What is the optimal sleep time for infants aged 4-12 months?

For infants aged 4-12 months, the optimal sleep time is between 12-16 hours per day. This range is important for their growth and development, as adequate sleep contributes to cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and physical health. During this period, infants typically need both nighttime sleep and daytime naps to meet their total sleep requirements.

Developmentally, infants undergo a lot of growth and learning during this stage, making sufficient sleep crucial. As they transition from the newborn phase into a more active stage of social and motor development, consistent sleep patterns help them consolidate memory and learning. While it might be tempting to think less sleep could be sufficient, the research indicates that anything outside the 12-16 hour range may not support optimal health and development in infants.

This understanding assists caregivers in establishing appropriate sleep routines and environments for their infants, setting the foundation for good sleep hygiene as they grow.