Sleep Practices And Tips For Children

Newborns

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

  1. Observe the baby's sleep patterns and identify signs of sleepiness
  2. Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep
  3. Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face and head clear of blankets and other soft items
  4. The crib should be safety approved
  5. A quiet and dark room at a comfortable temperature is best for sleep
  6. Encourage nighttime sleep


Infants

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

  1. Develop a regular daily bedtime schedule
  2. Create a consistent and enjoyable bedtime routine
  3. Establish a regular "sleep friendly" environment
  4. Encourage your baby to fall asleep independently and to become a "self-soother."

Toddlers

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

  1. Maintain a daily sleep schedule and consistent bedtime routine
  2. The bedroom environment should be the same every night and throughout the night
  3. Set limits
  4. Encourage use of a security object
  5. Develop a regular daily bedtime schedule


Preschoolers

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

  1. Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule
  2. Follow-through with a bedtime routine every night
  3. The child should have the same sleeping environment every night.  It should be cool, quiet and dark and without a TV
  4. Watch for difficulty breathing, unusual nighttime awakenings, chronic sleep problems, and behavioral problems during the day.


School-Age Children

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

  1. Introduce healthy sleep habits, disease prevention and health promotion
  2. Continue to emphasize the need for a regular and consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine
  3. 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
  4. Set limits
  5. Avoid caffeine
  6. 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

 

 

National Sleep Foundation