Every child is unique and needs a different amount of sleep. The information below is based on average amounts of sleep.
A good night's sleep is a very important part of your child's health.
By about 2 years
Your child needs about 11 to 12 hours sleep a night.
They need 1 nap during the day for between 1.5 to 2 hours. Try not to let your child nap beyond the mid-afternoon (3.30pm). This will help them to be tired and ready for sleep again by night time (7pm to 9pm).
From about 2 to 3 years
Your child needs around 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night.
They need 1 nap during the day of up to 1 hour. The length depends on your child and their activity that day. Try not to let your child nap beyond mid-afternoon (3.30pm). They need to be tired and ready for sleep again by night time (7pm to 9pm).
From about 3 to 5 years
Your child needs around 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night.
At aged 3, they may need 1 nap during the daytime of up to 1 hour. Not all children need this nap. Some quiet time reading and playing may be enough.
When your child comes home from pre-school or their childminder, they may be very tired because of the routine and activity there. This is especially true when they start attending pre-school.
Holidays or illness or a change in routine can often upset sleep. Try get them back into a good bedtime routine as soon as you can after the event.
Bedtime routine
A consistent bedtime routine will help your child to know what to expect. It also helps them to feel secure and loved.
When to put them to bed
Don’t put your child to bed too early.
A child should fall asleep within 30 minutes of going to bed.
You may need to make bedtime later for a while until they can do this. Then gradually bring bedtime back by 15 minutes a night to the bedtime you want. Keep to the same morning wake-up time while you do this.
Anytime between 7pm and 8pm is a good guide to settle your child down for the night.