Children's sleep needs vary by age for development

Adequate sleep is essential for a child's growth and happiness. However, many parents struggle to set a proper sleep routine. The amount of sleep kids need varies by age. According to experts, establishing a bedtime routine should start when babies are about four months old. Here is a general guideline for sleep needs by age group: - Newborns (up to three months): 14 to 17 hours - Infants (four to 11 months): 12 to 15 hours - Toddlers (one to two years): 11 to 14 hours - Preschoolers (three to five years): 10 to 13 hours - School-age children (six to 13 years): 9 to 11 hours - Teens (14 to 17 years): 8 to 10 hours Setting the right bedtime is also important. For newborns, there's no fixed bedtime. As they grow, recommended bedtimes shift. For example, 1–4 month-olds should sleep between 8–11 PM. By 3–6 years, bedtimes should be around 6–8 PM. For school-age kids, bedtimes should be between 7:30 and 9 PM, while teens should go to bed based on their morning wake-up time. Parents are encouraged to adjust bedtimes based on when their child wakes up in the morning. For instance, a five-year-old waking up at 6:30 AM should sleep by 7:15 PM, while the same child waking at 7 AM should sleep at 7:30 PM. Experts stress the importance of sleep. Research shows it affects memory, mood, and learning. Several tips can help kids improve their sleep habits, such as removing screens an hour before bedtime to promote relaxation. Overall, establishing a solid sleep routine can greatly benefit children's development and happiness.