We all know how crucial sleep is for kids, it’s absolutely essential—not just for their mood, but for their overall development. A good night’s sleep sets the tone for their day, influencing their ability to engage and thrive. When kids don’t get enough rest, it can impact their mood, willingness to socialize, and enthusiasm for learning and play. This is especially important for children attending preschool in Potomac, MD, where active participation and interaction is key to their growth and success.
While we sleep, our brains are quite busy, laying the groundwork for our learning and growth, which includes shaping our behavior, emotions, and immune system. Inadequate sleep during infancy has been associated with challenges in cognitive performance, social skills, obesity, and overall quality of life as children grow.
Your little one will often let you know they’re ready for a nap by fussing, crying, yawning, or rubbing their eyes. These cues can help you create a schedule that suits them perfectly. Straying too far from these suggestions could impact your baby’s health or suggest a deeper issue.
It’s a wonderful goal to help your baby sleep through the night by the time they celebrate their first birthday! As they transition into toddlers and then school-age children, their sleep requirements will start to resemble those of adults.
Newborns sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours per day and have no concept of day or night. Because newborns require frequent feeding, they typically sleep for brief periods. Newborns sleep in short bursts called sleep cycles, which last about 20 to 50 minutes.
Kids ages 2 to 4 need 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day. That’s 10 to 12 hours at night and 1 to 2 hours during the day. Sleep problems for toddlers, like not being able to fall asleep or staying in bed at bedtime, are common. Toddlers can get ready for sleep with a good bedtime routine.
Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 typically need 10 to 13 hours of sleep each day, including nighttime sleep and an optional daytime nap. Sleep challenges, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying in bed, are common at this age. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities like reading or quiet play can help preschoolers transition smoothly to sleep and ensure they get the rest they need for healthy growth and development.
Initially, those late-night feedings make sleep a bit tricky for both parents and babies. You might think that bedtime will get easier once your kid becomes a toddler. Many parents believe that getting their toddler to bed can be the most challenging part of the day. Kids at this age sometimes don’t want to go to sleep, especially when their older siblings are still up and about. It’s great to know that there are some helpful tips to make bedtime a little easier!
One key healthy sleep habit for kids is to maintain a consistent nightly routine. Your baby will help shape your routine at the beginning, but you can create a peaceful atmosphere for the future by maintaining a quiet bedroom and dimming the lights.
It’s best to skip playtime with your baby just before bedtime. Keep your voice soft and calming to help your baby feel less stimulated by your presence.
When sharing nighttime caregiving with others, it’s really helpful for everyone to stick to the same routine. As your little one transitions into a toddler, it’s great to establish a routine that includes bathing, brushing teeth, some quiet time that could feature a story, and settling into their own bed.
Lay your little one down to sleep while they’re still drowsy but awake. If you notice signs of tiredness, like when babies start rubbing their eyes, it’s a good idea to head to the bedroom. Putting sleepy babies in bed helps them associate it with the process of drifting off to sleep.
As part of your child’s nightly routine, it’s great for them to be awake when they get in bed. Letting them drift off in front of the TV or in your bed is not the best idea. Every now and then might be okay, but it’s important for them to get used to falling asleep in the same spot each night, and keeping things consistent really helps!
This is just a friendly reminder to always place newborns on their backs to sleep unless your healthcare provider recommends a different position for your child’s specific medical needs. Let’s clear the bed of blankets and other soft items!
Your little one may fuss or cry before drifting off to sleep. Give it a little while before you check on your baby. If your little one is still feeling upset, comfort them and try again.
Many babies tend to drift off to sleep more quickly when they are swaddled. Swaddling a baby involves gently wrapping them in a cozy blanket or a swaddling sleep sack. When you swaddle your baby, just be sure it’s not too tight. It’s important for babies to have the ability to bend their legs.
It’s a good idea to stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, which usually happens around 4 months.
Since you’re already turning off devices an hour before bed, why not use that time each night for a nice calm-down period? This can help make bedtime a breeze. While screens are off-limits, your child can enjoy reading or listening to gentle music at a low volume. If you have a busy schedule, you might find blending some quiet time with your bath and other bedtime routines helpful.
Attend to your child’s needs before bedtime so they don’t find reasons to delay going to sleep. They might appreciate a drink of water, a light being left on, or the door being left just a bit open.
Encourage your child to bring a beloved item to bed with them each night. It’s perfectly fine for your child to snuggle up with a teddy bear, a special blanket, or their favorite toy at this age. This can be really helpful for children to drift off to sleep, particularly if they happen to wake up during the night. Ensure the object is safe and free from any choking hazards, such as buttons or loose ribbons. Stuffing or pellets inside stuffed toys can be risky.
A child’s room should be conducive to sleep. When it’s time to sleep, the bedroom should be quiet, comfortable (70-75° F), and dark. If there are no other options for play during the day, your child’s bedroom may be used as such. Even if this is the case, the bed should only be used for quiet time and sleep. They need to understand that the bed is a place to rest. Limit toys in bed to one favorite stuffed toy, doll, or other comfort object.
Sleep is a cornerstone of healthy development for infants and toddlers, influencing not only their mood but also their ability to learn, socialize, and thrive. A well-rested child is better equipped to engage in daily activities and make the most of their experiences. For children attending preschool in Potomac, MD, quality sleep plays a crucial role in supporting their growth, ensuring they are ready to participate, interact, and explore the world around them with energy and enthusiasm.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.