It’s no secret: kids need sleep. While your child’s needs will change over the years, the fact remains. As sleep experts, we’re often asked “how much sleep is too much sleep?” along with questions about what naps and nighttime should look like. Never fear, Carolina Dream Tree is here with answers!
Birth - 4 Months
You’ll find your newborn sleeps a lot. They may wake every 1-4 hours to eat, which will stretch as they get older and are able to eat more. Night time stretches may be a bit shorter but will extend.
Total Needed Sleep: 16-18 Hours
Hours Spent Napping: 7-9 Hours
Hours Spent Sleeping Overnight: 8-9 Hours
Total Number of Naps: 3-5
4 Months - 1 Year
Your infant still needs a good amount of sleep but you’ll find they fall into longer stretches of sleep with periods of being awake to play during the day and longer stretches of sleep at night. Your baby is capable of sleeping through the night around 4-6 months.
Total Needed Sleep: 12-16 Hours
Hours Spent Napping: 4-5 Hours
Hours Spent Sleeping Overnight: 9-10 Hours
Total Number of Naps: 2-3
1 Year - 2 Years
Your toddler needs less sleep total but definitely still benefits from daytime naps. You’ll find they take 1-2 longer naps during the day and should be sleeping through the night.
Total Needed Sleep: 11-14 Hours
Hours Spent Napping: 2-3 Hours
Hours Spent Sleeping Overnight: 11 Hours
Total Number of Naps: 1-2
2 Years - 3 Years
Between 2 and 3 Years of age, your little one may drop naps completely! Make sure they still get a restful period of time by encouraging them to read or draw quietly in their room in the middle of the day.
Total Needed Sleep: 10-13 Hours
Hours Spent Napping: 0-1 Hours
Hours Spent Sleeping Overnight: 10-13 Hours
Total Number of Naps: 0-1 (Varies child to child)
While sleep does vary from child to child, there are things you can do to encourage longer stretches of sleep at night once your baby reaches 12 weeks of age. Helping them self soothe and sleep independently is a great idea and can set them up for a lifetime of healthy sleep habits.
Not sure where to begin? Send us a message and we’ll help determine the best course of action for your unique little one!