Are your kids sleep starved, or not?

As a parent, one of the questions you’ll undoubtedly be asking yourself is “Is my child getting enough sleep?” It is important to remember that baby sleep cycles are far shorter and more irregular than they are for adults, and all those naps sure add up to plenty of sleep! Here are professional recommendations of how much sleep your baby should be getting over each 24-hour period.

Newborns (0-3 months)

Although newborns have an unpredictable sleeping pattern, they typically sleep between 15 to 17 hours a day. Newborns can sleep for as short as 30 minutes, and for up to four hours at a time.

Infants (4-11 months)

Infants will need plenty of small naps throughout the day and need a long sleep at nighttime. This will normally add up to between 12 to 15 hours, so make sure you catch up on your favourite TV shows while you can.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers are now at the stage where they should only be having one nap a day (you’re lucky if you can get them to nap twice!). Toddlers occasionally resist going to sleep at bedtime, so it is important that a daily sleeping routine is put in place and followed. One- to two-year-olds are expected to sleep between 11 to 14 hours.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

To ensure your preschoolers grow up strong and healthy, allowing 10 to 13 hours of sleep is recommended. Around this age, preschoolers should gradually stop needing to nap in the daytime.

Are your kids going to bed at the right time?

Table provided by Wilson Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA

*Age is in years

Note: If your newborn or infant is sleeping for very long periods of time, seems lethargic, and is not feeding well or waking to feed, get in touch with your LMC or GP as they might be unwell.

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