Good sleep helps babies and kids feel better during the day and sleep better at night. How much sleep they need changes as they grow.
It’s normal for newborns to sleep a lot - sometimes up to 18 hours a day. They usually sleep about 3 to 4 hours at a time.
You can help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep by setting simple cues, like dimming the lights or putting them in their crib or bassinet. Around 3 months, many babies start to sleep at more regular times. Look for your baby’s signs—like rubbing their eyes or fussing—these mean your baby is tired.
Writing down your baby’s sleep times can help you see patterns. Around 4 months, most babies nap three times a day: morning, afternoon, and early evening. From 6 and 12 months, many babies take two longer naps. Every baby is different, so try to follow your child’s lead.
The Canadian Pediatric Society has more tips on healthy sleep habits for infants.
Between ages 1 and 2, toddlers do best with regular bedtimes and wake-up times. They need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a day, including naps.
For tips on building healthy sleep habits for toddlers, visit the Caring for Kids website.
Children ages 3 to 4 usually need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day. At this age, some children nap once a day, while others may still need two naps—or none at all. Even if your child no longer naps, a quiet rest time in the afternoon with books or calm activities can still help.
It’s also common for preschoolers to wake up at night because of fears or nightmares. This is a normal part of development.
For more information on preschool sleep, visit the Canadian Pediatric Society website.
Visit our website for more information on Healthy Sleep Habits, and sleep for children and teens.