Sleep is among the primary needs for children of all ages.
Think about it. Newborns sleep for most of their early life, and the amount of rest they take has an impact - hopefully positive - on their health and growth. Failing to sleep an adequate amount of hours could cause distress and discomfort and result in a daylong crying and moaning.
Although an average adult should get around 7-8 hours of sleep or even less, depending on individual needs, children's sleeping patterns vary through each stage of their lives. According to an NHS' study on the topic, sleeping patterns may range as such:
- Babies from 4 to 12 months = 12 to 16 hours, including naps
- Toddlers from 1 to 2 years old = 11 to 14 hours, including naps
- Children from 3 to 5 years old = 10 to 13, including naps
- Children from 6 to 12 years old = 9 to 12 hours
- Teenagers from 13 to 18 years old = 8 to 10 hours
NEWBORNS TO TODDLERS
To ensure your child gets adequate sleep, arrange a sleep schedule, a routine they'll have to follow every day so that their body can in time adjust to that sleeping routine. Set a quiet, relaxing environment where they're isolated from loud noises, voices, and sounds in general, or anything that may disturb their sleep; we always recommend blackout and interlined curtains for maximum darkness and a comfortable, firm mattress that sustains their spine.
CHILDREN TO TEENAGERS
Bear in mind that, as your child grows, their sleeping need will change, and so too will their approach to bedtime. Older children nowadays tend to make excessive use of screens, such as TV, phones, tablets and spend hours entertaining themselves, especially when they go to bed. The issue with TVs and phones is that they may over-stimulate the child by keeping them awake for hours. Make sure you have any video games, computers, bright and intense lights turned off and make the most of that time to read them a story or sing them a lullaby instead. If they're in their early teenage years, encourage them to read a book. This will enhance their sleep as well as their intellect.
ABOUT DRAGONS
Educating your child to sleep is a process that should begin as soon as they're born. They would benefit from learning about going to their room for the bedtime routine and not falling asleep in the living room! This way, they can learn from following the routine you've set for them and, more importantly, pursue it as they grow.
At Dragons, we are firm supporters of bedtime routines. Every time we speak with parents, we remind ourselves of how critical it is to quality furniture aiding their sleep, regardless of age. Our wide selection of beds and cot beds, and accessories, is designed to empower all stages of their sleep routine.
Get in touch with us, and let's discuss how we can help your child get the sleep they need!
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