Nursery World - Positive relationships: A parent's guide to ... sleep

Sleep is essential for a child to grow and stay healthy, but achieving a routine that is comfortable for both child and parents is not always easy. Penny Tassoni offers advice.

Q: How much sleep does my child need?

The amount of sleep that young children need can vary, but most children under five years are likely to need somewhere between ten and 12 hours. If your child is having fewer hours than this, consider whether they are showing the classic signs of sleep deprivation: irritability, unco-operativeness, frequent infections such as colds that won't go away, and poor concentration.

Q: Should my child have a nap in the day?

Many children under four years old will need a nap during the day. Contrary to popular belief, this will not prevent them from getting to sleep in the evening, provided that the nap takes place early in the afternoon and the child is able to be active afterwards.

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