How much sleep do your kids Need...Your Sleep by age Guide


Kids Sleep By Age LG

Lack of sleep is one of the most common health problem's for children today. Over 25% of children according to the Sleep Foundation are not getting the sleep they need. It's even worse for children with ADHD with a whopping 70% of children struggling with mild to server sleep problems.

There is so much good and bad advise floating around on the web out that it's difficult to decide what is best for your child.

However, God in his wisdom created every family unique and he has given each family their own special sleep journey to take, with Him at the helm.

There could be so many things disturbing or preventing your child from getting a good night sleeps.  But, the experts don't want you to know it's not a one-size-fits-all topic.

If you feel like you have been drifting from one "promised" sleep solution to another and nothing has seemed to work then your not alone!

So what should you do?

How do you know how to get all your children to sleep?

That answer comes through a mix of prayer and these simple and practical tips.  

And, it all starts with knowing how much sleep your child needs.

Step 1: Decide to Make A Sleep Plan


It is helpful to have a map to follow while starting your perfect sleep voyage with your family.  Knowing what direction you need to set sail in with each family members sleep can be determined by age.

It can seem like a never ending mystery trying to discover the amount of sleep your child needs.  The consent changing and growing of your littles can make their sleep journey more difficult.  However, having a compass to guide you on your kids sleep journey will be a life saver for your whole family.

You know your kids best and therefore, know better than any expert if your kids are getting enough sleep but it's helpful to have these simple guidelines.

Experiment with these sleep recommendations from the experts until you find the perfect "X" marks-the-spot on your child's sleep map.


Step 2: How Can You Tell if You Child Is Not Getting Enough Sleep?


There are many signs of lack of sleep that surface with children of all ages that you can identify before insomnia starts. Here are some common ones: 

  • Daytime fatigue 
  • Decrease social skills
  • Falling asleep in the car
  • Falling asleep at school 
  • Hard time controlling emotions (moody)
  • Trouble getting out of bed in the morning 
  • Trouble falling asleep


How much sleep do kids need by age?


Ages Range

Newborn (0 to 3 months old)

Infant (4 to 12 months old)

Toddler (1 to 2 years old)

Preschooler (3 to 5 years old)

School Age (6 to 12 years old)

Teenager (13 to 18 years old)

Recommended Hours of Sleep

14 -17 hours

12-16 hours

11-14 hours

10-13 hours

9-12 hours

8-10 hours


Step 3: What You Can Do to Help Your Child Sleep Better?


If your home feels like a tsunami of emotions and behaviours at bedtime, then try these tips to calm the chaos.          

  • Create a bedtime routine
  • Incorporate wind-down activities 
  • Choose the best bedtime 
  • 3B's bath, book, and bed
  • Prayer
  • Keep the same wake and rise times
  • Priorities connection time throughout the day

Anchor your child's sleep plan in the direction the Holy Spirit guides you. Then your nights will go from wild wind storm to a lovely calm breeze.