The amount of sleep your child needs between the age of 6 months and 2 years will change.
It is important to build a good sleep routine at this age.
How much sleep your child needs
Every child has a different sleep pattern. How much your child sleeps may be different to the average amount of sleep for their age.
By about 6 months
Your baby needs:
- about 10 to 11 hours’ sleep a night
- 3 naps during the day of about 1 to 2 hours each - the third nap can be shorter
At this age, babies are less likely to sleep after a feed.
By about 9 months
Your baby needs:
- about 10 to 12 hours’ sleep a night
- 2 naps during the day of about 1 to 2 hours each
They will not need night feeds if they are fully weaned onto solid foods. If you are breastfeeding, night time feeding may continue.
Avoid naps after 3.30pm so your baby is tired enough for bedtime between 7pm and 9pm.
By about 1 year
Your baby needs:
- about 10 to 12 hours' sleep a night
- 2 naps during the day of about 1 to 2 hours each
By about 18 months
Your child needs:
- about 11 to 12 hours' sleep a night
- 1 nap during the day of about 1 to 2 hours, usually around lunchtime
Build a bedtime routine for your toddler
Having a good bedtime routine builds good, lasting sleep habits. Your toddler should go to sleep and get up around the same time each day.
Make going to bed as predictable as possible.
Bedtime routines for babies and young children
Before they go to bed
To settle your child for sleep:
Do
-
turn off all screens and the television an hour before bed
-
give them carbohydrates like bread, rice or cereals and milk for supper - these help produce the sleep hormone melatonin
-
brush their teeth and make sure they have a clean nappy when they go to bed
Don't
-
do not let your child play outside or run around just before bedtime
-
do not give them a large meal or sugary snacks or drinks just before bedtime
Bedtime
Read a short bedtime story to help your child relax before sleep. Put them to bed when they are drowsy but awake, so they wake up where they went to sleep.
Switch on a night light in the room so that they do not feel upset if they wake up in the dark. This will also give you some light to check on your child during the night.
A yellow or red dim light is more relaxing than a bright or blue light. Keep the light out of their sight.
When you leave the room
Leave the bedroom door open so they can hear some soothing and familiar noises outside.
Comfort toys
Some children like to have a favourite toy or blanket with them as they settle down to sleep. Only give the toy when your child is 12 months or older. Make sure it is clean and not a danger to them while they are sleeping.
Do not have toys with music or lights where they sleep. This includes mobiles above their cot or bed.
By about 2 years
Your child needs:
- about 11 to 12 hours' sleep a night
- 1 nap during the day for about 1 to 2 hours
Avoid naps after 3.30pm so your baby is tired enough for bedtime between 7pm and 9pm.