How much sleep does your child really need?

Written By Kara Wilson

If you’ve got a baby or a toddler, I’m sure you’ve wondered whether your little one is getting the right amount of sleep. Speak to other parents about how much their child is sleeping, or consult the internet, and you’ll be left even more confused and perhaps concerned. 

The traditional sleep training industry will tell you to follow age-appropriate schedules. If only it was that simple to fit every child’s sleep into a neat little box.

However, as you know, each child is unique, and their sleep needs are no different. 

While there are evidence-backed averages when it comes to how long a child sleeps at each age, they are just that. Averages. What is actually still biologically normal and healthy can fall within a much wider range.

That’s why I don’t prescribe one-size-fits-all sleep schedules. I’m all about personalised support - no cookie cutter solutions here! You won’t even hear me mention awake windows or tell you to look at the clock. 

Read on to find out what these averages are, broken down by age, followed by the biologically normal range. Where does your little one fit in? This huge variation is also the number one reason why you can’t compare your child’s sleep habits to another child’s of the same age.

Age-appropriate sleep: Is my child within the normal range?

The following averages and biologically normal ranges of sleep are over a 24-hour period, so they include both naps and night sleep: 

Newborns (0-3 months)

  • Average: 14-17 hours 

  • Normal range: 11-18 hours

Those delicious little newborns are famous for their irregular sleeping patterns, sometimes sleeping more during the day than at night. While some babies at this stage may snooze between 14-17 hours, it's entirely normal for some to sleep as little as 11 hours or as much as 18 hours per day. They’re hard-wired to wake frequently for feeding and nappy changes, and their sleep patterns will evolve as they grow.


4-11 months

  • Average: 12-15 hours

  • Normal range: 10-18 hours

On average, a baby this age will need around 12-15 hours each day, but anywhere between 10-18 hours is totally fine. The variability in sleep needs becomes more apparent as babies grow, and some may naturally need more or less sleep than others.


1-2 years

  • Average: 11-14 hours

  • Normal range: 9-16 hours

Toddlers usually need between 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps. Even with all that newfound energy and mobility, it's perfectly normal for their sleep needs to fall within a much broader range of 9-16 hours. As children become more active and engaged with the world around them, their sleep patterns may shift.

3-5 years

  • Average: 10-13 hours

  • Normal range: 8-14 hours

As preschoolers delve into the wonders of the world, they typically need between 10-13 hours of sleep per night (most little ones have dropped their nap by now). But, what's biologically normal can encompass a range of 8-14 hours. Factors such as physical activity, developmental milestones, and individual differences influence a child's sleep needs during this stage.

How do I know if my child is getting the right amount of sleep for their unique needs?

It's perfectly normal and healthy for your child's sleep patterns to fall within the broader ranges we've discussed. The key is to pay attention to your child's cues, behaviour, mood, and overall wellbeing to determine if they’re getting the right amount of rest for their individual needs.

Here are some signs that they may not be getting enough sleep:

  • They appear frequently tired or sleepy during the day

  • They’re often moody and irritable 

  • Some children appear hyperactive when they’re sleep-deprived

  • Difficulty concentrating for the older children

  • Frequent night waking and difficulty getting back to sleep

  • Excessive daytime napping to make up for insufficient night sleep

  • Behavioural changes, such as increased aggression or withdrawal from social activities

  • Physical discomfort, such as headaches and stomach aches

Equally, if your child is resisting naps or bedtime has become a battleground, they simply might not be tired enough, so trying to get them to sleep based on the averages might not be realistic for your little one. 

If you don’t recognise any of these signs that your child is possibly not getting enough sleep, and they’re settling quite easily for naps and bedtime, then there’s nothing to worry about. Your child is likely getting all the sleep they need, even if it’s drastically different to another child’s patterns of the same age.

Concerned that your child is not getting their sleep needs met, or you’re feeling lost about their sleep and development? Book a FREE clarity call with me below, so we can chat about your unique little one’s sleep situation...

Kara Wilson
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