Sleep
is key to your child's preschool success. Without enough rest, your kiddo will
be cranky and may have trouble staying awake during daycare classroom
activities. If your child is struggling to sleep, take a look at the answers to
some of the most common questions parents have on the subject.
The answer to this question depends on your child's age. While babies need
the most rest in a 24-hour time period, toddlers and preschoolers also need
plenty of shuteye.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, infants between ages 4- and
11-months need 9 to 12 hours at night and one to four 30-minute plus naps a
day. Toddlers require between 11 and 14 hours of sleep. This total is over a
24-hour period and includes night-time and nap-time sleep. And preschoolers
between the ages of three and five need 11 to 13 hours of sleep per each 24
hours.
While napping is common (and often necessary) in the early years, most
preschoolers gradually stop sleeping during the daytime. If your younger
preschooler refuses to nap, read on for more information on what you can do.
Babies and toddlers typically need naps to get the full amount of rest
needed for each 24-hour period. Even though some preschoolers continue to nap,
you can expect to phase daytime sleep out by age five. If your child resists
napping during daycare or at home, try the following:
- Adjusting bedtime. Your child's
nighttime sleep routine may interfere with daytime rest. If this becomes a
problem, move bedtime to an earlier or later hour (depending on their napping
issues).
- Creating a sleep-inducing environment.
If your three-year-old falls asleep without a problem at preschool, but won't
nap at home, try to simulate the same environment. This may mean making the
room darker or adjusting the temperature.
- Talking to the doctor. Your child's
pediatrician may have tips or expert insight into this issue.
Again, not napping is a normal and acceptable development for older
preschoolers. If your four- or fiveyear-old won't sleep during the day,
consider a quiet-time activity in place of the nap. Dim the lights, give your
child a book or paper and crayons, and ask them to quietly sit or rest in place
of a true nap.
Your toddler or preschooler suddenly stops sleeping through the night.
What's going on? If the issue is fear of the dark, your child isn't alone. This
type of anxiety is normal for young children to experience. As your child
delves deep into their growing world of pretend play, they may struggle to
understand the difference between what's real and what's fantasy.
In your child's mind, monsters and anything that goes bump in the night are
real dangers - keeping them up at night. If your child's fear won't let them
sleep, try these tips:
- Turn the light on. Being able to see
their room may help your young child to feel more comfortable about nighttime
sleeping. If your child cannot fall asleep with the light on, consider using a
nightlight.
- Assign a protector. Give your child a
stuffed animal or doll that serves as an overnight protection agent.
- Make monster spray. Fill a spray bottle
with plain water. Add a pinch of glitter for an extra effect. Place the
monster-be-gone spray by your child's bed, giving them a way to keep anything
scary away.
If your child is still scared of the dark, dig deeper into the problem. Talk
to your tot about why they're scared, read children's books about sleeping, and
reassure them that you're here to help.
Is your now well-rested child ready to start daycare or preschool? Contact Riviera Children's Center
for more information.
