It’s normal for children to not sleep through the night, and their sleep routine changes almost every day. Many parents struggle with sleep deprivation, a sleep disorder that results from sleepless nights. That’s why moms and dads are so concerned about finding ways to get their child to sleep better and longer. Check out how your daily routine can positively impact your baby’s rest process!
How much sleep does a baby need?
Every child is different, so the length of time that is spent on naps may be different. As a toddler grows, their needs change
Newborns- Newborns spend more time sleeping than being active. They will sleep up to 18 hours, waking every 3 to 4 hours for feedings.
Infants 3 to 6 months- the bigger the baby, the fewer nighttime feedings, which means they can sleep longer. Some toddlers can sleep for eight hours a night or even longer. By 4 months of age, most babies will sleep twice as much at night as they do during the day. However, during this time, what is called sleep regression takes place, which can cause sleep difficulties and more wake-ups.
Infants 6 to 12 months- Babies at this age usually begin to recognize that nighttime is a time for rest and sleep. However, problems such as teething can get in the way of a good night’s sleep.
Children 12 to 24 months- babies this age will sleep about 12 to 15 hours a day.
Two-year-olds-most two-year-olds have one nap of a few hours during the day and sleep 11 to 12 hours at night.
What rituals positively affect a child’s sleep?
There are a number of activities that parents can incorporate into their schedule that will help their child feel secure. Repeated activities and rituals give the child a great sense of calm, as predictability is something very valuable at this age
What rituals are worth introducing:
- evening bath,
- changing into pyjamas and a clean diaper before bedtime,
- reading bedtime stories,
- dimmed lights in the room,
- a quiet atmosphere,
- brushing teeth,
- kisses at bedtime,
- singing lullabies,
- playing a white noise record,
- a massage.
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Main photo: Ivone De Melo/ pexels.com
