Your baby is an individual with their own pattern of waking and sleeping – this is probably different to your own. Some babies sleep through the night at a young age while others wake for regular night feeds. This can be demanding and tiring for parents and carers.

If you’re breastfeeding

In the early weeks your baby is likely to doze off for short periods during a feed. Carry on feeding until you think your baby has finished or until they’re fully asleep. This is a good opportunity to try to get a bit of rest yourself.

Why babies wake

As well as wanting to feed, teething, feeling unwell or a change of environment are some of the reasons your baby or toddler may wake during the night.

Average amounts of sleep from birth to age four

Here’s how much you can expect your baby to sleep on average from birth to four years old:

• 1 week old – 16.5 hours
• 4 weeks old – 16 hours
• 3 months old – daytime, 4 to 5 hours; night-time, 10 to 11 hours
• 6 to 12 months old – daytime, naps; night-time, up to 12 hours as night feeds may have stopped.
• 12 months to 2 years – daytime, naps; night-time 12 to 15 hours
• 2 to 3 years – daytime, short naps; night-time 11 to 12 hours
• 3 years – daytime, a short nap: night-time 11.5 to 12 hours
• 4 years – night-time 11.5 to 12 hours

Use the hot topics below to find out more about sleep.