Baby Sleep Calculator – How much sleep does my baby need?

Sirawan Sindi

Oct 4, 2026

Schlafendes Baby im Babybett – Baby-Schlafrechner für Schlafbedarf und passende Schlafzeiten

Baby Sleep Calculator – How much sleep does my baby need?

How much sleep does your baby or toddler need? Select their age to get an overview of sleep requirements, daytime sleep, and a potential sleep rhythm.

Calculate sleep needs 💤

Your child's age

About what time does your child wake up in the morning?

This allows us to calculate an additional rough estimate for the evening bedtime.

How long does your child sleep during the day in total?

With young babies, sleep is still distributed throughout the day and night. In that case, simply select "I don't know / it varies."

Guidelines for your child 🧡

💤 Sleep needs in 24 hours

☀️ Daytime sleep

🌙 Nighttime sleep

⏰ Bedtime guidance

🦁 BabyLions® Tip Observe tiredness

Average values are not strict rules. Yawning, rubbing eyes, or increasing restlessness can be signs that your child is getting tired.

🧡 Good to know Every child sleeps differently

Sleep needs and sleep distribution can vary significantly, even among children of the same age.

Important: The calculator shows average values and a mathematical estimate – not a mandatory sleep duration or bedtime. The crucial factor is your child's individual need for sleep.

How much sleep does my baby need?

Sleep requirements change significantly in the first few years of life. Newborns sleep for a large part of the day and night, while as they age, more and more sleep shifts to the night.

In the first three months of life, babies sleep an average of about 16 to 18 hours within 24 hours. However, there are large individual differences.

Sleep needs by age – Guidelines

Age	Ø Sleep / 24 hrs.	Daytime sleep
0–3 months	16–18 hrs.	distributed throughout day & night
approx. 3 months	14.5 hrs.	gradually decreasing
6–9 months	14.2 hrs.	multiple sleep phases possible
12 months	14 hrs.	often still multiple naps
18 months	13.5 hrs.	often 1 daytime nap
2 years	13 hrs.	often 1 daytime nap
3 years	12.5 hrs.	individual
4 years	11.8 hrs.	afternoon nap becomes rarer
5 years	11.4 hrs.	usually no regular afternoon nap
6 years	11 hrs.	usually no afternoon nap

The values are averages and serve for orientation purposes only.

Why do babies sleep so differently?

Even babies differ significantly in their personal sleep needs. While some children sleep longer, others manage with less sleep. Also, the distribution between day and night does not develop at the same speed for every baby.

Therefore, it is more sensible not just to watch the clock, but also to observe your own child's behavior and signs of tiredness.

Recognizing signs of tiredness 💤

🥱 Yawning Frequent yawning can be a clear sign that your child is getting tired.

👀 Rubbing eyes Especially in older babies and toddlers, rubbing eyes can indicate tiredness.

😣 Restlessness Some children become increasingly restless, irritable, or impatient when tired.

🤍 Seeking closeness Babies may increasingly seek closeness and comfort when tired.

When should my baby sleep in the evening?

There is no single perfect universal time. The right bedtime depends on, among other things, the morning wake-up time, individual sleep needs, and daytime sleep.

That is exactly why our calculator takes into account not just age, but also the wake-up time and – if known – the daytime sleep. The result remains a guideline and should be adapted to the actual rhythm of your child.

Daytime sleep and afternoon naps

In the first few months, sleep is distributed over several phases throughout the day and night. As the child grows, daytime naps usually decrease.

Many children still take a daytime nap at about 18 months. By kindergarten age, regular afternoon naps gradually disappear for many children. The timing is individual.

Safe baby sleep in the first year of life

In addition to sleep duration, a safe sleeping environment is important, especially in the first year of life.

✔ Place baby on their back to sleep
✔ Use a firm and flat mattress
✔ Prefer a sleep sack over a loose blanket
✔ Do not use a pillow in the baby's bed
✔ Avoid overheating
✔ Keep the sleeping environment smoke-free

Frequently asked questions about baby sleep

How much sleep does a newborn need?

In the first three months of life, babies sleep an average of about 16 to 18 hours within 24 hours. The sleep is initially distributed over several phases throughout the day and night.

How much sleep does a 6-month-old baby need?

Around the age of six to nine months, the average sleep requirement is approximately 14 hours within 24 hours. Individual variations are normal.

How much sleep does a one-year-old child need?

At about twelve months, the average sleep requirement is approximately 14 hours within 24 hours. Daytime sleep remains part of everyday life for many children at this age.

When does my child no longer need an afternoon nap?

There is no fixed age for this. The afternoon nap becomes increasingly rarer over the course of the first few years. What matters is whether your child still gets significantly tired during the day and how the afternoon nap affects their nighttime sleep.

What does "sleeping through the night" mean for a baby?

Baby sleep develops gradually. Longer continuous sleep phases emerge at different times for every baby. Waking up at night is not unusual, especially in the first year.

Is it bad if my baby sleeps less than the calculator shows?

Not necessarily. The values provided are averages. The actual sleep requirement can differ significantly from child to child.

Discover more BabyLions® guides

💤 How much sleep does my baby need? → 🌙 Baby won't sleep – possible reasons & tips → 🧡 Sleep regression in babies →

Important note: The baby sleep calculator is intended for general orientation only. Sleep needs and sleep rhythms are individual. If you experience persistent sleep problems, noticeable fatigue, breathing difficulties, or health concerns, you should consult your pediatrician.

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