Learn More: Kids' Health
Grow Up Strong -- Develop Healthy Sleep Habits Early
Sleep is vital to your child's overall health and development, learning, and safety.
The sleep habits he forms during childhood are likely to continue into adulthood and have a positive effect on his alertness, productivity, creativity, and general well-being.
However, studies have shown that many children do not sleep enough and may experience sleep problems that are often overlooked.
Foster healthy sleep habits when your child is young:
- Establish a set bedtime and bedtime routine and stick to it.
- Make sure your child's bedroom is a comfortable sleeping environment; it's cool and dark enough, and household noise is kept to a minimum after he goes to bed.
- Keep computers and TVs out of the bedroom, as these can become bedtime distractions.
- Do relaxing activities before bed, such as talking quietly or reading a story.
- Help your child get into the habit of falling asleep on his own.
| How much sleep does your child need? | |
| Newborns (1–2 months): | 10.5–18 hours |
| Infants (3–11 months): | 9–12 hours at night, plus: 1–4 naps during the day (30 minutes – 2 hours each) |
| Toddlers (1–3 years): | 12–14 hours |
| Preschoolers (3–5 years): | 10–11 hours |
| School-aged children (5–12 years old): | 10–11 hours |
RealAge Projection: If your child consistently gets 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night as an adult, her RealAge could be as much as 3 years younger.
