Newborns (0 - 2 months) 16 - 18 hours 1 Observe baby's sleep patterns & identify signs of sleepiness. 2 The crib should be safety approved. 3 Place baby to sleep on his/her back with face & head clear of blankets & other soft items. 14 - 15 hours Napping | 2½ - 4 hours 1 Develop a consistent bedtime schedule that is enjoyable, but not stimulating. Choose books over tablets or television. 2 Establish a regular "sleep friendly" environment. Infants need to fall asleep consistently in their place of sleep. 3 Encourage 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. 3 Falling asleep independently can be helped with the use of a security object, like a blanket or stuffed 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: 1 Have a light snack. 2 Take a bath or shower. 3 Put on pajamas. 4 Brush teeth. 5 Read 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 difficulty 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. 6 Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature. 7 Put your child to bed. 8 Say goodnight & leave. 9 Make 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, caffeine 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. 1 Be a good role model for your children. Introduce healthy sleep habits, disease preven- tion & health promotion. 4 Set limits for activities, TV, computer, or video use. 1 Have a light snack. 2 Take a bath or shower. 3 Put on pajamas. 4 Brush teeth. 5 Read a story – not from an electronic device. Set limits on the number of stories allowed at reading time. 6 Make sure the room is quiet & at a comfortable temperature. 7 Put your child to bed. 8 Say goodnight & leave. 9 Make 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 caffeine. Sugary sodas or energy drinks should be avoided, especially in the evening. 3 Avoid electronic media at least 1 hour before the bedtime routine. 6 TV's, computers, tablets & phones should be turned off & taken out of the bedroom. Tips to help avoid sleep problems in school-age children: 4 A quiet & dark room at a comfortable temperature is best for sleep. 5 Put baby in the crib when drowsy, not asleep. 6 Encourage nighttime sleep & avoid long daytime sleep periods over 3 hours.