Infants who sleep less may have lower cognitive and language skills by age two. However, addressing factors early–like snoring or acid reflux–can help avoid more serious problems later, according to the University of Alberta research. The findings highlight the importance of total and nighttime sleep and demonstrate the cognitive and language issues that can occur in preschool children when sleep is disrupted.
Help your child get enough sleep. The amount of sleep needed varies, depending on the child’s age.
- Newborns: 16 to 17 hours per day (including naps)
- Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours (including naps)
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours (including naps)
Watch the video below for tips, then visit Healthychildren.org for additional tips to help your child go to sleep.