List of resources for baby sleep safely and ways to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. Vital information for all that care for babies.

About 3,400 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. Most of these deaths result from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death, such as suffocation.

 

 

   

The amount of sleep young children need varies. An infant typically needs 16 to 20 hours of sleep per day. It is normal for a newborn to wake up every two or three hours to be fed. At around four months babies begin to need less sleep, 10 to 12 hours at night and nap 2 to 3 hours mid-day. Infant sleep patterns are usually related to their feeding schedules and become consistent as long as parents and caregivers are mindful to keep the schedule consistent. Preschool age (2-5 years) children tend to nap between 2-3 hours but begin to need less time as they move toward their 5th birthday.