August is almost over, which means the end of summer and back to school for the kids. As you start transitioning your children into more of a routine for schooltime, oftentimes it is their sleep that is the first to be compromised. Do you know how much shuteye your children should be getting a night?
Here is a guide from the AAP and the CDC to help you evaluate if your child is sleeping enough:
- Between birth and 2 months, children need 12–18 hours of sleep
- Between 3 and 11 months, children need 14–15 hours of sleep
- Between 1–3 years, children need 12–14 hours of sleep
- Between 3–5 years, children need 11–13 hours of sleep
- Between 5–10 years, children need 10–11 hours of sleep
- Between 10–17 years, children and teenagers need 8.5–9.5 hours of sleep
If sleep is a constant battle in your house, try some of these tips to get your child a full night’s rest:
Bedtime Routines
- Develop bedtime rituals.
- Set limits on attention-getting behaviors at night.
- Pay attention to the sleep environment.
- Limit time in bed when children are not sleeping.
- Establish consistent waking times.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid medications to help your child sleep.
- Discourage excessive evening fluids.
- Chart your child’s progress. Use praise for successful, quiet nights.
- Consider medical problems.
- Make the bedroom a sleep-only zone.
What are some routines you’ve tried that work in your house? Tell me in the comment section below!
