Why is Consistent, Uninterupted, Consolidated Sleep Important?

boy_sleeping

WHEN SHOULD MY BABY GO TO BED?

An early bedtime is advisable! Around 6 -7:30 Pm!

Discover what time works best for you baby/toddler. Play around with the bedtime in 10/15 minute increments to discover his/her “window of opportunity”. That is when your child is not overly tired, but tired enough. Remember to compensate with an earlier bedtime if it was a bad nap day.

Keep in mind that your child has a natural awake and sleep rhythm, so be consistent with your bedtime! Even weekends!

Mood and Behaviour

  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Exaggerated emotions
  • Increased aggressive behaviour
  • Behavioral problems
  • Hyperactivity

Health

  • Reduced physical performance of small and large motor skills
  • Delayed recovery from illness
  • Disruption in natural growth and development

Learning

  • Impaired hand eye coordination
  • Memory lapses
  • Lack of concentration
  • Impaired memory
  • Compromised decision-making processes

Sleep

  • Unrestful sleep
  • Inability to nap

NB> Restlessness is often a sign of over-tiredness! It is a vicious cycle!

LOOK FOR THE FOLLOWING SIGNS

  • Losing focus or having poor concentration
  • Becoming easily agitated or frustrated
  • Decreasing the pace of his activities
  • Fussing, whining, and getting cranky
  • Lacking energy or losing interest in usual playtime activities
  • Having tantrums
  • Becoming hyperactive, wired, or wound up
  • Quieting down, talking less
  • Rubbing eyes or pulling at ears
  • Looking glazed or acting distracted
  • Becoming clingy, wanting to be held or carried
  • Complaining of a headache or stomach-ache
  • Yawning
  • Lying down on the floor or a chair, or closing the eyes for long blinks
  • Caressing a love (such as a blanker or stuffed animal)
  • Asking to nurse or asking for a pacifier or bottle

HOW MUCH IS NEEDED?

Age Number of Naps Total length of naptime hours Nighttime sleep hours Total of nighttime and naptime sleep
0 – 3 months 4 – 5 6 – 9 11 – 12 16 – 18
3 – 6 months 3 3 – 5 11 – 12 15
6 – 12 months 2 2 – 4.5 11 – 12 14
12 months 1 – 2 2 – 3 11.5 – 12 13.5 – 14
18 months 1 – 2 (usually 1) 2 – 3 (usually 2) 11.5 – 12 13 – 14
2years – 5 years 0 – 1 0 – 2.5 11 – 11.5 11 – 13

*Credit to No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

OTHER TIPS

  • No TV or stimulating activities at least two hours before bedtime
  • Make sure your little one falls asleep on his own, without you rocking him, sucking on a dummy or being fed to sleep

#sleeptraining

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