"How much sleep does a baby need?"
To answer this question properly, you must look not only at the quantity, but also at the quality of sleep.
Quantity is about how many hours your baby sleeps in a day, while quality looks at completing a sleep cycle in which all stages of sleep are completed - and after which you wake up rested.
How much sleep is needed depends on your baby's age. Below is an overview by age:
Newborn (0-2 weeks)
A newborn sleeps an average of 16-20 hours a day.
The number of naps per day is still very variable. At a nap of at least 45 minutes, a sleep cycle has been completed and your baby has also had a quality sleep.
Between naps, your child may be awake for about 45-60 minutes.
Infant (2 weeks - 2 months)
An infant sleeps an average of 15-16 hours a day.
The number of naps per day may still vary, but you can count on 4-8 naps per day. The sleep cycle remains 45 minutes, which means your baby should sleep for at least 45 minutes to wake up rested.
Between naps, your child will be awake for about minutes at first and 75-90 minutes later in this period.
Young baby (2 months - 4 months)
A young baby sleeps an average of 14-16 hours a day.
The number of naps per day is about 6-8 naps per day. The sleep cycle remains 45 minutes, which means your baby must sleep for at least 45 minutes to wake up rested. However, you will find that your baby can link two cycles together more often, and will then sleep for about 90 minutes.
Between naps, your child may be awake for about 75-90 minutes.
Baby (4 months - 6 months)
A 4-6-month-old baby sleeps an average of 14-16 hours a day.
The number of naps per day is about 4-5 naps per day. Although the sleep cycle is 45 minutes (all sleep cycles are completed), most sleeps now will be about 90 minutes, with two cycles linked together.
Between naps, your child may be awake for about 90 minutes.
How the Piko helps
The above times are indications for different ages. Every child is unique and it is important to find a rhythm that suits your baby and you.
The Piko helps you find this rhythm: it is a familiar sleep environment for your baby that you can use anywhere, making it easier to get into a rhythm. What's more, you get appropriate advice from a certified sleep coach via the Piko App, which includes age-appropriate advice.
If you want more information about the PIKO, check out our PIKOsleeper- specially developed by sleep coaches.
Still have questions? Then send us a message, you will always get an answer.
Sleep well, Francien (sleep coach and founder PIKO)
