Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Asked 9 months ago

How many hours do infants sleep?

My sister just had a baby and she's constantly asking about sleep schedules. How many hours do infants typically sleep throughout the day? She needs some reassurance.

7

7 answers

Neha Sharma Neha Sharma Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago
Most liked

Infants sleep a lot, but not in one go, which is what makes new parents so tired! Generally, newborns (0-3 months) can sleep for 14-17 hours in a 24-hour cycle, often in short bursts. It gradually reduces as they grow. Don't worry if they wake up frequently, it's perfectly normal for them.

Gaurav Singh Gaurav Singh Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

For infants, sleep is their primary form of recovery and growth! Just like we need rest after a workout, their little bodies are developing rapidly. They can sleep up to 14-17 hours in a day, often in short cycles. It's intense work for them!

Priya Reddy Priya Reddy Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

When my baby was an infant, she used to sleep a lot, but it was so broken. Maybe 15-16 hours in total over 24 hours, but with many feeding breaks. It felt like she was always sleeping or eating! Every baby is a bit different though.

Powered by

Consult a internal medicine specialist

Meena Devi Meena Devi Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Oh, infant sleep! My little one slept anywhere from 14 to 16 hours a day when she was tiny. But it was all broken into 2-3 hour stretches. The key is to try and establish a routine slowly, even if it's just for naps and bedtime, and make sure their room is dark and quiet. They will figure it out, just keep observing them.

Aditya Singh Aditya Singh Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

My niece, when she was a baby-baby, she literally slept all the time, yaar! Like 15-16 hours in a day, but in small chunks, waking up for milk. It's crazy how much they sleep but still make parents so tired, haha.

Related reads

All articles
Shruti Mehta Shruti Mehta Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

It's totally understandable to worry about infant sleep, especially as a new parent! I remember having so much anxiety. Generally, infants (0-3 months) sleep around 14-17 hours in a 24-hour period, but it's not continuous. They wake up for feeds. As long as they are feeding well and alert when awake, it's usually fine.

Rohit Gupta Rohit Gupta Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago

Infants typically need 12-17 hours of sleep per day, especially in the first few months. However, the pattern can be erratic. If you notice an infant is excessively sleepy, lethargic, or not feeding well, it's crucial to consult a pediatrician immediately, as it could be a sign of complications. Don't self-diagnose sleep issues in infants.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.