How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need

While no baby, toddler or even teenager for that matter is the same, it's nevertheless helpful to have a rough idea of what sort of hours the average child sleeps.

Typical Sleep Patterns - Babies and Toddlers

Here's a summary of a few ways that may help your child ease into a good night's sleep:

• Include a winding-down period in the routine.
• Stick to a bedtime, alerting your child both half an hour and 10 minutes beforehand.
• Allow your child to choose which pajamas to wear, stuffed animal to take to bed, etc.
• Consider playing soft, soothing music.
• Don't give your baby or toddler a bottle (of breast milk, formula, or any sugar-containing drink) to aid sleep. This can cause a serious dental problem called "baby bottle tooth decay" because the fluids tend to pool in the child's mouth.
• Tuck your child into bed snugly for a feeling of security.
• Encourage your older kid or teen to set and maintain a bedtime that allows for the full hours of sleep needed at this age.