What is the average sleep need for infants aged 12-18 months?

Infants aged 12 to 18 months typically require around 13 to 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. This amount includes night sleep as well as daytime naps, and it is crucial for their growth, development, and overall health. During this stage, children are experiencing rapid brain development and learning new skills, all of which are supported by sufficient sleep.

While the variations among individual infants can occur due to different factors, such as activity levels and individual temperaments, the average guideline encourages parents and caregivers to aim for this range to promote optimal health and wellbeing. Sleep deprivation in this age group can lead to issues such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and delays in reaching developmental milestones, highlighting the importance of adhering to established sleep needs for infants.