Your Kid's Sleep
Everything you need to know about healthy sleep habits and patterns for children
Understanding Your Child's Sleep Needs
Sleep is essential for your child's physical growth, brain development, learning, and emotional well-being. From newborns who sleep up to 17 hours a day to teenagers who need 8-10 hours, sleep needs change as children grow.
Explore our comprehensive guides below to learn about age-appropriate sleep patterns, common sleep problems, and strategies to help your child get the rest they need.
Sleep Topics & Guides (24)
10 Ways to Help Your Child Get a Better Night's Sleep
→Bed-Sharing
→Bedwetting (Enuresis)
→Breastfeeding FAQs: Sleep — Yours and Your Baby's
→Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
→Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder in Teens
→Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly)
→Helping Your Teen Get Enough Sleep (Video)
→Helping Your Toddler Sleep (Video)
→How Can I Be Sure My Baby Stays on Her Back While She Sleeps?
→Kids and Sleep
→Melatonin Supplements
→Night Terrors
→Nightmares
→Obstructive Sleep Apnea
→Sleep and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
→Sleep and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
→Sleep and Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
→Sleep and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
→Sleep and Your Newborn
→Sleep and Your Preschooler
→Sleep and Your School-Aged Child
→Sleep and Your Teen
→Sleepwalking
→⏰Recommended Sleep Hours by Age
👶Newborns (0-3 months)
14-17 hours per day, including naps. Sleep patterns are irregular as babies adjust to life outside the womb.
👶Infants (4-11 months)
12-15 hours per day, including naps. Sleep becomes more consolidated with longer nighttime stretches.
🧒Toddlers (1-2 years)
11-14 hours per day, including naps. Most toddlers take one or two naps during the day.
👧Preschoolers (3-5 years)
10-13 hours per day. Naps become less frequent, but quiet rest time remains important.
🧑School-Age (6-12 years)
9-12 hours per night. Consistent bedtimes support learning, growth, and emotional regulation.
👦Teens (13-18 years)
8-10 hours per night. Biological changes shift sleep patterns later, making early mornings challenging.
💡Tips for Better Sleep
🕐Consistent Schedule
Maintain regular bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your child's internal clock.
🌙Bedtime Routine
Create a calming routine: bath, books, brushing teeth. This signals to your child's body that it's time to wind down.
🛏️Sleep Environment
Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Remove screens and ensure a comfortable, safe sleeping space.
📱Limit Screen Time
Turn off screens at least 1 hour before bed. Blue light from devices can interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality.
⚠️Common Sleep Problems
Signs of Sleep Issues:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Snoring or breathing problems
- Frequent nightmares or night terrors
- Bedwetting after age 5-7
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
When to Seek Help:
- Sleep problems persist for weeks
- Loud snoring or pauses in breathing
- Extreme daytime fatigue affecting function
- Sleepwalking leads to safety concerns
- Sleep issues impact school or behavior
More Health Resources
⚠️Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has persistent sleep problems, consult with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. They can help identify underlying issues and develop an appropriate treatment plan.