How much newborns and infants actually sleep, how often they wake, when babies start sleeping through the night, and what the evidence says about safe sleep — compiled from recognized pediatric authorities.
| Age | Recommended sleep / 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–3 months) | 14–17 hours |
| Infant (4–11 months) | 12–15 hours |
| Toddler (1–2 years) | 11–14 hours |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 10–13 hours |
Ranges reflect National Sleep Foundation / American Academy of Pediatrics guidance. Individual needs vary.
| Recommendation | Source |
|---|---|
| Always place baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night | AAP · CDC |
| Use a firm, flat sleep surface — no inclined or soft surfaces | AAP |
| Room-share (not bed-share) for at least the first 6 months | AAP |
| Keep soft bedding, bumpers and toys out of the sleep area | AAP |
| About 3,700 sleep-related infant deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022 | CDC |
Whispie Research Team. "Baby Sleep Statistics (2026)." Whispie. https://www.whispieapp.com/baby-sleep-statistics/ Journalists and educators are welcome to reference or link to these statistics. For the underlying data or an interview, email [email protected]