How can I help my child sleep better?

Following a series of routines before going to bed can facilitate the process if the child refuses to sleep. In addition, they will help the dream come naturally.

Babies and children have different sleep needs, and if they do not get enough sleep, parents should assess how they can sleep better. There are certain minimum values ​​that are necessary depending on the age of the child and that can act as a guide.

If a child or a baby does not rest enough, it can affect the child's intellectual development and progress in learning .

Sleep hours depending on age

Sleeping the necessary hours at each age will help parents to implement a routine so that the child can sleep better. In general, it is accepted that the optimal schedule is as follows:

• Up to 6 months : Usually, babies under six months usually sleep about 16 hours, between night and the different naps that will do during the day. A range of 11 to 18 hours is accepted, but you should not sleep anymore.

• From 6 to 12 months : At this time, ideal sleep hours range from 13 to 15 hours, but never less than 12 hours at night.

• From 1 year to a year and a half : It is recommended that you sleep about 13 hours in general, minimum 9 at night.

• 2 years : The hours of sleep will be reduced to about 12 hours, counting the nap.

• 3 years : The hours of sleep are reduced progressively, so we recommend 11 hours of sleep at night, and a nap of one hour at noon.

• 4 years : When he is 4 years old, the child will still need to sleep about 10 hours. You can do without the nap unless the child sleeps less than 8 hours at night.

Habits to help them sleep better

It is very important, especially if the child does not like to sleep, that certain routines are carried out before going to bed .  This will help you understand that the dream process is necessary and that it has its rules and schedules, like other activities, such as play.

One of the most widespread routines is to teach him that after dinner he should go to put on his pajamas, brush his teeth, face and hands, read a story and turn off the light. It can be modified depending on the family, but it must always be the same.

If the child has no problems in following the routines, we can change them a little on the weekend. Otherwise, they should be maintained even during the weekend , until you have become accustomed.