Everybody needs sleep. Without adequate sleep, you would likely feel disoriented and unable to function properly. During a deep slumber, the body repairs itself and the immune system kicks in to combat illnesses and diseases. For kids, getting sufficient snoozes helps them grow strong and healthy. A good night’s sleep also helps them stay alert in the day, improving their ability to absorb and learn new things.
Sleep For All Ages
Kids of different ages require different amounts of sleep. The rule of thumb is that the younger the child, the more shut eyes he would need. According to the Health Promotion Board, newborns (0 to 3 months old) require a minimum of 14 hours of sleep per day, while an older baby (4 to 11 months old) should get at least 12 hours. By 6 years old, this golden number decreases to somewhere between 9 and 11 hours.
By adhering to these sleep duration guidelines, your kid would feel refreshed throughout the day, and have enough energy to do the things he enjoys.
Signs of a Lack of Sleep
Like most parents, you’ve probably experienced a cranky baby and thought to yourself, “I think he’s too tired!” Indeed, overtired kids do exhibit outward signs like becoming fussy or disinterested in the happenings around them. The lack of sleep can lead to a multitude of performance issues and even their development.
You may notice these symptoms in a child that is not getting enough sleep:
- Difficulty in falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning
- Constantly feeling tired throughout the day
- Wanting to rest despite missing out on fun activities
- Craving for unhealthy stimulants such as caffeine or sugar
- Blurred vision
- Always forgetting things
- Increased impulsivity and irritability
Letting the sleep debt widen may cause these symptoms to worsen. Kids with serious sleep deprivation may even develop mood disorders and behavioural problems such as depression.
Help Your Kid Sleep Better
Babies are not born with an internal sleep clock - they would not be able to distinguish between night and day activities like adults do. The good news is that you don’t have to wait to introduce a healthy sleep pattern, and there are a few ways you can adopt to help your kid sleep better.
1. Maintain a consistent routine
How consistent is your kid’s bedtime schedule? A fixed sleep-and-wake routine helps him to know what to expect, and decreases the chances of him fighting sleep. To make a younger baby sleep, play some light baby songs or dim the lights. This helps to create a peaceful and comfortable environment to lull your baby to sleep.
2. Make sleeping fun
Apart from baby sleep music, you can also read a story book or play a quick game like peek-a-boo, which can calm down cranky children. Snuggling is also great for kids and parents - it builds a sense of security and creates a deeper bond.
3. Implement a restful environment
Your choice of bedding will also affect how well the little one sleeps. However, with so many types of mattresses in the market, it can be difficult to make the best decision. Apart from choosing one that offers the right support, you’ll also need to consider a size. This is important, especially since kids need more sleep than adults.
At Palette Box, you’ll find a wide range of mattresses for your kids. The Sleeping Lab Children's OrthoCare Luxury Mattress is a functional mattress that offers orthopedic support and comfort for babies and growing children. Designed with Micro Tencel fabric, the mattress is ultra-breathable and soft to the touch, while inhibiting bacterial growth and has a light cooling effect. Parents of kids who are not yet toilet trained can also enjoy a peace of mind knowing that the outer cover is fully removable and washable. You can also get a mattress protector to provide an additional layer of protection while maintaining good air circulation for better sleep.
Happy Snoozes for Happy Kids
Kids these days are more sleep deprived than ever, but there are things you can do as a parent - by encouraging good sleeping habits and giving them good quality support to achieve a good night’s rest. Need help? Visit us to check out our range of baby furniture and accessories and help your kids snooze happier today.