Baby & Child Sleep Calculator
The Baby & Child Sleep Calculator tells you how much sleep your child needs each day based on their age. Enter the age in months and it returns the recommended total daily sleep and a typical nap pattern, following AASM/National Sleep Foundation age bands. Sleep needs drop steadily from newborn to teenager, and every child varies a little.
Formula
Total sleep need decreases with age (per AASM/NSF age bands).
- Recommended sleep is based on published age bands from the AASM and National Sleep Foundation.
- Total daily sleep need decreases with age, from 14–17 hours for newborns down to 8–10 hours for teenagers.
- Input definitions: • Child's age: the child's age in months (0–216, i.e. up to 18 years).
- The total includes both night sleep and daytime naps, which gradually reduce and then disappear.
- Ranges are guidelines — some healthy children need a little more or less than the band suggests.
- Consistent sleep and wake times help children get the sleep they need; talk to a doctor about ongoing sleep problems.
Example Calculation
Inputs
- Child's age: 6 months
A 6-month-old falls in the 4–11 month band, so the recommended total is about 12–16 hours of sleep a day, typically split between night sleep and 2–3 daytime naps.
Frequently asked questions
How much sleep does my baby need?
It depends on age. Newborns need 14–17 hours, 4–11 month olds about 12–16 hours, and toddlers around 11–14 hours, including naps.
Does the total include naps?
Yes. The recommended figure is total sleep over 24 hours, combining night sleep and all daytime naps.
When do babies drop naps?
Most go from multiple naps to 2–3, then to one around 12–18 months, and often drop the last nap between ages 3 and 5.
Is it bad if my child sleeps a bit more or less?
Not necessarily. The ranges are guidelines and individual needs vary. Daytime mood, energy, and growth are good signs of enough sleep.
How can I help my child sleep better?
Keep regular bedtimes and wake times, build a calming routine, and ensure a dark, quiet sleep space. See a doctor about persistent issues.
Do these numbers apply to teens?
Yes — teenagers (roughly 13–18) still need about 8–10 hours, which many fall short of on school nights.