How many hours should a child sleep according to their age?

Sleep is essential for children's physical and emotional development. Getting the right amount of sleep allows them to grow up healthy, improve their concentration and strengthen their immune system. However, many parents wonder: how many hours should a baby or child sleep according to their age? In this article, we explain the recommended hours of sleep for children according to their age and give you tips to establish good sleeping habits .

Infant sleep is one of the biggest concerns for parents. Knowing whether your baby is getting enough sleep or whether your school-aged child is getting adequate rest can raise many questions and concerns.

Every baby and child is unique, with different rhythms and rest needs. While some little ones sleep peacefully for long hours, others may wake up more frequently or need more time to fall asleep. There is no single formula that works for everyone, but knowing some general recommendations can help parents establish a healthy routine adapted to their child.

Getting the right amount of sleep allows your child to grow up healthy, improve their concentration and strengthen their immune system. In this article, we provide you with a guide to the recommended hours of sleep for children according to their age , along with practical tips to create a suitable environment and achieve a restful sleep for your little one.

Guidelines for establishing good sleep habits in children

Sleep habits are formed from the first months of life and are essential for the physical and mental development of children. Adequate rest influences their growth, learning and emotional well-being. To help children rest better, it is important to:

• Establish a nighttime routine : A regular bedtime helps children associate bedtime with a time for rest and relaxation.
• Avoid screens before bed : Blue light from devices such as cell phones, tablets or televisions can alter the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
• Encourage physical activity during the day : Children who play and move enough during the day tend to sleep better at night.
• Create an environment conducive to rest: The bedroom should be comfortable, dark and quiet to promote deep sleep. For children who are afraid of the dark, a dim light that stays on all night can provide security and peace of mind.
• Choose comfortable clothes to sleep in : Clothes such as cotton rompers allow for high comfort and promote rest, since they are soft to the touch.

How many hours should babies sleep?

Babies need to sleep many hours a day for their proper development. During the first months of life, their sleep is fragmented and regulates over time. Below, we indicate the recommended hours of sleep according to age, including the hours that children usually sleep at each stage:

Recommended sleep hours for babies in their first three years

• Newborns (0-3 months) : Children sleep between 14 and 17 hours , divided into short naps and nighttime periods. During this stage, sleep is irregular and nighttime awakenings are frequent, as their circadian rhythm is not yet developed. It is recommended that they sleep in a quiet, dimly lit environment to help them establish a more stable sleep pattern.
• Babies 4 to 11 months : Between 12 and 15 hours of sleep per day. At this stage, many babies begin to sleep for longer hours at night, although they may still wake occasionally to feed. Establishing sleep routines with set times and relaxing activities before bed, such as a warm bath or a lullaby, can encourage longer rest.
• 1-year-olds : 11-14 hours of sleep is recommended. At this age, children usually nap during the day and it is important that their sleeping environment is comfortable and safe. Introducing an attachment object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket , can help them feel more secure when sleeping.
• 2-year-olds : Ideally, they should sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day. At this stage, children may show resistance to bedtime, so it is key to reinforce healthy habits such as a regular schedule and quiet activities before bed.
• Children aged 3 years : They should rest between 10 and 13 hours , including a nap if necessary. At this age, some children stop taking daytime naps, while others continue to do so. It is advisable to observe the signs of fatigue and adjust the routine according to their individual needs.

From the age of 5, how much sleep should children get?

As children grow, their sleep needs decrease, but it is still essential that they get enough rest. Children's sleep hours vary depending on their stage of development, and it is important to maintain an adequate balance. For those parents who are wondering about their little ones' rest, especially in the case of sleeping children 4 years old , establishing a consistent sleep routine can be key.

• Children aged 4 to 5 years : They need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep . At this age, children begin to develop greater independence and curiosity, which can lead them to resist bedtime. It is important to establish consistent routines, such as reading a story before bed, to encourage adequate rest.
• Children ages 6 to 12 : It is recommended that they get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night. During this stage, school performance and extracurricular activities can influence their sleep patterns. Limiting the use of electronic devices before bed and promoting a relaxed atmosphere in the bedroom can help them maintain adequate rest.

Tips to improve sleep quality in older children

As children grow older and begin to have more school and social responsibilities, their rest can be affected. Often, their mind is still active before going to sleep, reviewing what has happened during the day or thinking about what awaits them the next day. Lack of sleep at this stage can influence their academic performance, mood and general well-being. Therefore, it is essential to adopt some habits that help them relax before going to sleep, promoting not only their rest, but also strengthening family ties.

Some recommendations that can help you fall asleep are the following:

• Spend a few minutes before going to sleep talking : Asking them how their day was, what made them happy or if something worries them helps them feel understood and release tension before going to sleep.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule , even on weekends.
• Reduce consumption of sugars and stimulant drinks in the evening.
• Encourage moments of relaxation before bed , such as reading a story or taking a hot bath.
• Create an environment where children feel comfortable and safe, with adequate lighting and temperature to promote a peaceful rest.

Getting a good night's sleep is key to children's well-being and development. Knowing how many hours a baby or child should sleep according to their age and encouraging good sleeping habits will help them grow up healthy and happy. At Tutto Piccolo, we know that rest is just as important as comfort, which is why we design soft and warm garments to accompany little ones in their sweet dreams. Discover our collection and make every night more comfortable for your little one!