Sleep is a very important aspect of your child’s health and well-being. In fact, good sleep habits begin at birth. Children who don’t get enough sleep may have difficulty getting through the day. At night, they may have difficulty falling asleep.
How much sleep does my child need?
Every child is different. Some sleep a lot, others a lot less. The following table gives a general idea of the amount of sleep children need over a 24-hour period, both at night and during the day.
| Category | Age | Sleeping Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 4 to 12 months | 12 to 16 hours per day |
| Toddlers | 1 to 2 years | 11 to 14 hours per day |
| Children | 3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 hours per day |
| Children | 6 to 12 years | 9 to 12 hours per day |
| Teenagers | 13 to 18 years | 8 to 10 hours per day |
Babies (from birth to 4 months)
Newborns can sleep up to 18 hours a day, 3-4 hours at a time. It’s normal and healthy for babies to wake up at night to drink. As your baby gets older, he or she will stay awake longer during the day and sleep longer at night.
Just like adults, babies need the right cues to learn when it’s time to sleep. For example, if you always put your baby to sleep in his crib, he’ll learn that this is where he sleeps. Even if he doesn’t immediately understand, your baby will eventually make the connection.
A little after the age of 3 months, your baby will have acquired more predictable sleeping habits, and you’ll be able to establish a more regular napping schedule. Trust your baby’s cues. He’ll let you know when he’s tired. A sleep diary will help you establish a regular sleep pattern.
It’s a good idea to establish a routine before naps. This can include a cuddle and a short story in a dark room.
Healthy sleep habits for your baby
A child who is too tired will find it harder to sleep. Naps help babies sleep better at night. If you keep him awake during the day, you won’t help him sleep longer at night. Put your baby to bed while he’s dozing, but before he falls asleep. Remember to lay him on his back, in his crib, on a firm, flat surface, and avoid soft surfaces like pillows and stuffed animals.
There’s nothing wrong with cuddling and rocking your baby. You can’t spoil a newborn by holding him in your arms. A pacifier can comfort your baby and help him or her fall asleep. However, wait until breast-feeding is well established before starting to use it.
Your baby will wake up during the night. Give him a few minutes to fall asleep on his own before checking on him.
Tip:
Avoid stimulating your baby when feeding and changing diapers at night. Keep the lighting subdued.
Babies (4 to 12 months)
At this age, babies sleep about 14 hours a day, but it can be normal to sleep for shorter or longer periods. At 4 months, most babies need three naps a day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the early evening.
Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, your baby will probably go from 3 naps a day to 2 longer naps in the morning and afternoon. Every baby’s needs are different. Some nap for just 20 minutes, while others sleep for 3 hours or more.
What are Healthy sleep habits for your baby?
As far as possible, maintain a regular nap and bedtime schedule.
It’s important to maintain a stable routine. Many parents like to use the same 3 elements: giving your baby a bath in warm water, reading a book and putting him to bed.
Avoid putting your baby to bed with his bottle. This habit encourages tooth decay.
Around the age of 6 months, if your baby wakes up at night and cries, check on him to make sure that everything’s okay, that he’s not too cold or too hot, but don’t take him out of his crib. Comfort him by stroking his forehead or talking softly to him, to show him you’re there. This will help him learn to comfort himself, which is important if he is to learn to go back to sleep on his own.
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Toddlers (1 to 2 years)
Most toddlers sleep between 11 and 14 hours in a 24-hour period.
Healthy sleep habits for your toddler
It’s still important to maintain a sleep schedule that your child recognizes. Habits established before the age of one are even more important for your toddler.
Avoid naps too late in the day, as they can interfere with sleep at night.
Help your child to calm down about half an hour before bedtime, by telling stories or directing him or her towards calm activities. Be gentle but firm when your child protests. Keep the bedroom calm, comfortable and conducive to sleep. Use subdued lighting. Quiet, soothing music can be comforting, but is not necessary.
Children (3 to 5 years)
Preschoolers usually sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day. Around age 3, your child will probably take only one nap a day, but many still take a second one. He may need a nap some days, but not others. Some children stop napping altogether during this period. You can take advantage of nap time, often after dinner, to give your child a quiet moment to read and relax.
At this age, it’s common for children to have certain sleep disorders and refuse to go to bed. They may also wake up at night because of night terrors or nightmares. If you are intrested, see our editor’s crafted good list of baby names here.
Healthy sleep habits for your preschooler
Don’t give your child drinks containing caffeine.
Avoid screens before bedtime. Don’t allow your child to have a tablet, TV, computer or video games in his room.
Some children try to delay bedtime. Set limits, such as the number of books you’ll read, and make sure your child knows them. Don’t ignore bedtime fears. If your child has nightmares, reassure and comfort him or her.
Some common sleep problems
Sleep deprivation: Some children don’t get enough sleep. If your child is fussy, irritable or has trouble staying asleep through the night, it may be because he doesn’t nap long enough or goes to bed too late.
Separation problems: Your child may find it difficult to relax and fall asleep if he’s disturbed by your absence. A long cuddle before bedtime, a transitional object like a blanket or stuffed animal, or leaving the door open at bedtime can help.
Nightmares: Most children have nightmares at one time or another. Nightmares can occur after a stressful physical or emotional event, or can be caused by fever. Your child may call you for comfort. Talk to him calmly, cuddle him and reassure him.
When should I see a pediatrician?
Noisy snoring : If your child snores loudly on a regular basis, he or she may have a problem.
Sleepwalking: Sleepwalking is when a child wakes up partially, but not completely, during the night. He may sit up in bed and repeat certain movements, such as rubbing his eyes. He may get out of bed and walk around his room. In general, if you talk to your child, he won’t respond. If your child sleepwalks, it’s important to make sure his environment is safe. Gently guide him to bed, without waking him. If the problem persists, contact your doctor
Night terrors: These are different from nightmares. Children with night terrors scream uncontrollably, may breathe rapidly and appear to be awake. If you wake them up, they may be confused and need more time to calm down and go back to sleep. Night terrors occur mostly between the ages of 4 and 12, but can start as early as 18 months. Most children grow out of them, but if they persist, talk to your doctor.
What should I do if my child regularly has trouble falling asleep?
Some children have trouble falling asleep on their own, and may stay awake for long periods. This can be caused by too much screen time before bedtime, or by the caffeine in soft drinks and energy drinks.
Try to limit screen time and exclude it from your child’s routine.
Don’t allow your child to eat or drink products containing caffeine.
Encourage relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading, listening to quiet music or having a quiet conversation with your child about his day as you lie in bed with him.
If these are not the cause of your child’s sleep problems, talk to your doctor about other ways to help your child fall asleep on his or her own.