How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need
Content
The Connection Between Sleep and Growth
Last updated: August 2008
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How much sleep does your child need?
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Getting enough sleep is important for a young child for many reasons, from restoring energy to building brain connections (not to mention giving Mom and Dad a needed break). But science is showing that sleep also fuels physical growth. The science of growing Growth is a complex process that requires several hormones to stimulate various biological events in the blood, organs, muscles, and bones. A protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland called growth hormone (or "human growth hormone") is a key player in these events. Several factors affect its production, including nutrition, stress, and exercise. In young children, though, the most important factor is sleep. Growth hormone is released throughout the day. But for
kids, the most intense period of release is shortly after the beginning of deep sleep. How much sleep do they need? Two- and 3-year-olds need 12 to 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours (a combination of about 12 hours of night sleep and 1 ½ to 3 hours of naps), 4-year-olds about 11 to 13 hours (with about 11 of the hours at night). (Sleep needs are somewhat individual, with some kids requiring slightly less or more than their peers.) Without adequate sleep, growth problems — mainly slow or stunted growth — can result. Growth hormone production can also be disrupted in kids with certain physical sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea Kids who don't get enough sleep show other changes in the levels of hormones circulating in their body, too. Hormones that regulate hunger and appetite can be affected, causing a child to overeat and have a preference for high-calorie carbs. What's more, a shortage of sleep can affect the way the body metabolizes these foods, triggering insulin resistance, which is linked to type 2 diabetes. A lack of sleep at night can also affect motor skills and concentration during the day, leading to more accidents and behavioral problems, and poor performance at school. Ensuring a good night's sleep Most kids need more sleep than their parents think. Signs that your child may not be getting enough rest include crankiness or lethargy by day, always falling asleep in the car, and being hard to wake up. If your child is hyper at bedtime or tired before it's time to go to bed, that's another clue his schedule may not be consistent enough. To help your child get plenty of zzz's:
• •
Establish consistent daily sleep times and stick to them. Have a regular bedtime routine, which helps signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down. This might include giving him a bath or snack, reading a bedtime story, and talking or singing softly to him while tucking him in. Make sure your child's room is conducive to sleep. It should be dark and quiet. Avoid roughhousing before bedtime. It's stimulating instead of sleep-inducing. Stick to the same timetable and routines for bed on weekends and vacations that you normally have. A variation once in a while won't cause long-term disruptions, but erratic bedtimes can lead to poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation.
• • •
When will my child stop needing a nap?
When is it okay for my child to stop napping? And what should I do if he wants to stop before I want him to?
Expert Answers
Jodi Mindell, pediatric sleep expert
By age 2, most toddlers have given up their morning nap but still need an afternoon snooze to see them through the day. About a quarter of kids stop napping altogether by the age of 3, another half between ages of 3 and 4, with the final quarter continuing to nap until they're 5 or 6. That said, napping needs differ from one child to another. How much daytime sleep — if any — your child requires depends in part on how many hours he sleeps during the night (although many kids need to nap no matter how much sleep they get at night). But in general, kids this age do best with a total of 12 to 14 hours of sleep in each 24hour period. So if your child goes to bed at 8 p.m. and sleeps until 8 a.m., he may get his full quota of rest all at once. (For more on how much sleep children need at different ages, click here.) Also, don't be surprised if your child goes back to taking a nap weeks or even months after stopping, especially if there's a change in his routine or he's more active during the day as a result of school or
other scheduled activities. If your child gets fewer than 12 hours of sleep at night, then ideally he should continue to nap. But you may find that as he gets older, it's increasingly difficult to get him down to sleep during the day. Toddlers and preschoolers are so intent on discovering their world that they hate to miss out on anything going on around them — even when they're running on fumes. If your child is usually at home with you during the day, make sure he naps in the same place he sleeps at night, since he already associates that spot with sleep and he's more likely to doze off there. If he normally naps at daycare or preschool, keep your weekend routine consistent with theirs and tuck him in with the same stuffed animal he usually sleeps with at school. If a child under age 4 refuses to nap altogether, at least try to enforce some quiet time every day. Tell him that kids rest after lunch so they have the energy to play later on. Let him take some toys and books to bed with him, then dim the lights or draw the curtains and leave the room. Although he won't feel as rejuvenated as he would if he slept, an hour or two's break from rambunctious play will help shore up his energies — and yours.
Member Comments
When our daughter started to complain about nap time (~30 months), we gave her the option of "quiet time" where she could read, do puzzles or play quietly in her room with the door closed. She responded well to opportunity to choose between nap and quiet time and rarely pushed back. We reminded her that if she was too loud or got up too early, she'd have to nap instead. Half the time, she ended up falling asleep anyway, so it really helped us with the transition. On days when she needed more rest, she could self-regulate while still feeling like a big girl. posted 6/16/2008 by zjhunter {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn":
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I'd like to comment to Danaamom's post. It sounds as though you have found a great routine for you and your child. I'm glad for that. Do you realize how judgmental you sound when you say things like"if people were only consistent... If kids sit around all the time...". Let's get this one straight. Children are all different,their needs are different and one plan does not fit all when it comes to what they need. My daughter sleeps 12 hours at night, every night, without a fuss. She dropped her morning nap before she was 2 and her afternoon nap long before she was 3. She dropped her naps when she was ready, not because I didn't provide her with a good routine or enough exercise. She gets plenty of sleep, has a nice rest time each afternoon and is on go otherwise. This is what works for us, but I realize it doesn't for everyone. I think a little encouragement "mom to mom" would go a long way to encourage us all.... let's do more of that, shall we? posted 9/12/2008 by Marye5564 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! In all my years(40 as a mom) I have never seen a 2yr old sitting around! I am raising my Grandson now and he definitely does not stay still for very long and I wouldn't want him to be any other way. he is doing what he is supposed to. He goes to bed at 8:00 and wakes up between 7:30 and 9:30 each morning. He also takes a nap from 1:30-3:30, each day. He has regulated himself. This is his schedule. Not all children are like this but some are. Some need schedules to be rigid but always have a flexibility to deal with the little oops that happen. And please don't condemn others who are not doing the same things you are. posted 10/22/2008 by allienich {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! My daughter is a MESS if she doesn't get enough sleep. But since she's almost 4, naps are becoming a thing of the past. I've noticed that she goes 3 days with a nap, 3 days without a nap and that schedule is pretty regular, despite whether she has activities during the day or not. Since I need that quiet time myself, I instituted a period of "Quiet Time" every afternoon (usually when my 10 month old takes his afternoon nap). We do the routine and then review the Quiet Time rules: You don't have to sleep, but you have to have your bottom on the bed and your feet off the floor. You can play or look at books quietly, and you CAN'T CALL MAMA. Well, you can, but she won't come in and get you until it's time to get up (usually about 2 hours). It's important for me to teach my kids how to have some downtime and Quiet Time has worked well so far. Mama is much happier when she gets quiet time herself. posted 2/10/2009 by ejfamily007 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! I have a suggestion for tinymom. When my first little one was having a hard time with naps and sleeping my cousin gave me a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". This book was a lifesaver. While we don't always follow it to the letter (not all days allow for perfect consistency and each child is different) we did notice a difference. My now 4yr old sleeps 12 hours a night and has down time during the day and my 18 moth old sleep at least 12 hours a night with a 2 hour nap in the day. I
would suggest you get the book. I loved it so much I give one at every baby shower. Good luck! :-) posted 10/09/2008 by xpekting1 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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I am a daycare provider and have 8 children ages 4 and under. I would just like to say that when children are on a consistent routine throughout the week (all of the kids sleep for approximately two hours ech day)and the parent is not able to follow the same routine on weekends, the children return on Mondays absolutely exhausted. I realize (as a mother of three)that it is not always possible to nap your children consistently. However, please know from the other side of the spectrum, that it does take a huge toll on them, when they are used to it. Toddlers and preschoolers are creatures of habit, and most prefer consistent routines, including naps or quiet time. It frustrates me when I hear parents say they will not stick to a schedule if their kids are "having fun." They won't stop what they're doing just to take naps. Unfortunately, when your children are young, your schedules DO revolve around theirs. posted 2/28/2009 by tzenkic {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! It really does depend on the child. I've always been fairly scheduled and my first child stopped napping at 2.5 years of age, and slept well at night. My second turned 5 in May and recently began dropping his nap. He'd stay in his room and "pretend" to sleep (okay with me!) 1.5 hours. My third child is 3 and he naps wonderfully. About 2 hours around 1pm each day and would sleep for 2+ hours if he could (we pick up big sis at 3pm). My baby is sporatic and unfortunately, when having multiple schedules to deal with, can't be very consistant. His longer naps seem to be between 11am&1pm and 1pm&3pm, but we pick up brother at noon and sis at 3pm (can't exactly leave him at home in bed to nap). We deal with it and I don't think my children will develop unhealthy sleeping habits...they seem to all sleep well. They learn. Don't worry...if you aren't doing everything perfect in the 1st year, you aren't ruining them for life. :) posted 10/14/2008 by mommy2csj {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Katherine is 3 years and 9 months. She is sleeping 10 hours a night. We still ask her to take a nap in the afternoon but if it becomes a battle we do ask her to take some quit time some times she falls asleep if all is quit in the house. If she does not take a nap then she goes to bed 1 hour earlier that night. posted 9/29/2008 by Anonymous {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! My Daughter Gabriella will be 4 in july. She usally goes to bed about 8:30-9:30 and wakes up anywhere from 7:008:00. if she does not take a nap in the afternoon she is very crabby. i try to have her at home by 1:00- 1:30 for her nap but sometimes my schedule doesn't always let that happen doesn't mean that she is going to grow up unhealty. Just means i have to deal with one crabby little drama queen. but,she doesn't always want to take a nap
either but, i tell her to lay on the couch and i turn on some cartoons an 8 times out of 10 she falls asleep anyways and will sleep for about 2 hours posted 3/14/2009 by Rubyred77 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! I have to agree with Danaamom. A schedule does really help but then again it doesn't work for every child. Through trial and error I have discovered that I need to get my daughter Gabriella (2yr) up by 8-8:30am, down for a nap by 1 and have her winding down for bed at 9pm. If I don't keep her on this schedule I will have one cranky child and I believe it is up to me as her mother to provide this schedule. She is far too young for to decide her own sleep schedule. Also, I do find that if she does 'sit around' it is more difficult for to take a nap but if we're outside playing or at a playdate she goes down with no problem. posted 4/22/2009 by MommyMaureen30 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you!
Don't see the You know your child needs less sleep now than he did when he was a baby, but how much less is still enough? Every child is different — some need more sleep and some less — but here are general guidelines for how many hours of sleep a child needs on average each day.
Age 2 years
Nighttime sleep 10.5 to 12.5 hours
Daytime sleep 1 to 3 hours (1 nap)
Average total sleep 11.5 to 15.5 hours
3 years
10.5 to 12.5 hours
1 to 3 hours (1 nap)
11 to 14 hours
4 years
10 to 12 hours
0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap) 0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap) none
10 to 13 hours
5 years
10 to 12 hours
10 to 12.5 hours
6 years
10 to 11.5 hours
10 to 11.5 hours
7 years
9.5 to 11.5 hours
none
9.5 to 11.5 hours
8 years
9.5 to 11.5 hours
none
9.5 to 11.5 hours
* Note: The two sets of numbers don't always add up because children who take longer naps tend to sleep fewer hours at night, and vice versa.
Keep in mind that most kids need a lot of sleep — usually more than parents allow for. Often, says BabyCenter sleep expert Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night, if a child has poor sleep habits or refuses to nap or go to
bed before 10 at night, his parents will assume that he just doesn't need much sleep. That's probably not the case — in fact, it's likely that such a child is actually sleep-deprived, hence his hyper, overtired behavior at bedtime. To see whether your child falls into this camp, ask yourself: • • • Does my child frequently fall asleep while riding in the car? Do I have to wake him almost every morning? Does he seem cranky, irritable, or overtired during the day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be getting less sleep than his body craves. To change this pattern, you'll need to help him develop good sleep habits, and set an appropriate bedtime and then stick to it. A preschooler or young grade-schooler who's outgrown napping needs a solid 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and that amount will gradually decrease as he gets older. Even so, by the time he's a teenager, your child will still need nine to ten hours of shut-eye a night.
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Home > Preschooler > Sleep Basics > Sleep Problems & Concerns > How to help your preschooler establish healthy sleep habits email print share delici ous stum ble upon faceb ook digg mixx Highlights Typical sleep at this age What you can do to help your child establish good sleep habits Potential pitfalls
Typical sleep at this age Between the ages of 2 and 4, kids need about 11 hours of sleep a night and a single one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. Most children this age go to bed between 7 and 9 p.m. and wake up between 6:30 and 8 a.m. But while it may seem that your preschooler's sleep patterns are finally starting to resemble yours, she actually
spends more time than you do in the REM (rapid eye movement, or dreaming) stage of sleep, and will until she's about 4. Also, since she makes more transitions from REM sleep to non-REM sleep, your preschooler wakes during the night more often than you do. That's why, if she hasn't already, it's so important for your child to learn how to soothe herself back to sleep after these frequent night wakings. (For more on sleep patterns at various ages, see our chart.) What you can do to help your child establish good sleep habits If your preschooler is a poor sleeper (and even if she's not) these techniques will help her get a better night's rest: • Pick — and stick to — a set bedtime. Put your child to bed at the same time every night — ideally at 7:30 or 8 p.m. (Many parents, especially those who work outside the home, balk at such an early bedtime — but unless your child can and does snooze until 8 a.m. every day, a 9 p.m. bedtime will deprive her of much-needed sleep.) This will help her internal clock stay on track and make it easier for her to fall asleep easily and quickly at bedtime. Staying up too late or going to bed at a different time each night, on the other hand, will cause your preschooler to become overtired — which, paradoxically, makes it harder for her to settle down and get to sleep. • Develop a consistent bedtime routine. Establish a nightly routine that includes three or four soothing activities, such as taking a bath, changing into pajamas, and reading stories. The bedtime ritual should be the exact same every night, so your child can anticipate each activity. If she tends to stall when getting ready for bed, make a preferred activity (such as a favorite book or a special song) the last thing on the agenda before lights out or give your child a special sticker for getting into bed when she should, so she has some incentive to get through the rest of the routine. The entire bedtime routine should generally last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you find your routine dragging on for an hour or more, take steps to trim it back a bit: A couple of stories are fine, but not chapter after chapter of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Also make sure the routine heads in one direction — to bed. If you bring your child upstairs for a bath, for instance, don't bring her back downstairs to say goodnight to the family pet when she's done. Instead, head to the bedroom for pajamas and storytime. • Anticipate all her requests and include them in her nightly routine. Your youngster may start trying to put off bedtime by wheedling for "just one more" — story, song, glass of water, and so on. Instead of growing increasingly exasperated, try to anticipate all of her usual (and reasonable) requests and make them part of the bedtime routine. Then allow your child one extra request — but make it clear that one is the limit. She'll feel like she's getting her way, but you'll know you're really getting yours.
• Move her into a big bed and pile on the praise when she stays in it. If she hasn't outgrown it already, your child will likely make the transition from crib to bed soon. The arrival of a new sibling can also prompt the decision; so if you're expecting a second or subsequent child, plan to move your toddler out of her crib at least six to eight weeks before her sibling arrives, so that she's well ensconced in her new bed before the baby takes over "her" crib. If the switch doesn't go well, though, it's okay to put it off until the baby is 3 or 4 months old. Your newborn will probably spend those months sleeping in a bassinet, anyway, and your older child will have a chance to get used to her sibling, making the crib-to-bed transition easier when it finally happens. Other reasons to make the move to a big bed include jumping out of the crib and toilet training — your child may need to get up at night to go to the bathroom. Once she's using her new bed, be sure to praise your preschooler when she stays in it at bedtime and overnight. After the confinement of her crib, she may initially get out of her big-kid bed over and over just because she can. When your child gets up, temper your reaction. Simply take her back to bed, gently but firmly tell her that it's time to go to sleep, and leave. • Give her an extra goodnight kiss or tuck-in. It's okay to promise your child one more goodnight kiss after you've tucked her in the first time. Tell her you'll be back to check on her in a few minutes. Chances are, she'll be fast asleep by the time you return.
Last updated: August 2008
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How much sleep does your child need?
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Getting enough sleep is important for a young child for many reasons, from restoring energy to building brain connections (not to mention giving Mom and Dad a needed break). But science is showing that sleep also fuels physical growth. The science of growing Growth is a complex process that requires several hormones to stimulate various biological events in the blood, organs, muscles, and bones. A protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland called growth hormone (or "human growth hormone") is a key player in these events. Several factors affect its production, including nutrition, stress, and exercise. In young children, though, the most important factor is sleep. Growth hormone is released throughout the day. But for
kids, the most intense period of release is shortly after the beginning of deep sleep. How much sleep do they need? Two- and 3-year-olds need 12 to 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours (a combination of about 12 hours of night sleep and 1 ½ to 3 hours of naps), 4-year-olds about 11 to 13 hours (with about 11 of the hours at night). (Sleep needs are somewhat individual, with some kids requiring slightly less or more than their peers.) Without adequate sleep, growth problems — mainly slow or stunted growth — can result. Growth hormone production can also be disrupted in kids with certain physical sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea Kids who don't get enough sleep show other changes in the levels of hormones circulating in their body, too. Hormones that regulate hunger and appetite can be affected, causing a child to overeat and have a preference for high-calorie carbs. What's more, a shortage of sleep can affect the way the body metabolizes these foods, triggering insulin resistance, which is linked to type 2 diabetes. A lack of sleep at night can also affect motor skills and concentration during the day, leading to more accidents and behavioral problems, and poor performance at school. Ensuring a good night's sleep Most kids need more sleep than their parents think. Signs that your child may not be getting enough rest include crankiness or lethargy by day, always falling asleep in the car, and being hard to wake up. If your child is hyper at bedtime or tired before it's time to go to bed, that's another clue his schedule may not be consistent enough. To help your child get plenty of zzz's:
• •
Establish consistent daily sleep times and stick to them. Have a regular bedtime routine, which helps signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down. This might include giving him a bath or snack, reading a bedtime story, and talking or singing softly to him while tucking him in. Make sure your child's room is conducive to sleep. It should be dark and quiet. Avoid roughhousing before bedtime. It's stimulating instead of sleep-inducing. Stick to the same timetable and routines for bed on weekends and vacations that you normally have. A variation once in a while won't cause long-term disruptions, but erratic bedtimes can lead to poor sleep habits and sleep deprivation.
• • •
When will my child stop needing a nap?
When is it okay for my child to stop napping? And what should I do if he wants to stop before I want him to?
Expert Answers
Jodi Mindell, pediatric sleep expert
By age 2, most toddlers have given up their morning nap but still need an afternoon snooze to see them through the day. About a quarter of kids stop napping altogether by the age of 3, another half between ages of 3 and 4, with the final quarter continuing to nap until they're 5 or 6. That said, napping needs differ from one child to another. How much daytime sleep — if any — your child requires depends in part on how many hours he sleeps during the night (although many kids need to nap no matter how much sleep they get at night). But in general, kids this age do best with a total of 12 to 14 hours of sleep in each 24hour period. So if your child goes to bed at 8 p.m. and sleeps until 8 a.m., he may get his full quota of rest all at once. (For more on how much sleep children need at different ages, click here.) Also, don't be surprised if your child goes back to taking a nap weeks or even months after stopping, especially if there's a change in his routine or he's more active during the day as a result of school or
other scheduled activities. If your child gets fewer than 12 hours of sleep at night, then ideally he should continue to nap. But you may find that as he gets older, it's increasingly difficult to get him down to sleep during the day. Toddlers and preschoolers are so intent on discovering their world that they hate to miss out on anything going on around them — even when they're running on fumes. If your child is usually at home with you during the day, make sure he naps in the same place he sleeps at night, since he already associates that spot with sleep and he's more likely to doze off there. If he normally naps at daycare or preschool, keep your weekend routine consistent with theirs and tuck him in with the same stuffed animal he usually sleeps with at school. If a child under age 4 refuses to nap altogether, at least try to enforce some quiet time every day. Tell him that kids rest after lunch so they have the energy to play later on. Let him take some toys and books to bed with him, then dim the lights or draw the curtains and leave the room. Although he won't feel as rejuvenated as he would if he slept, an hour or two's break from rambunctious play will help shore up his energies — and yours.
Member Comments
When our daughter started to complain about nap time (~30 months), we gave her the option of "quiet time" where she could read, do puzzles or play quietly in her room with the door closed. She responded well to opportunity to choose between nap and quiet time and rarely pushed back. We reminded her that if she was too loud or got up too early, she'd have to nap instead. Half the time, she ended up falling asleep anyway, so it really helped us with the transition. On days when she needed more rest, she could self-regulate while still feeling like a big girl. posted 6/16/2008 by zjhunter {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn":
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I'd like to comment to Danaamom's post. It sounds as though you have found a great routine for you and your child. I'm glad for that. Do you realize how judgmental you sound when you say things like"if people were only consistent... If kids sit around all the time...". Let's get this one straight. Children are all different,their needs are different and one plan does not fit all when it comes to what they need. My daughter sleeps 12 hours at night, every night, without a fuss. She dropped her morning nap before she was 2 and her afternoon nap long before she was 3. She dropped her naps when she was ready, not because I didn't provide her with a good routine or enough exercise. She gets plenty of sleep, has a nice rest time each afternoon and is on go otherwise. This is what works for us, but I realize it doesn't for everyone. I think a little encouragement "mom to mom" would go a long way to encourage us all.... let's do more of that, shall we? posted 9/12/2008 by Marye5564 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! In all my years(40 as a mom) I have never seen a 2yr old sitting around! I am raising my Grandson now and he definitely does not stay still for very long and I wouldn't want him to be any other way. he is doing what he is supposed to. He goes to bed at 8:00 and wakes up between 7:30 and 9:30 each morning. He also takes a nap from 1:30-3:30, each day. He has regulated himself. This is his schedule. Not all children are like this but some are. Some need schedules to be rigid but always have a flexibility to deal with the little oops that happen. And please don't condemn others who are not doing the same things you are. posted 10/22/2008 by allienich {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! My daughter is a MESS if she doesn't get enough sleep. But since she's almost 4, naps are becoming a thing of the past. I've noticed that she goes 3 days with a nap, 3 days without a nap and that schedule is pretty regular, despite whether she has activities during the day or not. Since I need that quiet time myself, I instituted a period of "Quiet Time" every afternoon (usually when my 10 month old takes his afternoon nap). We do the routine and then review the Quiet Time rules: You don't have to sleep, but you have to have your bottom on the bed and your feet off the floor. You can play or look at books quietly, and you CAN'T CALL MAMA. Well, you can, but she won't come in and get you until it's time to get up (usually about 2 hours). It's important for me to teach my kids how to have some downtime and Quiet Time has worked well so far. Mama is much happier when she gets quiet time herself. posted 2/10/2009 by ejfamily007 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! I have a suggestion for tinymom. When my first little one was having a hard time with naps and sleeping my cousin gave me a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". This book was a lifesaver. While we don't always follow it to the letter (not all days allow for perfect consistency and each child is different) we did notice a difference. My now 4yr old sleeps 12 hours a night and has down time during the day and my 18 moth old sleep at least 12 hours a night with a 2 hour nap in the day. I
would suggest you get the book. I loved it so much I give one at every baby shower. Good luck! :-) posted 10/09/2008 by xpekting1 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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I am a daycare provider and have 8 children ages 4 and under. I would just like to say that when children are on a consistent routine throughout the week (all of the kids sleep for approximately two hours ech day)and the parent is not able to follow the same routine on weekends, the children return on Mondays absolutely exhausted. I realize (as a mother of three)that it is not always possible to nap your children consistently. However, please know from the other side of the spectrum, that it does take a huge toll on them, when they are used to it. Toddlers and preschoolers are creatures of habit, and most prefer consistent routines, including naps or quiet time. It frustrates me when I hear parents say they will not stick to a schedule if their kids are "having fun." They won't stop what they're doing just to take naps. Unfortunately, when your children are young, your schedules DO revolve around theirs. posted 2/28/2009 by tzenkic {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! It really does depend on the child. I've always been fairly scheduled and my first child stopped napping at 2.5 years of age, and slept well at night. My second turned 5 in May and recently began dropping his nap. He'd stay in his room and "pretend" to sleep (okay with me!) 1.5 hours. My third child is 3 and he naps wonderfully. About 2 hours around 1pm each day and would sleep for 2+ hours if he could (we pick up big sis at 3pm). My baby is sporatic and unfortunately, when having multiple schedules to deal with, can't be very consistant. His longer naps seem to be between 11am&1pm and 1pm&3pm, but we pick up brother at noon and sis at 3pm (can't exactly leave him at home in bed to nap). We deal with it and I don't think my children will develop unhealthy sleeping habits...they seem to all sleep well. They learn. Don't worry...if you aren't doing everything perfect in the 1st year, you aren't ruining them for life. :) posted 10/14/2008 by mommy2csj {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Katherine is 3 years and 9 months. She is sleeping 10 hours a night. We still ask her to take a nap in the afternoon but if it becomes a battle we do ask her to take some quit time some times she falls asleep if all is quit in the house. If she does not take a nap then she goes to bed 1 hour earlier that night. posted 9/29/2008 by Anonymous {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! My Daughter Gabriella will be 4 in july. She usally goes to bed about 8:30-9:30 and wakes up anywhere from 7:008:00. if she does not take a nap in the afternoon she is very crabby. i try to have her at home by 1:00- 1:30 for her nap but sometimes my schedule doesn't always let that happen doesn't mean that she is going to grow up unhealty. Just means i have to deal with one crabby little drama queen. but,she doesn't always want to take a nap
either but, i tell her to lay on the couch and i turn on some cartoons an 8 times out of 10 she falls asleep anyways and will sleep for about 2 hours posted 3/14/2009 by Rubyred77 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you! I have to agree with Danaamom. A schedule does really help but then again it doesn't work for every child. Through trial and error I have discovered that I need to get my daughter Gabriella (2yr) up by 8-8:30am, down for a nap by 1 and have her winding down for bed at 9pm. If I don't keep her on this schedule I will have one cranky child and I believe it is up to me as her mother to provide this schedule. She is far too young for to decide her own sleep schedule. Also, I do find that if she does 'sit around' it is more difficult for to take a nap but if we're outside playing or at a playdate she goes down with no problem. posted 4/22/2009 by MommyMaureen30 {"ajaxResult": { "errors": "", "addedItemId": "", "loggedIn": "false", "url": "" } }
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Thank you!
Don't see the You know your child needs less sleep now than he did when he was a baby, but how much less is still enough? Every child is different — some need more sleep and some less — but here are general guidelines for how many hours of sleep a child needs on average each day.
Age 2 years
Nighttime sleep 10.5 to 12.5 hours
Daytime sleep 1 to 3 hours (1 nap)
Average total sleep 11.5 to 15.5 hours
3 years
10.5 to 12.5 hours
1 to 3 hours (1 nap)
11 to 14 hours
4 years
10 to 12 hours
0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap) 0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap) none
10 to 13 hours
5 years
10 to 12 hours
10 to 12.5 hours
6 years
10 to 11.5 hours
10 to 11.5 hours
7 years
9.5 to 11.5 hours
none
9.5 to 11.5 hours
8 years
9.5 to 11.5 hours
none
9.5 to 11.5 hours
* Note: The two sets of numbers don't always add up because children who take longer naps tend to sleep fewer hours at night, and vice versa.
Keep in mind that most kids need a lot of sleep — usually more than parents allow for. Often, says BabyCenter sleep expert Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night, if a child has poor sleep habits or refuses to nap or go to
bed before 10 at night, his parents will assume that he just doesn't need much sleep. That's probably not the case — in fact, it's likely that such a child is actually sleep-deprived, hence his hyper, overtired behavior at bedtime. To see whether your child falls into this camp, ask yourself: • • • Does my child frequently fall asleep while riding in the car? Do I have to wake him almost every morning? Does he seem cranky, irritable, or overtired during the day? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be getting less sleep than his body craves. To change this pattern, you'll need to help him develop good sleep habits, and set an appropriate bedtime and then stick to it. A preschooler or young grade-schooler who's outgrown napping needs a solid 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and that amount will gradually decrease as he gets older. Even so, by the time he's a teenager, your child will still need nine to ten hours of shut-eye a night.
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Home > Preschooler > Sleep Basics > Sleep Problems & Concerns > How to help your preschooler establish healthy sleep habits email print share delici ous stum ble upon faceb ook digg mixx Highlights Typical sleep at this age What you can do to help your child establish good sleep habits Potential pitfalls
Typical sleep at this age Between the ages of 2 and 4, kids need about 11 hours of sleep a night and a single one- to three-hour nap each afternoon. Most children this age go to bed between 7 and 9 p.m. and wake up between 6:30 and 8 a.m. But while it may seem that your preschooler's sleep patterns are finally starting to resemble yours, she actually
spends more time than you do in the REM (rapid eye movement, or dreaming) stage of sleep, and will until she's about 4. Also, since she makes more transitions from REM sleep to non-REM sleep, your preschooler wakes during the night more often than you do. That's why, if she hasn't already, it's so important for your child to learn how to soothe herself back to sleep after these frequent night wakings. (For more on sleep patterns at various ages, see our chart.) What you can do to help your child establish good sleep habits If your preschooler is a poor sleeper (and even if she's not) these techniques will help her get a better night's rest: • Pick — and stick to — a set bedtime. Put your child to bed at the same time every night — ideally at 7:30 or 8 p.m. (Many parents, especially those who work outside the home, balk at such an early bedtime — but unless your child can and does snooze until 8 a.m. every day, a 9 p.m. bedtime will deprive her of much-needed sleep.) This will help her internal clock stay on track and make it easier for her to fall asleep easily and quickly at bedtime. Staying up too late or going to bed at a different time each night, on the other hand, will cause your preschooler to become overtired — which, paradoxically, makes it harder for her to settle down and get to sleep. • Develop a consistent bedtime routine. Establish a nightly routine that includes three or four soothing activities, such as taking a bath, changing into pajamas, and reading stories. The bedtime ritual should be the exact same every night, so your child can anticipate each activity. If she tends to stall when getting ready for bed, make a preferred activity (such as a favorite book or a special song) the last thing on the agenda before lights out or give your child a special sticker for getting into bed when she should, so she has some incentive to get through the rest of the routine. The entire bedtime routine should generally last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you find your routine dragging on for an hour or more, take steps to trim it back a bit: A couple of stories are fine, but not chapter after chapter of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Also make sure the routine heads in one direction — to bed. If you bring your child upstairs for a bath, for instance, don't bring her back downstairs to say goodnight to the family pet when she's done. Instead, head to the bedroom for pajamas and storytime. • Anticipate all her requests and include them in her nightly routine. Your youngster may start trying to put off bedtime by wheedling for "just one more" — story, song, glass of water, and so on. Instead of growing increasingly exasperated, try to anticipate all of her usual (and reasonable) requests and make them part of the bedtime routine. Then allow your child one extra request — but make it clear that one is the limit. She'll feel like she's getting her way, but you'll know you're really getting yours.
• Move her into a big bed and pile on the praise when she stays in it. If she hasn't outgrown it already, your child will likely make the transition from crib to bed soon. The arrival of a new sibling can also prompt the decision; so if you're expecting a second or subsequent child, plan to move your toddler out of her crib at least six to eight weeks before her sibling arrives, so that she's well ensconced in her new bed before the baby takes over "her" crib. If the switch doesn't go well, though, it's okay to put it off until the baby is 3 or 4 months old. Your newborn will probably spend those months sleeping in a bassinet, anyway, and your older child will have a chance to get used to her sibling, making the crib-to-bed transition easier when it finally happens. Other reasons to make the move to a big bed include jumping out of the crib and toilet training — your child may need to get up at night to go to the bathroom. Once she's using her new bed, be sure to praise your preschooler when she stays in it at bedtime and overnight. After the confinement of her crib, she may initially get out of her big-kid bed over and over just because she can. When your child gets up, temper your reaction. Simply take her back to bed, gently but firmly tell her that it's time to go to sleep, and leave. • Give her an extra goodnight kiss or tuck-in. It's okay to promise your child one more goodnight kiss after you've tucked her in the first time. Tell her you'll be back to check on her in a few minutes. Chances are, she'll be fast asleep by the time you return.
