As parents, one of our first orders of business is keeping our kids safe. That means everything from ensuring our little ones put their toys back where they belong to monitoring their screen time. But as we all know, there are only so many hours in a day. So how do you make sure you’re optimizing the amount of time your kid spends awake? The answer begins with making sure they get enough sleep. After all, getting enough rest has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for kids and adults alike. It gives them more energy, improves their concentration and helps them grow and develop optimally. And while kids need different amounts of sleep at different ages, generally speaking most kids should be getting somewhere between 9 and 11 hours per night — which may feel like a lot less than the standard school day (and probably is).
How much sleep does your child need?
First things first: how much sleep does your child need? This depends on their age — and, to some extent, their personality type. The general rule of thumb is that babies usually need around 10 hours of sleep per day, toddlers should be getting around 11 hours, kids around 5 and 6 years old need around 10 hours of rest each night, and everyone else is somewhere in between. Keep in mind that these numbers are just general guidelines — some kids will naturally need more or less sleep than these averages. If you’re worried that your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s best to consult a doctor. If you’re trying to figure out how much sleep your child should be getting at a certain age, keep in mind that kids grow and develop at their own pace. This means that while you can estimate how much sleep they will likely need in a year or two, they may need more or less than that once they get there.
By age 2
Babies and toddlers often need the most sleep. When your child is a toddler, you’ll probably find that their sleep periods last for about 12 hours. That’s normal — and it means that your little one probably needs extra sleep at this age. On average, toddlers should be getting about 11 hours of sleep each night. If you notice that your child is getting significantly less sleep than this, there may be a problem. Due to their limited communication skills, it can be hard to tell if a toddler is having trouble sleeping or if they have a sleep disorder. Once your child is 2 years old, they will likely still be getting slightly more sleep than the average kid.
By age 3
By this age, your child will probably be getting the amount of sleep that most kids do. So by the time your child is 3 years old, they may need 11 or 12 hours of sleep each night. This will vary from child to child, so it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s sleep habits. If you notice any significant changes in your child’s sleep patterns, it’s a good idea to talk to their doctor.
By age 5
Kids’ sleep needs start to decrease around the time they turn 5. Although there is some variability from child to child, most 5-year-olds will need around 10 hours of sleep each night. This is why you might notice that your child begins to complain about being tired in the afternoon at this age. At this point, you can also start to worry less about your child sleeping through the night. That doesn’t mean that they’ll necessarily be getting out of bed earlier, but it does mean that you can probably relax a little bit.
By Age 10
Kids between the ages of 10 and 12 years old are usually getting the right amount of sleep. Once your child has turned 10 or 11 years old, they will likely be getting 10 hours of sleep a night — meaning they’re almost back to their “average” amount of slumber. However, kids at this age may be less able to wake up in time for school. This is partially due to their growing bodies (which require more energy). It’s also due to the fact that many 10-year-olds are still adjusting to a “first shift” in their circadian rhythms. This means that they’re likely going to be most alert and awake later in the day — which could mean that they have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
Key takeaway
As kids grow, they need less sleep. But this amount varies between individuals. To figure out how much sleep your child needs, start by looking at their age. From there, you can use the general guidelines above to figure out what amount of sleep your child should be getting. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is getting enough sleep. This will help them feel energized and ready for the day ahead. In order to make sure your child is getting enough sleep, you will want to make sure their sleep environment is as conducive to sleeping as possible. There are many things you can do to help promote better sleep in children. These include having a consistent bedtime routine, making sure your child’s room is dark and quiet, and making sure they get enough sleep during the day.