Age |
Amount of
Sleep Needed |
Characteristics
of Sleep
|
Sleep Developmental
Milestones |
Newborns
(0 - 2 Months) |
10.5 - 18 hours |
Irregular sleep patterns until about 6 - 8 weeks that interact with hunger; multiple sleep periods in day and night; Sleep is active: smiling, sucking, body movements |
Sleep on back to prevent SIDS: Facilitate nighttime sleep; Create a positive and safe sleeping environment; Identify signs of sleepiness |
Tips for Newborns
- Observe the baby's sleep patterns and identify signs of sleepiness
- Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep
- Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face and head clear of blankets and other soft items
- The crib should be safety approved
- A quiet and dark room at a comfortable temperature is best for sleep
- Encourage nighttime sleep
|
Age |
Amount of
Sleep Needed |
Characteristics
of Sleep |
Sleep Developmental
Milestones |
Infants
(2 - 12 Months) |
Total Average:
14 - 15 hours
(Naps: 2.5 - 5 hours) |
Increasing nighttime sleep; sleep pattern emerges; 3 - 4 naps change to 1 - 2 by end of first year |
Create a regular bedtime schedule and routine; Nighttime awakenings; Learning to self-soothe |
Tips for Infants
- Develop a regular daily bedtime schedule
- Create a consistent and enjoyable bedtime routine
- Establish a regular "sleep friendly" environment
- Encourage your baby to fall asleep independently and to become a "self-soother."
|
Age |
Amount of
Sleep Needed |
Characteristics
of Sleep |
Sleep Developmental
Milestones |
Toddlers
(1 - 3 Years) |
Total Average:
12 - 14 hours
(Naps: 1.5 - 3.5 hours) |
Morning naps cease around 18 months; most sleep through the night on a regular sleep schedule
|
Follow a bedtime routine; Set limits; Encourage falling asleep independently; Transition from crib to bed
|
Tips for Toddlers
- Maintain a daily sleep schedule and consistent bedtime routine
- The bedroom environment should be the same every night and throughout the night
- Set limits
- Encourage use of a security object
- Develop a regular daily bedtime schedule
|
Age |
Amount of
Sleep Needed |
Characteristics
of Sleep |
Sleep Developmental
Milestones |
Preschoolers
(3 - 5 Years) |
Total Average:
11 - 13 hours
|
Naps usually end by 5 years; nighttime fears may emerge |
Consistent sleep/wake time and bedtime routine |
Tips for Preschoolers
- Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule
- Follow-through with a bedtime routine every night
- The child should have the same sleeping environment every night. It should be cool, quiet and dark and without a TV
- Watch for difficulty breathing, unusual nighttime awakenings, chronic sleep problems, and behavioral problems during the day.
|
Age |
Amount of
Sleep Needed |
Characteristics
of Sleep |
Sleep Developmental
Milestones |
School-Age
(5 - 12 Years) |
Total Average:
10 - 11 hours
|
Increasing demands on children’s time can lead to sleep deprivation; Impact of TV, computers, caffeine and medical conditions on sleep |
Establish lifetime sleep and health habits; Be alert for persistent sleep problems and daytime sleepiness
|
Tips for School-Age Children
- Introduce healthy sleep habits, disease prevention and health promotion
- Continue to emphasize the need for a regular and consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine
- The child's bedroom should be conducive to sleep: dark, cool and quiet. TV's and computers should be off and out of the bedroom
- Set limits
- Avoid caffeine
- Watch for signs of chronic difficulty sleeping, loud snoring, difficulty breathing, unusual nighttime awakenings and frequent daytime sleepiness.
|
Talk to your doctor if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- A newborn or infant is extremely and consistently fussy
- A child is having problems breathing or breathing is noisy
- A child snores, especially if the snoring is loud
- Unusual nighttime awakenings
- Difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep, especially if you see daytime sleepiness and/or behavioral problems
|
