The majority of children in the U.S. go to bed too late. Not only is this an issue for the children’s health and development, but it also makes getting the child to fall asleep very difficult.
Babies age 4 months-1.5 should be going to bed between 5-7 p.m. The time they should be asleep varies depending on the quality of their naps that day.
If you try and put a child to sleep within their “window of sleep” (i.e. their circadian rhythm has started the sleep phase) it is easy to get them to sleep. Most parents are aware of the dreaded “second wind.” This happens when you miss the child’s window to get them to sleep easily. If the child was ready to sleep but they didn’t get to bed at that time then their bodies send a surge of hormones to keep them awake. You can avoid this second wind by getting the child to bed when their body is ready to sleep, before their second wind hits.
How much sleep does my baby need?
There are a couple different scenarios that affect what time your child should be asleep (not starting the bed time routine, but actually asleep). For babies, their wake time and nap time will affect what time they should be going to sleep at night. Bedtime should be flexible, (but that doesn’t mean late). Watch your child’s behavior. If they are melting down you missed the window and next time they should be in bed earlier. Don’t keep a tired child awake!
A morning wake time of 5:30-7 a.m. is considered normal. If your child is waking early than 5:30 then usually that is an indication that the child is overtired and the rest of the child’s sleep should be addressed.
Babies age 4-7/8 months who are taking 3 naps
Babies age 8-18 months who are taking 2 naps
Hopefully that helps give you an idea about what time your child should be asleep at night. Again, bedtime will vary a little bit each night but you should be trying to get your kids to sleep within this time frame the majority of the time. Happy Sleeping!
©July, 2018 by Erin Myrmel at Sleep Baby, LLC
Erin Myrmel
Sleep Baby, LLC
775-413-0521
email: erin@sleepbaby.co
This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about pediatric sleep and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not intended nor is implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the health and welfare of your baby, toddler or child. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.sleepbaby.co/disclaimer-copyright