The Importance of Naps
Sleep is an important component of your child’s overall health. Encouraging your child to get enough sleep, especially during the day, can be a daunting task. Napping provides much-needed downtime (for the parent, too!) that will help her physical and mental development, which happens in early childhood.
Importance of Napping
Your child is still developing, so naps give their bodies and minds the time they need to rest and recharge. If your child gets overtired, it can be harder for her to sleep at night.
Learning: Napping can help your child do better in learning and remembering things. If they get some snooze in every day, you’re likely to see a better boost!
Weight: If your child gets enough sleep, she is less likely to be overweight. Higher rates of obesity affect children who don’t get enough sleep. When your child is tired, she doesn’t have enough energy to be active.
Mood: The more sleep your child gets, the better the mood she will be in. Napless days can lead to tantrums and lots of crying. Skipping naps can make your child feel more anxious and less happy. A happy child means a happy parent!
Age Determines Amount
Sleep time is determined by your child’s age. An age guideline can provide you and your child an understanding of how much sleep she needs.
Birth to six months: Infants need between 14 and 18 hours of sleep per day.
Six to 12 months: Babies between six and 12 months need about 14 hours of sleep per day. This includes two 20-minute naps.
Toddlers (one to three years): Toddlers need at least 14 hours of sleep, which includes an afternoon nap that can be one to three hours.
Preschoolers (three to five years): Preschoolers get an average of 11 to 12 hours a night, plus an afternoon nap.
School-age (five to 12 years): Children in school need at least 10 hours per night. Five-year-olds may need a regular nap, but if that’s not possible, they need an early bedtime.
Scheduling Naps
It might be difficult for you to get your child to settle down for a nap. Make nap time easier with these tips:
Routine: Your child needs routine. A regular ritual starts with recognizing your child’s cues that it’s time for her to get rest. Schedule naps at the same time and same place every day, if possible.
Timing: The timing must be right. When your child appears to sleepy, like rubbing her eyes and yawning, it’s time to put her down. Make sure her space is cool, dark, and free from distractions.
Amount: The amount of sleep your child gets is determined by her age. However, don’t overdo it. The longer and later your child naps, the harder it will be for her to fall asleep at nighttime. Try shortening nap times and moving it to earlier in the day.
At the schools in Polk County, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.