Without sleep, we wouldn’t survive.
While we sleep, important functions occur including cell repair and brain development. Sleep assists learning, memory and mood.
Sleep is important to all of us!! But it is especially important for babies and children!
Babies and children need much more sleep than adults for growth and development.
So how much sleep should my toddler be having per day?
Your toddler should be having around 11-14 hours’ sleep every 24 hours
A guide for how to divide this is:
How can I help promote healthy sleep habits in my toddler?
Waking up many times through the night is very common in toddlers.
Some toddlers between the ages of 6-18 months will wake many times throughout the night and resettle themselves.
Others will call out and cry because will need help to be resettled back to sleep. This is very normal for this age group.
Some ways to promote good sleep habits are:
Advice to assist my toddler’s bedtime routine
Example of bedtime routine
Things to avoid in my toddler’s bedtime routine
When to seek help
If sleep problems are causing you and your toddler significant problems, talk your health care professional. Some of the signs of an underlying sleep problem include;
It is important to remember, having a loving, stable and responsive relationship is fundamental to your toddler’s development.
The more experiences your toddler has with you there to support them, the more your child grows and thrives.
When your child feels safe and attached to you, your child is more likely to have the confidence to explore their world. Playing with your toddler strengthens your relationship and encourages your toddler to explore, observe, experiment and solve problems.
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, you can find out more by accessing the Early Childhood Authority’s website at www.eca.gov.ae or contact the Child Health Line on 024194983. Operated by Mubadala Health (available 10:00 am -18:00 pm).
This initiative is a collaboration between the Early Childhood Authority, Mubadala and Mubadala Health
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is a government entity, based in Abu Dhabi, that supports holistic early childhood development. We do this by developing policies and laws, informing decision-making through research and transforming behavior.
Monday to Thursday:
09:00 am to 04:00 pm
Friday:
08:00 am until 12:30 pm