Colin Snow
Sleep is an essential part of a child's development, and the amount of sleep they need depends on their age. Newborns (0-3 months) sleep the most, ranging from 10 to 18 hours a day. Their sleep cycle is influenced by their feeding schedule, so it's irregular at first. As they grow older, their sleep patterns become more consistent, and they sleep for fewer hours. Toddlers (1-2 years) need 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, while preschoolers (3-5 years) need 10-13 hours. By the time children start school (6-13 years), their sleep requirements decrease further to 9-12 hours. Teenagers (14-17 years) need slightly less sleep, with 8-10 hours being the recommended amount.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Newborns (0-3 months) | 10-18 hours a day |
| Infants (4-12 months) | 9-16 hours a day |
| Toddlers (1-2 years) | 11-14 hours a day |
| Preschoolers (3-5 years) | 10-13 hours a day |
| School-aged children (6-13 years) | 9-12 hours a day |
| Teenagers (13-18 years) | 8-11 hours a day |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns (0-3 months)
Newborns typically sleep between 11 and 18 hours per day. This sleep is usually accumulated in short bursts throughout the day and night, as newborns do not know the difference between day and night. They also need to be fed frequently, which can interrupt their sleep.
Newborns' sleep cycles are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long and consist of active and quiet sleep. During active sleep, newborns may move, groan, open their eyes, cry out, or breathe noisily or irregularly. During quiet sleep, they will lie relatively still and their breathing will be more even.
It is normal for newborns to wake between sleep cycles, and they will gradually learn to settle themselves and fall back to sleep as they get older. Newborns' sleep patterns vary, and they will develop their own unique rhythms of waking and sleeping.
To help your newborn develop a healthy sleep pattern, you can expose them to light and gentle play during the day and provide a dim and quiet environment at night. Establishing a simple and soothing bedtime routine can also help your newborn settle. This routine could include changing into night clothes, reading a bedtime story, dimming the lights, giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle, singing a lullaby, and brushing their teeth.
It is important to remember that newborns need regular feeding, so they will usually sleep in short periods. In the early weeks, if you are breastfeeding, your baby may doze off for short periods during a feed. It is a good idea to continue feeding until they have finished or until they are fully asleep. This can be a good opportunity for you to get some rest as well.
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their caregiver for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Infants (4-12 months)
Ensuring your infant gets enough sleep is critical for their healthy development. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that infants between 4 and 12 months old get 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day, including naps. This can be a combination of nighttime sleep and daytime naps. For example, they may sleep 6 to 8 hours at night and take one to three naps during the day.
At this age, it's important to start encouraging a more regular sleep schedule. You can calculate the number of hours devoted to night sleep and naps to ensure your infant gets the recommended amount of sleep.
Additionally, creating a soothing bedtime routine and a consistent sleep schedule can help your infant fall into a healthy sleep rhythm. This may include activities such as reading a book or listening to quiet music before bedtime. It's also important to keep the sleep environment safe and calm by removing any crib accessories and minimising screen time before bed.
Remember that every child is unique, and their sleep schedules can vary. If you have any concerns about your infant's sleep, it's always best to consult with a paediatrician or a sleep specialist.
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Toddlers (1-2 years)
Toddlers between the ages of one and two years old require 11 to 14 hours of total sleep every day, including naps. This is a critical period for their growth and development, and sufficient sleep is essential for their overall health.
At this age, toddlers are more aware of their surroundings, and their growing imagination can interrupt their sleep. A simple and consistent bedtime routine is essential for parents to ensure their toddlers get adequate sleep. This routine could include activities such as washing up, brushing teeth, reading a book, or listening to quiet music.
Toddlers' sleep patterns also start to change as they transition from two naps to one afternoon nap. This usually happens around 18 months, but some toddlers may be ready for this change sooner. It is important to be mindful of the books and content they are exposed to before bedtime, keeping it mild and age-appropriate.
Additionally, limiting screen time and keeping toddlers away from screens for at least an hour before bedtime can positively impact their sleep. Creating a calm and safe sleep environment, free from distractions and potential hazards, is also crucial for this age group.
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Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Preschool-aged children, from 3 to 5 years old, require 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day. This includes naps, but by 5 years old, most children will no longer nap. If your child attends preschool, they may have a scheduled naptime, which sometimes becomes "quiet time" as children resist napping.
At this age, it is common for children to experience nightmares and nighttime awakenings. To promote healthy sleep patterns, a relaxing bedtime routine can help your child wind down. This routine should take place in the room where your child sleeps and should be consistent. The room should be quiet, dark, cool, and free of distractions such as digital devices.
It is important to remember that the sleep environment should remain consistent. This is true for children of all ages.
While these are optimal recommendations, it is important to remember that some kids may require more or less sleep. This will vary depending on factors such as developmental differences and temperament.
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School-aged children (6-13 years)
Ensuring that school-aged children (6-13 years) get the right amount of sleep is crucial for their health and development. The recommended amount of sleep for this age group is 9-12 hours per 24-hour period. However, it's important to note that individual sleep requirements within this age group can vary significantly. Generally, younger school-aged children need more sleep than those approaching their teenage years.
At this age, children have more demands on their time, with school, homework, extracurricular activities, and a blossoming social life. They also have more access to distractions such as TV, computers, and other electronic devices, which can make it challenging to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Therefore, it is essential for parents to enforce a regular bedtime and limit screen time before bed.
To help your child get the recommended amount of sleep, create a bedtime routine that encourages good sleep habits. This could include activities such as washing up, brushing teeth, reading a book, or listening to quiet music. It is also important to ensure that their bedroom provides a peaceful, quiet, and comfortable environment for sleep.
Additionally, educating your child about the importance of sleep for their health and well-being can encourage them to prioritize sleep as they gain more independence.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns typically sleep between 10 and 18 hours a day. Their sleep cycle is influenced by their feeding schedule, so it's irregular at first.
Infants between four and 12 months old should get around 12-16 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Some infants might start sleeping through the night at around six months old.
Toddlers between one and two years old should get about 11 to 14 hours of sleep, including naps. Their napping routine changes compared to infancy, and they may transition to one nap a day.
Preschoolers between three and five years old should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep. Naps may get shorter, and some preschoolers may stop napping regularly.
School-aged children from six to 12 years old need approximately nine to twelve hours of sleep within a 24-hour period. Their sleep may be influenced by external factors such as school, homework, and social activities.
