Sleep isn’t just for resting, it’s when your child’s brain grows, body heals and all those amazing things they learned during the day get sorted like files in a cabinet. As kids grow, their sleep changes dramatically. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you support better bedtime habits and spot any sleep hiccups early.
Let’s take a stroll through the dreamy stages of children’s sleep, age by age, with signs to look for at every sleepy milestone.
Newborn to 3 Months, The Sleepy Blur
Sleep Needs: 14 to 17 hours a day, in short naps and longer night chunks (well, sometimes).
What to Expect:
- Sleep comes in bursts, day and night
- No set routine
- Baby may stir or grunt while sleeping
Feeding needs drive the schedule
Look For:
- Jerky movements during sleep (totally normal REM sleep)
- Fussiness when overtired
- Dozing off during feeds
Tip: Don’t stress about schedules yet, just respond to cues and keep the cot safe and cosy.
4 to 11 Months, The Nap Ninja Phase
Sleep Needs: 12 to 15 hours in total, with 2 to 3 naps a day.
What to Expect:
- Sleep stretches at night get longer
- Naps become more predictable
- Sleep regressions may pop up around 4 and 8 months
Look For:
- Rubbing eyes or ears
- Yawning and zoning out
- More wake-ups if learning a new skill (like crawling or babbling)
Tip: Begin building a simple bedtime routine like bath, book, bed.
1 to 2 Years, The Toddler Tumble
Sleep Needs: 11 to 14 hours daily, with one nap.
What to Expect:
- Nap drops to once a day
- Bedtime battles might begin (hello, independence)
- Dreams and nightmares may appear
Look For:
- Refusing bedtime
- Needing comfort items like blankets or teddies
- Waking up too early or crying during the night
Tip: A consistent routine and a comfy, safe mattress like the Eco Kids Mattress can work wonders now.
3 to 5 Years, The Imagination Explosion
Sleep Needs: 10 to 13 hours a day, often without a nap.
What to Expect:
- Big imaginations may lead to bedtime fears
- Some kids still nap occasionally
- Night waking may increase due to vivid dreams
Look For:
- Asking for one more drink, hug or story
- Suddenly scared of the dark
- Acting “wired” at bedtime when overtired
Tip: Keep calm, cuddly, and consistent. Support their sleep with breathable, allergy-friendly bedding like our bamboo-fibre Eco Kids range.
6 to 12 Years, The Primary School Push
Sleep Needs: 9 to 11 hours a night.
What to Expect:
- Homework, screen time and after school activities can delay bedtime
- Sleep becomes lighter as growth slows
- Sleep troubles can appear with anxiety or over-stimulation
Look For:
- Mood swings or crankiness
- Trouble waking up in the morning
- Falling asleep during car rides or school
Tip: Set screen limits and make the bedroom a tech-free zone.
13 to 18 Years, The Teen Clock Flip
Sleep Needs: 8 to 10 hours a night (but they’ll want to sleep in till noon)
What to Expect:
- Biological clock shifts later (they really are night owls)
- School pressure and social life can mess with sleep
- Sleep deprivation is super common
Look For:
- Struggling to get up on school mornings
- Sleeping in too long on weekends
- Poor concentration or moodiness
Tip: Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, and make sure their mattress supports growing teen bodies too.
Sleep just evolves, just like kids. Every age comes with its own bedtime challenges and joys. Watching how your child’s sleep changes over time helps you stay in tune with their needs. And remember, a good mattress isn’t just a comfortable thing, it’s essential for health.
The Eco Kids Mattress is built with 60% stronger springs, natural materials and anti-allergenic fabrics that grow with your child from toddler to teen. No nasties, no fuss, just healthy, happy sleep.
Sleep is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your child. And with a bit of know-how, you’re doing an amazing job. Now, off to bed you go!
