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?
Place your baby on their back for every sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined, approved infant sleep surface with only a fitted sheet. Keep pillows, blankets, toys, positioners, and other soft items out.
Use a separate sleep space in your room, ideally for at least the first six months. Avoid overheating and weighted sleep products; stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll.
When should you seek medical help?
Seek prompt medical advice for a marked fall in feeding, fewer wet diapers, concerns about weight gain, fever, or an unusual change in alertness or wellbeing.
If your baby cannot be woken, is having severe breathing difficulty, stops breathing, or has blue or gray lips or skin, call 911 immediately. A diary or a sleep explanation must not delay urgent help.
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.
- Cannot wake your baby, severe breathing difficulty, stopped breathing, or blue/gray color: call 911 immediately.
- Markedly reduced feeding, fewer wet diapers, 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
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — Getting Your Baby to Sleep
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
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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