How Much Should My Baby Sleep? A Guide for UK Parents
As a parent, one of the most common and exhausting questions you’ll find yourself asking is: “How much should my baby sleep?” From sleepless nights to unpredictable nap times, understanding your baby’s sleep needs can feel overwhelming.
At Bright Futures Health, we know that developing healthy sleep routines for your baby is one of the biggest challenges of early parenting. Read on to learn how much sleep your baby needs, why they might be waking at night, and how to help them establish a consistent sleep routine.
How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need?
How much sleep your baby needs depends on their age. Here’s a breakdown of recommended sleep by age group:
✅ Newborns (0-3 Months)
• Total Sleep: 14-17 hours per day
• Daytime Naps: 4-6 naps, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours each
• Night-time Sleep: Fragmented, waking every 2-4 hours for feeds
Tip: Newborns have irregular sleep patterns. It’s normal for them to wake frequently as they need to eat often.
✅ Infants (4-11 Months)
• Total Sleep: 12-15 hours per day
• Daytime Naps: 2-3 naps, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours each
• Night-time Sleep: 9-12 hours, with occasional night waking
Tip: Around 4 months, babies start developing more regular sleep patterns. Creating a baby sleep routine at this stage helps reduce night waking.
✅ Toddlers (1-2 Years)
• Total Sleep: 11-14 hours per day
• Daytime Naps: 1-2 naps, lasting 1-3 hours each
• Night-time Sleep: 10-12 hours
Tip: Toddlers often experience night waking due to separation anxiety or disrupted nap schedules.
Why Does My Baby Wake Up at Night?
Night waking in babies can happen for various reasons. Here are the most common causes:
1. Hunger: Especially in newborns who need to feed frequently.
2. Sleep Associations: Babies used to being rocked or fed to sleep may struggle to self-soothe.
3. Teething: Pain and discomfort, particularly between 6-12 months.
4. Developmental Milestones: Learning to roll, crawl, or walk can temporarily affect sleep.
5. Separation Anxiety: Babies around 8-10 months may wake looking for reassurance.
How Do I Create a Baby Sleep Routine?
Creating a consistent baby sleep routine is key to improving your child’s sleep quality. Here’s how to do it:
1. Create a Calm Sleep Environment:
• Keep the room quiet, dark, and cool.
• Use white noise machines to mask household sounds.
2. Follow a Predictable Bedtime Routine:
• Include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, story time, or lullabies.
3. Set Regular Naptimes:
• Encourage daytime naps at consistent times to prevent overtiredness.
4. Encourage Self-Soothing:
• Put your baby down while drowsy but awake to help them learn to settle on their own.
5. Gradually Adjust to Night Waking:
• Give your baby a few minutes to settle before responding to night waking.
What Are the Signs My Baby Is Not Getting Enough Sleep?
Signs your baby may not be getting enough sleep include:
• Irritability and fussiness during the day
• Difficulty settling down for naps or bedtime
• Frequent night waking
• Falling asleep during feedings
• Short naps (less than 30 minutes)
If you notice these signs consistently, it may be time to adjust your baby’s sleep schedule or seek expert advice.
When Should I Worry About My Baby’s Sleep?
If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns, you may need to speak with a paediatrician if:
• Your baby’s sleep is consistently interrupted despite having a structured routine.
• They have trouble breathing or snore frequently during sleep.
• Your baby seems unusually lethargic or sleepy during the day.
• You’re struggling to establish a healthy sleep schedule despite your best efforts.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you’re struggling to establish a healthy baby sleep schedule or your baby’s sleep patterns seem unusual, it’s perfectly okay to seek expert guidance.
At Bright Futures Health, we provide trusted advice from leading paediatricians who can help you navigate common sleep issues, including night waking, sleep regression, and establishing healthy routines.
Book an Appointment with Bright Futures Health
If you’re worried about your baby’s sleep or just want some guidance on setting a better routine, the expert team at Bright Futures Health is here to help. We offer personalised paediatric advice to help you and your baby get the rest you both need.
📞 Book an appointment with one of our paediatricians today at Bright Futures Health.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much your baby should sleep and establishing a consistent sleep routine takes time and patience. But with the right guidance, you can help your baby (and yourself) enjoy more restful nights.
For more information and expert advice, visit Bright Futures Health — your trusted partner in raising healthy, happy children.
