Shannon Glenn is the owner and founder of Sleep Well Children Consulting and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Specialist. She is dedicated to helping parents assist their children and babies in developing healthy sleep habits. With a B.A. in Psychology, Shannon has worked extensively with children and their families for over 15 years in a variety of settings. She has been offering sleep solutions for over six years.
How much sleep and how many naps a day does your child need?
How many naps a day should my baby or toddler be taking? If you have young children or babies you probably have asked this question. The biggest factor that helps determine how much sleep your child needs is her age. Here is a breakdown of naps and sleep needs based upon a child’s age:
Babies ages 0-3 months need about 16-18 hours of sleep per day. The usually need about 4-5 naps occurring during the day around 6-8 hours of napping and usually need to nap about every 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Babies ages 3-6 months need about 14-15 hours of sleep per day, with about 3 naps a day around 3-5 hours of napping and typically need to nap about every 1.5 to 3 hours.
Babies ages 6-12 months need about 12-14 hours of sleep per day with 2 naps during the day around 2-3 hours of napping, usually need to nap about every 3 to 4 hours. At this age most babies can start to handle more of a set nap time and bedtime schedule.
Toddlers ages 1-3 need about 11-14 hours of sleep per day with one nap during the day. around 1.5 to 3 hours of napping and, usually need to sleep about every 4-6 hours.
Toddlers ages 3-9 years need about 10-12 hours and usually have stopped napping. It is common for children to stop napping between the ages of 2 ½ and 3 ½. For some children it is a little sooner and for some it is a little later.
Ensuring your child is getting enough daytime rest is a crucial part of his or her development and will greatly support the whole sleeping process and schedule.
Why didn’t we try this sooner?! As we speak he is sound asleep in his crib – and has been since 7:15 pm.
Karianne Wanggaard
Sleep Well Sleep Specialists
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Working with Shannon, I went from 2-3 wake ups every night to 1 or 0. She aligned the plan with my preferred sleep cycle. She was always coaching, never judging. Shannon was great, I have referred MANY people to her! That's the best testament to her work that I can give.
Laura