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Your baby or toddler sleeping enough? And how does it help?
In this article, you’ll find answers to questions like:
1. How much sleep is best?
2. What's the impact?
3. Who can help?
Don’t be alarmed that your baby or toddler loves to sleep — a lot.
Pediatric and sleep professionals aren’t hitting the snooze button on a recent report urging parents to ensure their children are getting enough sleep.
1. HOW MUCH SLEEP IS BEST?
Twelve to 16 hours a day are recommended for babies from 4 to 12 months old, 11 to 14 hours for toddlers from 1 to 2 years old and 10 to 13 hours for 3-year-olds. This includes naps.
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s report that emphasizes the importance of children of all ages getting enough sleep each night. The academy also recommends removing TVs and computers from children’s rooms and turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
The academy encourages you to ask the doctor during annual exams for suggestions on how to help your child get the appropriate hours of shut-eye.
2. WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Quality rest improves attention spans, behavior and the ability to focus and learn, according to study. It also makes it easier to regulate emotions and be more physically fit.
In contrast, children who don’t regularly log enough hours often show an increase in injuries, high blood pressure, obesity and depression.
3. WHO CAN HELP?
If you need a crib or additional guidance on safe sleep, contact HomeSafe, an organization that helps parents of young children. It is funded by Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County.
• Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
• American Academy of Pediatrics
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Related resources
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211 Palm Beach Treasure Coast
Help Me Grow – information, guidance and developmental assessment of children up to age 8
2-1-1 Website Email -
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Health Care District of Palm Beach County
C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics — medical, mental health and dental services at more than a dozen locations through the county, regardless of your ability to pay or whether you have health coverage, including for homeless and migrant populations.
561-642-1000 Website -
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Palm Beach Pediatric Society
An organization of Palm Beach County pediatricians, who are committed to meeting the physical and emotional needs of the children and young adults of Palm Beach County by providing the highest quality of care with compassion and honesty.
(561) 509-5009 Website