Sleep is very important for the growing minds and bodies of both babies and toddlers. Children who do not get enough sleep can experience delays in reaching developmental milestones, may become sick more often than those children who do get enough sleep, and may develop difficult to deal with attitudes. We all need our sleep, however, babies and toddlers need a whole lot more of it.

So how much sleep does your child really need? That, of course, depends on your child’s age. A very young infant needs more sleep than a toddler. Remember that each child is different. Some children need more sleep than average and some need less. You will learn to read your child’s sleepiness signals and discover their individual sleep needs. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have questions about your child’s specific sleep needs, or if you are concerned about your child’s sleep habits.

1 Month: Total sleep needed is 15.5 hours on average. They require 8.5 hours of night time sleep and 7 hours of nap time sleep (split among 3 naps).

3 Months: Total sleep needed is 15 hours on average. They require 10 hours of night time sleep and 5 hours of nap time sleep (split among 3 naps).

6 Months: Total sleep needed is 14.25 hours on average. They require 11 hours of night time sleep and 3.25 hours of nap time sleep (split among 2 naps).

9 Months: Total sleep needed is 14 hours on average. They require 11 hours of night time sleep and 3 hours of nap time sleep (split among 2 naps).

12 Months: Total sleep needed is 13.75 hours on average. They require 11.25 hours of night time sleep and 2.5 hours of nap time sleep (split among 2 naps).

18 Months: Total sleep needed is 13.5 hours on average. They require 11.25 hours of night time sleep and 2.25 hours of nap time sleep during 1 nap.

2 Years: Total sleep needed is 13 hours on average. They require 11 hours of night time sleep and 2 hours of nap time sleep during 1 nap.

3 Years: Total sleep needed is 12 hours on average. They require 10.5 hours of night time sleep and 1.5 hours of nap time sleep during 1 nap.

As I stated earlier, your child’s sleep needs may vary from what is listed above. The important thing is to make sure your child is getting enough sleep to meet their individual needs. By reading their sleep signals, getting to know their normal personality and setting up a good sleep schedule a good sleep pattern that meets their sleep needs will develop.

Here is an example of my own daughter’s sleep needs. My daughter is 14 months old and she requires about 14 to 14.5 hours of sleep a day. She sleeps about 12 hours at night and takes one 2 to 2.5 hour nap each day. She transitioned herself from 2 naps to 1 nap at about 10 months, earlier than normal.

If you have questions about your child’s sleep habits, sleep schedule or sleep needs be sure to consult your child’s pediatrician.