simply no longer work, have a look at our Phone + One Week Support option.
- Needing a quick routine tweak? Book a 15 Minute Quick Chat.