If you have more than one child, you probably know every baby has different sleep preferences.  However, each stage of an infant’s life is marked by certain sleep patterns and needs.  This article offers a quick, generic guide to walk you through what sleep tends to look like from the newborn stage to toddlers. For all ages, moms should be aware that restorative sleep—the best quality of sleep—happens between 7 PM and 8 AM.  Depending on baby’s needs at each age, aim for her to be asleep during these hours.  And when looking at the sleep schedules and norms listed, always give room for your baby to sleep more if that’s what she seems to desire.

Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out if your baby is getting enough sleep for her age:

• 0-3 months old:

  should be sleeping 14-20 total hours. No night sleep established. Can and should take as many naps as possible.

• 4-10 months old:

  should be sleeping 14-18 total hours. Should sleep 11 hours at night and take a minimum of 3 naps in the day.

• 11-14 months old:

  should be sleeping 12-15 total hours. Should sleep 11 hours at night and take a minimum of 2 naps in the day.

• 15-24 months old:

  should be sleeping 12-14 total hours. Should sleep 11 hours at night and take a minimum of 1 nap in the day.

• 2-3 years old:

  should be sleeping 12-14 total hours. Should sleep 11 hours at night and take a minimum of 1 nap in the day.

• 3-5 years old:

  Should be sleeping 12 total hours, all at night. No naps necessary.

  We hope you found this general framework for sleeping babes of all ages helpful to you and your family.  You know your child better than anyone.  Observe her, and always make sure she gets the sleep she needs to thrive.  Also, check out our more detailed articles on what baby’s sleep should look like at each age: Newborn Sleep, 4-6 Months Old, 6-9 Months Old, 9-12 Months Old, Sleep: Toddlers.  Browsing through our Sleep articles should provide you with a wealth of information and ideas about restful and consistent sleep for your baby.