Discover Sleep Guidelines for Each Stage of Your Child!
Children who don't get the recommended amount of sleep may face challenges in various areas, including social interactions, eating habits, and experiencing elevated stress levels.
To assist you in understanding how many hours of sleep and daily naps your child needs at different ages, we've crafted a practical guide to help you establish a more harmonious sleep routine.
Phase 1 - Babies (0-12 months): Babies have very different sleep needs from older children. During this phase, sleep is crucial for brain and body development.
- Key Tips:
- Create a safe sleep environment with a firm mattress and no loose objects.
- Stick to a consistent sleep and wake routine, even if it's challenging at first.
- Be prepared to wake up at night to feed, change diapers, and comfort your baby.
1 - 3 months: Newborns and babies up to 3 months naturally sleep more, albeit in chunks due to feeding needs. It's advisable for them to sleep around 8.5 hours at night and 7 hours during the day, with sleep cycles ranging from 1 to 4 hours, regardless of the time of day.
3 - 6 months: By 6 months, your baby should sleep 6 to 9 hours at night and take some naps during the day, totaling from 5 to 9 hours, divided into three or four short naps.
6 – 12 months: At this age, nights become slightly longer, reaching up to 11 hours per night (still with some interruptions), along with two or three naps during the day, each lasting up to 3 hours. It's a phase where you can enjoy more interactions with your little one.
Phase 2 - Early Childhood (1-3 years): During this phase, children begin to adapt to a more regular sleep routine. Many children transition from multiple naps to a single nap during the day, with a nighttime sleep period ranging from 10 to 13 hours.
- Key Tips:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, with regular bedtime and wake-up times.
- Create a comfortable and safe sleep environment with age-appropriate toys.
- Be prepared to deal with sleep resistance as children explore independence.
1 Year: Nighttime sleep becomes calmer, and depending on the child, they may not wake up during the night. Naps are usually limited to one in the morning and one in the afternoon, lasting from 2 to 3 hours.
2 Years: From this age, naps typically occur only in the afternoon, often at daycare, for about 2 hours. This phase lasts until 3 or 4 years old.
Phase 3 - Preschoolers (3-5 years): Children in this phase continue to reduce nap time and adapt to a single nighttime sleep period, ranging from 10 to 12 hours. They may develop nighttime fears and sleep resistance.
- Key Tips:
- Maintain a consistent routine and soothe nighttime worries with comforting stories.
- Prepare children for the transition to school by emphasizing the importance of sleep.
- Avoid stimulating foods and drinks close to bedtime.
4 Years: As childhood arrives, children become naturally more active and engaged, and afternoon naps are nearly extinct. Nights become full and can last up to 12 hours.
It's common for parents to perceive their child as not sleeping enough, but sleep hours can vary from baby to baby. Some are born more active, and schedules can differ by up to 2 hours more or less. It's essential to respect your child's routine and needs and take the opportunity to catch up on your sleep as well, calmly.
Phase 4 - School Age (6-12 years): School-age children still need plenty of sleep, usually from 9 to 12 hours per night.
- Key Tips:
- Set limits on electronic device use near bedtime.
- Ensure children have time to unwind before bed, avoiding a packed schedule.
- Maintain a consistent routine, even on weekends.
Understanding your children's sleep needs at each stage of their development is crucial to ensure they grow up healthy and happy. Adequate sleep benefits not only children but also parents, making nights more peaceful and contributing to healthy development.
Remember that each child is unique, and sleep needs may vary. If you have any doubts or concerns about your child's sleep, don't hesitate to seek medical guidance. With patience, consistency, and love, you can help your little one develop healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime.