I was talking to a single mom from work who told me her kids (ages 2 and 3.5) sleep 12 hours at night, she puts them to sleep at 6:30 and take a 3 hour nap daily so her kids get 15 hours of sleep on weekdays and about 17 on weekends. I told her that my 3 year old gets 12-12.5 hours of sleep per day. She told me that I needed to read a child care care book because my three year old should sleep between 16-18 hours per night. I told her my child is not an infant and that I enjoy spending time with her when I am at home and not putting her to bed right after dinner. Basically what I am asking is what is normal sleep for a 3 year old?
"Normal" sleep varies for kids just like it does for adults. I know some adults who feel refreshed after 6 hours, while others need 9, a difference of 50%.
If your kids are not cranky or sleepy during the day, they are fine. (I'd tell your coworker to mind her own business!) Her kids need more sleep and that's cool, but YOU are the best judge of how much sleep your kids need--not your coworker or a book.
Hi J.. My 3 year old sleeps 10-11 hours at night and takes one nap which is usually 1-2 hours. Even on weekends, she won't sleep past 6:00 AM, so I think it's different for all kids. My 13 mth old sleeps 12-13 hours at night and takes 2 naps during the day each lasting 2-3 hours each.
Sheri
Here is a good article. http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/sleep.html
The following is from Dr.Sears.com:
Most parents can tell if their child is not getting enough sleep. My four year-old son is an angel when he is well rested, but when he is behind on sleep... watch out! Here are some average times that most kids sleep.
1 week 16.5 hrs
1 month 15.5 hrs
3 months 15 hrs
6 months 14.25 hrs
12 months 13.75 hrs
2 years 13 hrs
4 years 11-12 hrs
5 years 11 hrs
10 years 9.75 hrs
Adolescent 7.5 hrs (school night)
Adolescent 8.75 hrs (weekend)
Some kids will sleep more or less than this. The important thing is that your child feels and acts well rested.
Dr. Jim
According to my sleep lady book your child should sleep an average of ten and half hours a night, plus an hour and a half afternoon nap. sounds like you are doing everything right. And the other ladies kids sleep way too long. I'm surprised her kids can sleep that much. Oh and by age four they will need eleven and a half hours at night and most no longer need a nap, although they may need 45 minutes of quiet time in the afternoon. Hope that helped
