When it comes to their children’s sleep, many parents are unsure of when, where and how much is required. This often leads to children being in control of their sleep patterns (or lack thereof) which can result in some very unwanted side effects.

Sleep training your toddler is highly important in developing healthy sleep patterns which will play a key role in other areas of your child’s life.

There are studies that suggest that sufficient sleep in infants, toddlers and older children play a crucial role in their development process.

The lack of desire to sleep or the loss of sleep in children can be caused by underlying factors such as ADD/ADHD and sleep apnoea. However, adequate evaluation by the relevant professionals should be done to confirm whether one or both of these may be the cause of your child’s disturbed sleeping patterns.

However, in many cases, a few small adjustments in the relevant areas are all it requires for your child to be able to fall asleep easily and to maintain a restful sleep.

For example, make sure you child does not consume anything with high levels of sugar close to bedtime, switch off all electronics and anything that is too stimulating for at least an hour before bedtime.

Additionally, implement a solid sleeping routine as far as possible.

How much sleep does my child need?

Although each child is unique, there is a general guideline which provides the number of hours of sleep your child needs per day.

• 0-6 months - 14-18 hours
• 6-12 months - 14 hours
• 1-3 years - 12-14 hours
• 3-5 years - 11-12 hours
• 5-12 years - 10-12 hours

How do I ensure my child gets enough sleep?

Nap times! Nap times are absolutely vital to the mental and physical well-being of your child. A large percentage of your child’s mental and physical growth takes place during sleep.

Nap times are an excellent way to make sure your child gets enough down time.

Implementing a routine around nap times is important so that your child knows that at the same time (more or less) every day, they will be required to get some shut eye.

Naps should be taken in the early afternoon to avoid struggling to fall asleep in the evening. At least 4 hours between waking up from the nap and going to sleep at night is recommended.

No, avoiding an afternoon nap is not going to make your child more tired at night! In fact, skipping on that afternoon siesta may cause your child to become hyperactive towards the evening and hinder their ability to fall asleep and remain peacefully asleep.

Having a nap in a pram while being pushed around in a shopping mall does not provide adequate sleep. This prevents your child from progressing through the necessary stages of sleep where vital functions take place in the body to restore and rejuvenate.

7 reasons why afternoon naps are crucial

1. Nap time equals rest and rest equals time out. Time out or down time from your child’s very busy life will encourage amongst other things, the development of their own imagination. Allowing your child some time out will also facilitate their ability to switch off when it’s time to slow down.
2. There are studies that suggest that children who have regular naps and adequate rest are more capable of absorbing and retaining information presented to them, even in infancy. This ability will be carried with them later into their lives.
3. Your child will have more positive emotional responses later in the evening and will throw less temper tantrums.
4. Afternoon naps will provide grounds for night time sleep that is easier and more sufficient. Children who do not sleep in the afternoon become highly agitated in the evening and are therefore unable to properly switch off.
5. Nap times have been proven to facilitate healthy mental and physical growth and development. Children progress at a much quicker rate than adults do and the body is able to perform many vital functions while at rest.
6. Your child will be less likely to develop anxiety and aggression. Nap times assist emotional development in children which is vital to the way they respond socially in their day to day situations.
7. Routine afternoon nap times will help your child develop cognitively and problem solving whether it be positive or negative, will be an easier task.

Kay-Dee Educare Centre Mowbray

Conclusively, sleep is essential to the healthy development of your child, both mental and physical. Ensuring that your child gets enough rest is important and afternoon nap time is the answer!

At Kay-Dee Educare Centre in Mowbray, we believe firmly in the importance of regular naps and by facilitating nap time, we can assist in maintaining your child’s sleeping patterns.

For more information about our daycare/crèche or curriculum, please contact us.