Sleep Requirements For Toddler Ages 2 to 6 Years
Understanding your child’s sleep needs can be crucial to a good night’s sleep and sleeping through the night. Each child has unique sleep requirements, making an average range not the norm for every kid. However, grasping the general guidelines on sleeping requirements can be the key to a good night’s sleep.
Now, we will discuss and set forth rules regarding sleep for your child between the ages of two years and six years along with methods to establish a timetable that reinforces good sleeping behaviors.
Sleep Needs by Age for Toddlers and Preschoolers Ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years old
Sleep Needs for Toddlers: 2 years Old
Most 2-year olds will usually need roughly around 11 to 14 hours sleep per day. Sleep is usually split into 10 to 12 hours at night, and a 1 to 2 hour nap during the day. It is important at this age to maintain bedtime routines and specific sleep times as suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Source]
Sleep Needs for Toddlers: 3 years Old
Three year olds should be getting at least 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. As children get older, their daytime sleep will start to decline in this age range. The importance of nighttime sleep becomes significantly greater, as evidenced by decreased nap times in this age group. The importance of a strict bedtime and wake time in this age group, as cited in Sleep Medicine Reviews, becomes more evident as children of this age group transition out of naps. [Source]
Sleep Needs for Preschoolers: 4 Years Old
From age four, most kids have officially outgrown naps, but some may benefit from a short, mid-afternoon rest period. Nightly sleep is consolidated to 10 to 13 hours as recommended by The National Sleep Foundation. Even spaced out throughout the day, these rest periods provide benefits for younger children.
Sleep Needs for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners: 5 years Old
Five year olds need no more than 12 hours of sleep under normal circumstances and generally do not nap any more except maybe occasionally. Creating a healthy sleep environment along with a standard bedtime routine will greatly assist in healthy sleep patterns.
Sleep Needs for Kindergarteners: 6 years Old
At age six, children spend around 9 to 12 hours in bed at night, for the most part full-day school schedules dictate bedtimes which parents must manage. It is important to adjust bedtimes around school routines to ensure adequate sleep. Consistent sleep patterns have been proven to improve children's moods and school performance, as noted by the Pediatrics. [Source]
Creating a Sleep Schedule
Kids thrive on predictability, so establishing a calming pre-bed routine and sticking to the same bedtime every night can make a big difference. Use visual cues and give gentle reminders as bedtime approaches to help your child wind down.
Keep in mind that every child is unique, and sleep needs can vary within the ranges mentioned. Stay flexible and observe your child’s behavior to see if adjustments are needed. If your little one is struggling with sleep despite a consistent routine, it might be time to reassess their schedule or troubleshoot potential issues like bedtime resistance or frequent night waking.
Final Thoughts
Sleep needs change as your child grows, but maintaining a consistent routine and being mindful of their sleep requirements will help set the stage for healthy sleep habits. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, our Raising Happy Sleepers community is here to support you with expert advice and practical tips. Join today for personalized help and guidance!
