As babies grow up, their sleep patterns and needs change. 

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care offer sleep guidelines to help parents and carers. The amount of sleep your child needs changes as they grow, with different recommendations at each age to support their health and development. 

Sleep recommendations by age: 

• birth to 3 months: 14-17 hours a day, including naps 
   
• 4 to 11 months: 12-16 hours a day, including naps 
   
• 1 to 2 years: 11-14 hours a day, including naps) with regular sleep and wake times 
   
• 3-5 years: 10-13 hours a day, including naps if needed) with regular sleep and wake times 
   
• 5-13 years: 9-11 hours of uninterrupted sleep 
   
• 14-17 years: 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep 

Every child is different, so use these sleep recommendations as a general guide. If you’re worried about your child’s sleep, talk to your doctor or child and family health nurse for advice and support.  

See Sleep concerns in children for more information.

See Creating a healthy sleep environment for more information.