Ensuring that your little one gets enough sleep can be challenging for any parent. However, rest is a crucial part of child care—aiding in their physical and mental development. If you have the kind of kid who always tries to negotiate bedtime, the following guide offers useful advice.

How Much Sleep Should My Child Get? 

The amount of sleep a child needs varies depending on the age of the little one. While newborns need somewhere between 14 and 17 hours worth of sleep a day, toddlers under the age of two need between 11 and 14; preschoolers can make do with 10 to 13. This is often not continuous as many youngsters take midday naps. 

How Can I Encourage Healthy Sleep?

Your child will go to sleep more easily with a consistent routine. Encourage your child to be active so they are actually tired at night. Then complete the same ritual every night after dinner leading up to their bedtime. 

For instance, you may bathe your child and have storytime to help them relax. Don’t allow your child to have screen time or watch television an hour before bed, as the blue light coming from devices could suppress melatonin production, which induces sleepiness.

You should also try to put them down for their nap at the same time their child care center does. If you lay them down too early, they may not fall to sleep readily; if you make their nap too late, it may impact bedtime.

A good night’s sleep helps your child’s mind absorb new information. If you’re looking for a child care program determined to help your son or daughter reach new academic milestones, consider Little Hands at Work & Play in Omaha, NE. This trusted day care center helps cultivate happy and healthy kids, while also putting an emphasis on early childhood education. Find out more about their programs by visiting their website. Give their office a call at (402) 493-6615 with questions.