Children's sleep
Routines and age-based guidance.
Children's sleep is built with simple, reassuring habits. Here are the specialists' pointers, to adapt to your child's age.
| Age | Duration over 24 h | Naps |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-3 months) | 14 to 17 h per 24 h | Spread across day and night, no fixed rhythm |
| Baby (4-11 months) | 12 to 15 h | About 3 naps, then 2 around 9 months |
| Toddler (1-2 years) | 11 to 14 h | One to two naps during the day |
| 3-5 years | 10 to 13 h | An afternoon nap, often gone by around age 4 |
| 6-12 years | 9 to 11 h | Sleep becomes mostly at night |
| Teenager (13-17 years) | 8 to 10 h | – |
A reassuring routine
- Set up a short bedtime ritual, always in the same order. It reassures and prepares for sleep.
- A soft toy or familiar object helps a child fall asleep and settle back on their own.
- Regular bed and wake times help a child sleep well, even during holidays.
Winding down in the evening
- Avoid very exciting games right before bed: they delay falling asleep.
- Limit screens to suit the child's age, and keep screens out of the bedroom.
- A calm, dark and slightly cool room helps sleep.
Frequently asked questions
How can you help a child sleep well?
A short bedtime routine, always in the same order, reassures and prepares for sleep. Regular bedtimes and wake times help too, even during holidays.
Do evening screens disturb children's sleep?
Yes. It is better to limit screens by the child's age and keep all screens out of the bedroom, along with very exciting games right before bed.
Does a comfort object help a child fall asleep?
A comfort object or familiar item often helps a child fall asleep and settle back on their own. A calm, dark and slightly cool room rounds out that reassuring setting.