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SO HOW MUCH SLEEP CHILD NEEDS?
A common question I get from tired parents is – “how much sleep child needs?” New parents, in particular, can struggle with the concept that their baby has had as little sleep with them, is so much smaller, and yet seems to have bundles of energy whilst we have none. Quite rightly, parents can be concerned because they know that sleep is an important factor in any child’s development and allows them to grow physically, emotionally, and cognitively but the question still remains; How Much Sleep Child Needs?
Let’s explore this to gain clarity on the optimal sleep duration for children.
Importance, Variability, and Developmental Considerations for How Much Sleep Child Needs.
When a child doesn’t get their much-needed sleep, they become more emotional and find it harder to concentrate on their daily activities. While a single night of poor sleep may not have significant repercussions, consistent sleep deprivation can impede their development. The same holds true for babies, who require adequate rest for their growth and well-being, despite their resistance to bedtime. Understanding how much sleep child needs is crucial for their overall well-being.
Chart of Low, Average and High Sleep Needs in Children
Understanding How Much Sleep Child Needs:
Understanding both average and the range of high and low sleep needs figures, as well as the breakdown of nighttime and daytime sleep amounts and number of naps, can help parents and caregivers better tailor their approach to meet the individual sleep requirements of their children.
Reflection Activity: Assessing Your Child’s Sleep Patterns
Take a moment to reflect on the amount of sleep your child is getting by completing the following questions:
What is my child’s average daytime sleep within 24 hours? Answer here: ______
What is my child’s average nighttime sleep within 24 hours? Answer here: ______
Calculate the total amount of sleep your child gets in 24 hours. Answer here: ______
Compare the total sleep amount to the recommended range written on the chart. Is there a significant difference? Answer here: ______
If there is a notable difference, identify whether it’s the daytime or nighttime sleep that’s causing the biggest disparity. Answer here: ______
As parents, we can often feel tired and desperate for the ‘break’ that daytime sleep provides. However, if it’s causing issues with nighttime sleep, it’s usually best to consider shorter daytime naps in exchange for a more restful night’s sleep.
It’s essential to recognise that some babies will only ever take short naps, regardless of your efforts to extend them. And that’s perfectly okay! Remember, more short naps can be equally as beneficial as fewer longer ones for your child’s overall well-being.
Take some time to reflect on these questions and consider how you can optimise your child’s sleep routine for optimal development and peace of mind.
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