Newborns (0 - 2 months)
16 - 18 hours
1Observe baby's sleep patterns & identify signs of sleepiness.
2The crib should be
safety approved.
3Place baby to sleep on
his/her back with face & head clear of blankets
& other soft items.
14 - 15 hours Napping | 2½ - 4 hours
1Develop a consistent bedtime schedule that is enjoyable, but not stimulating.
Choose books over tablets or television.
2Establish a regular "sleep friendly"
environment. Infants need to fall asleep consistently in their place of sleep.
3Encourage your baby to fall asleep
independently & become a "self-soother." This can help them fall back asleep on their own they wake during the night.
T0ddlers (1 - 3 years)
Preschoolers( 3 - 5 years)
Infants (2 - 12 months)
Newborns have multiple sleep periods throughout the day & night that are usually interrupted by hunger. Newborn sleep is an active event; babies often make various noises, smiles, sucking actions & body movements during their sleep.
Tips to creating a positive & safe sleeping environment for newborns:
1 Set & enforce consistent limits on
number of books read, drinks needed, kisses given, etc.
2 The bedroom environment
should be the same every night & throughout the night.
3Falling asleep independently
can be helped with the use of a security object, like a blanket
or stu�ed animal.
12 - 14 hours Napping | 1½ - 3½ hours
Bedtime with toddlers can be a bigger challenge due to increased mobility & stamina. Morning naps are usually not needed after 18 months. The transition from crib to bed usually happens during this period.
Tips to creating better sleep habits for infants:
Tips to help toddlers develop good sleep habits:
1Have a light snack.
2Take a bath or shower.
3Put on pajamas.
4Brush teeth.
5Read a story – not from an
electronic device. Set limits on the number of stories allowed at reading time.
11 - 13 hours Napping | 0 - 1 hour
Tips to help prevent sleep problems for preschoolers:Nighttime fears can become a challenge
as your child’s imagination is very active. Behavioral problems during the day may result from sleep problems like di�culty
breathing, frequent night awakenings, etc.
Follow a non-stimulating bedtime routine every night & consistent schedule. Create the
same sleeping environment every night, it should be cool, quiet, dark & without a TV.
6Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature.
7Put your child to bed.
8Say goodnight & leave.
9Make an incentive chart to
encourage your child to stay in bed after you’ve said goodnight.
Recommended Bedtime Routine
School-Age( 5 - 12 years)
10 - 11 hours
This is the age where sleep deprivation is common due to over-scheduled activities, TV or
computer/electronic media exposure, ca�eine intake & medications or medical conditions.
Establishing good sleep & health habits during this time in your child’s life
will have a long lasting impact.
Be alert for persistent sleep problems, behavioral problems & daytime sleepiness.
1Be a good role model for your children. Introduce healthy sleep habits, disease preven-
tion & health promotion.
4Set limits for activities, TV,
computer, or video use.
1Have a light snack.
2Take a bath or shower.
3Put on pajamas.
4Brush teeth.
5Read a story – not from an
electronic device. Set limits on the number of stories allowed at reading time.
6Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature.
7Put your child to bed.
8Say goodnight & leave.
9Make an incentive chart to
encourage your child to stay in bed after you’ve said goodnight.
Recommended Bedtime Routine
2 Continue to emphasize the need
for a regular & consistent sleep schedule & bedtime routine.
5 Avoid ca�eine. Sugary sodas or
energy drinks should be avoided, especially in the evening.
3 Avoid electronic media at
least 1 hour before the bedtime routine.
6TV's, computers, tablets &
phones should be turned o� & taken out of the bedroom.
Tips to help avoid sleep problems in school-age children:
4A quiet & dark room at a
comfortable temperature is best for sleep.
5Put baby in the crib when
drowsy, not asleep.
6Encourage nighttime sleep & avoid long daytime sleep
periods over 3 hours.
