How Much Sleep Should They Be Getting By Age?

 Tomorrow (Feb. 7th) on The Parenting Show, guest co-host Jacqueline Kovacs and I will be talking about sleep issues.  You can call with your questions, live at 2pm EST (1-877-222-5310).  Since I often get asked "how much sleep should my child should they be getting?" I thought I would post some guidelines by age on my site.  Please remember that every child is different. These ranges are the norms after observing large groups of children. Honour your child's unique sleep needs.

newborns: 16 -20 hours a day

3 weeks: 16 - 18 hours

6 weeks: 15 - 16 hours 

4 months: 9 - 12 hours, plus two napes ( 2 - 3 hrs each)

6 months: 11 hours, plus two naps (1 1/2 hours - 2 1/2 hrs each)

9 months: 11 - 12 hours, plus two naps ( 1 - 2 hours each)

12 months: 10 - 11 hours, plus two naps (1 - 2 hours each)

18 months: 13 hours plus one or two naps ( 1 -2 hours each)

2yrs: 11 - 12 hours, plus one nap ( 2 hours) 

3 yrs: 10 - 11 hours, plus one nap ( 2 hours)

4-5yrs: 10 - 12 hours (usually no nap) 

6-9yrs: 10 hours

10 - 12yrs: > 9 hours

Teens: 8 - 9.5 hours

Comments

[Heather Collins]

I watched the sleeping show this week but didn't get through on the phone. Love the show and am a big fan of "Honey I wrecked the kids" - hugely helpful in breaking the power struggle with my 3 year old and we're enjoying ourselves much more.

My barely 3 year old, born December 23rd, will be starting JK in the fall. However, the school said it is likely she will be in the afternoon class from 12:45 to 2:45. Hayley still naps, and loves her naps. She is very energetic and spirited and I feel she needs them. I would love for her to go to the public school, and be in before/after home care with her little brother (Aidan will be 14 months in September, when I go back to work from maternity leave). However, based on her need for naps, and some real concerns about her getting enough sleep (especially after reading Dr. Weissbluth's book!!) I am leaning towards having her in Montessori where she will be able to nap in the afternoon. I do also really like the Montessori.

Any ideas?

[Grantr Verdoold]

Thank You for your wonderful talk tonight at Keswick St Thomas Aquinas Public School.I couldnt help wondering if much of what you discussed could be applied to teenagers and teens dealing with depression and rebellion .I particularily enjoyed the section on the 4 Crucial Beliefs..
I can see how this totally applies to teens Im currently involved in working with at the Salvation Army Sutton Youth Shelter-Sutton West.

Thanks Grant Verdoold

[Kellie]

Hi Alyson,

I've read your books, which really resonated with me, and our family is already reaping the benefits. Thank you!!

I have a question and am hoping you can help. Our 5 1/2 year old is the youngest of 3 boys, and he is a 'spirited child' for sure! He definitely believes that there is a different set of rules for him, and we are working on that!! Our current issue is that he is having a hard time staying seated on the bus, and the bus driver has reported him to the school, in attempt to get him to take this seriously. They are threatening to suspend him from the bus unless his behaviour improves. He is impulsive, and the bus ride is 45 minutes long, but we really do want him to be safe!! We are worried that if he is suspended from the bus, he will be pleased to have us drive him to school, and that will not help him accept responsibility for his actions. We don't want him to get hurt before he listens. Do you have any ideas about a logical consequence for not following the rules on the bus? Thanks!

Kellie

[Alyson Schafer]

Hi Kellie,
Thanks for the note and question. I suggest you bring up your concern w/ the PTA / Home and school and ask for additional supervision on the bus, which at other schools, parent volunteers have changed the entire bus experience for all!
If you can't get that going --- you should allow him to experience the expulsion, but that means he stays at home, with a babysitter, and NOT get a ride with you. Ask why he is getting up and if there is another solution you could offer up that he could do from his seat ( like solving boredom issues etc..)
Hope that helps!
Alyson