You know how great you feel after a good nights sleep… You smile more, you have the energy to take on the day with enthusiasm, and you cope better if things don’t go well. Isn’t that what we want for our children too? Whilst we can’t make children sleep, we can create an environment that is conducive to sleep.
A good nights sleep assists the growth and development of a healthier body, a better concentration and attention span, improved strength and co-ordination, and more emotional balance.
A good nights sleep also makes the next day better for both parents and children!
It is important to establish good sleep routines early in a baby’s life, so that they quickly learn ‘how’ to go to sleep. It is even easier for the child to learn this, when the adults are consistent with the routine – regardless of whether it is Mum or Dad who are preparing the child for bed. When you follow the same routine each night, you establish a pattern in the child which gets them ready for sleep. Does it mean they will be happy about it – no, not necessarily! But, who is the one who knows how much sleep children need, and what they will be like without it… You! Young children generally do not know when they are tired. It’s rare for a child to say “Yes” when asked “Do you want to go to bed?” As adults we are the responsible ones!
The following is a guideline provided by the ‘Parents as Teachers’ organisation. The recommendations are, in a 24 hour period:
Newborns need 16 - 20 hours;
At 4 weeks they need 14 – 18hrs;
Babies 6-8 weeks need about 15-16 hours;
At 2-3 months they need 12-15hrs;
At 4-9 months they need11-15hrs;
At 9-18 months they need 11 -14hrs;
Toddlers 18months – 3years need 13hours;
Children 3-5years need 11-13hrs.
Obviously some will be daytime sleeps and then the evening sleep.
Children who don’t get adequate sleep are not only grumpy and easily upset the next day, they are less able to function well, and to process new information.
Good sleep = a better day tomorrow.
Calm and Consistent is the key!
Happy Sleep Times!