Nothing is discussed as much as the fascinating topic of "sleep of our youngest children".
Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality affect the cognitive and physical development of children. This effect extends even into school age.
The first year of a baby's life is particularly full of developmental leaps and regressions – developmentally related changes in sleep patterns. These leaps and changes often turn night into day. Nighttime awakenings are not uncommon during such leaps and sleep changes.
Everything babies and toddlers learn and experience is processed during sleep. This process creates more and more synaptic connections. The size of the brain triples in the first two years of life – and that is an enormous physical feat.
It is therefore all the more important to make the sleep environment as low-stimulation as possible. From the 4th month onwards, when the baby begins to develop a day/night rhythm, it is advisable to darken the room where the baby sleeps in good time and to allow as many naps as possible to take place naturally at home – in a quiet environment.
How much sleep should your child actually get? What is their total sleep requirement in 24 hours? How many of those hours are for daytime naps? How many hours are for nighttime sleep?
Why are some children awake at night from time to time – regardless of regression or developmental spurts? Does their mood play a role during these nighttime awakenings? What can you do about these awakenings? Because – getting enough sleep for your child is so important! Both for their development and for preventing overtiredness.
The sleep needs of babies and toddlers vary depending on their age and developmental stage. Every child is unique, and just like adults, some sleep a lot and others not much. And did you know that most of the factors influencing the "internal clock" and sleep habits are genetically determined?
Here you will find a guide to the sleep requirements of babies and toddlers up to 2.5 years old:
Your child's sleep needs are one thing – but how long can your child stay awake between naps without becoming overtired or being put down too early? How many naps does your child need at what age, and when do daytime naps change? What's the latest time the last nap should end so your child doesn't have to fall asleep again until 9 pm?
Of course, your child's signs of tiredness always take priority! However, if your little miracle isn't showing you any signs, these guidelines are a great help.
Of course, some children can last a little longer or a little less time.
This is also very individual and should be taken into account. It's also important to remember that, for example, naps should/could start earlier if the previous nap (whether day or night) was shorter – perhaps because it was interrupted by longer periods of wakefulness during the night.
