Knowing exactly when to put your child to bed can be difficult.
Obviously they need a healthy amount of sleep. But how much is that? And is there such a thing as too much?
Bedtime really depends on age. Younger children need more sleep, including multiple naps throughout the day.
Having a regular routine is important. So once you’ve settled on a bed time, try and stick to it every night. Until they’ve got a little older, anyway.
Here’s a brief guide on what time your child should go to bed.
How Much Sleep do 2-3 Year-Olds Need?
Children in this age range need at least 10 hours sleep – but it can be as much as 14.
That includes a nap through the day. But it should last between one and three hours at the most – the main bulk of rest should be had at night.
Put your child to bed at around 8pm-9pm, and they should sleep through until around 7am-8am.
How Much Sleep do 4-6 Year-Olds Need?
As children get older, they don’t need quite as much rest. But it’s still healthy to get a good amount.
Doctors recommend a total of 10-12 hours overall. Kids this age still tend to take the occasional nap, but they’re generally not that long.
Again, try not to let them stay up past 9pm. And let them sleep until at least 6am.
How Much Sleep do 7-10 Year-Olds Need?
Bedtime gets a little later when kids start school, and have other activities going on.
But they’re still quite young. So don’t let them stay up too late. Around 9pm-10pm should suit, and allow for 9-10 hours sleep.
Nap times are a thing of the past. So all rest will normally take place at night.
How Much Sleep do 11-13 Year-Olds Need?
Despite moving into high-school age, sleep is still important. And it will be important for the rest of their life.
But especially so whilst they’re still developing.
Like adults, kids this age need 8-9 hours sleep every night. Any less and they could start to see a decline in performance at school – which is the last thing you want!
Even though they’re older, and a little more independent, it’s still essential that you encourage a regular sleeping pattern.
Stick to a specific routine around bedtime. It will make it easier for them to get to sleep at the same time every night.
When they have school, they’ll probably need to get up at the same time every day. So a consistent bedtime makes sense.
Can a Child Have Too Much Sleep?
Not really. Most parents have trouble getting their children to sleep, not many complain about them getting too much!
Most kids will wake when they’re well rested, ready to start the day.
Obviously if you are concerned, you can speak to a doctor about it. But we wouldn’t worry too much.
The more well-rested they are, the happier they’ll be.