The short answer
AASM recommends 12–16 hours of sleep in 24 hours, including naps, for babies aged 4–12 months. At 6 months, night sleep, naps, and feeding needs can vary. Consider the overall pattern and your baby’s growth, feeding, and alertness rather than requiring a fixed schedule or uninterrupted nights.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Count naps within the total daily sleep, rather than adding them to the recommendation.
- The range does not prescribe a fixed nap count or night-sleep block.
- Do not stop night feeds based only on age.
- Safer-sleep measures apply to every nap and night sleep.
How much sleep is recommended over a day?
AASM recommends 12–16 hours of sleep per 24 hours for infants aged 4–12 months, including naps.
This places a 6-month-old within the range, but it is not a requirement for an identical total every day. Consider the pattern alongside feeding, growth, and wellbeing.
How is sleep divided between night and day?
The recommendation describes the daily total, not separate compulsory amounts for night sleep and naps.
Some 6-month-olds sleep longer stretches at night, while others have more daytime sleep. Neither a long stretch nor a fixed split should be assumed from age alone.
Must a six-month-old move to two naps?
No. There is no reason to force a two-nap schedule solely because your baby has reached six months.
Some babies begin consolidating daytime sleep while others still need more sleep opportunities. Look at total sleep, cues, and wellbeing.
Can night waking still happen?
Yes. At 6 months, a baby may wake between sleep periods and need feeding, changing, comfort, or assessment if unwell.
Waking by itself does not show that total sleep is inadequate. Consider feeding, overall sleep, and how your baby seems when awake.
Can night feeds still be needed?
Night-feeding needs depend on growth, milk intake, health, and any individual feeding plan.
Being 6 months old is not a reason on its own to stop night feeds. Follow your baby’s cues and any plan from their clinician; do not delay a needed feed to meet a sleep target.
What might a bedtime routine look like?
A calm, repeated sequence can help signal that sleep is approaching.
You might feed, change, dim the lights, and have a brief cuddle before settling. The sequence and timing can suit your family without withholding feeds or ignoring signs of illness.
How can you keep every sleep safer?
For every sleep, place your baby on their back in a separate cot with a firm, flat mattress. Keep pillows, duvets, bumpers, toys, nests, and loose bedding out; stay in the same room for at least the first six months, day and night.
A well-fitting baby sleeping bag can be used without extra bedding. NHS advice also allows a light blanket tucked firmly below shoulder level with feet at the foot of the cot; do not use loose bedding or overheating layers.
When should you seek medical help?
Contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly for reduced feeding, fewer wet nappies, fever, or a change in your baby’s wellbeing; discuss weight-gain concerns with your health visitor or GP.
Call 999 if your baby is difficult to wake or cannot be woken, has severe breathing difficulty, stops breathing, or has blue or grey skin or lips. Do not delay help to record sleep.
What can you notice today?
Note night sleep and naps together for a day to estimate the twenty-four-hour total.
Rather than forcing two naps, notice how the current pattern supports feeding and wellbeing. Seek help promptly if warning signs appear.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Difficult to wake or cannot wake, severe breathing difficulty, stopped breathing, or blue/grey colour: call 999 immediately.
- Markedly reduced feeding, fewer wet nappies, poor weight gain, fever, or an unwell baby needs prompt medical advice.
- Repeated breathing pauses or a significant persistent change in sleep and wellbeing needs assessment.
Sources used for this guide
- aasm.org — regional guidance
- NHS — Helping Your Baby to Sleep
- www.nhs.uk — regional guidance
- NHS — Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- NHS — When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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