Children and their sleep patterns have been worrying parents much before the advent of mobile phones and TV screens. How do you know if your child is getting enough sleep?
The amount of sleep a child needs can vary based on their age, but here are more detailed guidelines based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF):
- Newborns (0-3 months): Newborns typically sleep 14-17 hours per day, with most of it occurring in 2-3 hour increments both day and night.
- Infants (4-11 months): Infants typically need 12-15 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
- Toddlers (1-2 years): Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including a nap of 1-2 hours.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): Preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per day, with a nap of 1-3 hours.
- School-aged children (6-13 years): School-aged children typically need 9-11 hours of sleep per day.
- Teenagers (14-17 years): Teenagers typically need 8-10 hours of sleep per day.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and individual needs may vary. It’s important to pay attention to your child’s sleep patterns and to make sure they are getting enough rest to feel well-rested and alert during the day. Quality of sleep is also important, and children should have regular bedtimes and wake-up times, a relaxing bedtime routine, and a comfortable sleeping environment.
Do all kids need to nap?
Not all kids need to nap, but many do. Napping can help improve mood, behavior, and cognitive function in children. The need for napping decreases as children grow older, and some children naturally outgrow napping as they reach school age.
Here are some general guidelines for napping based on age:
- Infants (0-2 years): Infants and toddlers typically need 1-2 naps per day, each lasting 1-3 hours.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): Preschoolers usually take 1 nap per day, lasting 1-3 hours.
- School-aged children (6-13 years): Most school-aged children do not need a nap, but some may still benefit from a short nap, especially if they are feeling tired.
It’s important to remember that every child is different, and some children may need more or less napping than others. If you have concerns about your child’s sleep habits or if they are showing signs of sleep deprivation, such as fatigue or irritability, talk to your pediatrician.
We hope this guide to how much sleep does your child need, answers most of your questions. If you have any more queries, feel free to get in touch with Dr. Supriya Rastogi,, best Pediatrician in Faridabad at Savera Child Clinic or simply whatsapp at +91-8448550670