How many naps per day by age?
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the land of snooze? Because we’re about to dive into the fascinating world of napology, where sleep schedules and age collide!
Let’s get started!
Quick Answer
The number of naps per day varies with age. Newborns need 3-5 naps, 4-6-month-olds need 2-3 naps, and 6-12-month-olds require 2 naps. As for older babies and toddlers, the nap frequency decreases, with 13-17-month-olds needing 1-2 naps, and 18 months to 3-year-olds typically having 1 nap. It’s important to establish routines and adjust nap schedules based on awake time and sleep consolidation. Here’s a quite chart for your ease:
| Age | Number of Naps |
|---|---|
| 0 – 11 Weeks | 6-8 Naps |
| 3 – 4 Months | 4-5 Naps |
| 5 – 6 Months | 3-4 Naps |
| 7 – 8 Months | 2-3 Naps |
| 9 – 12 Months | 2 Naps |
| 13 – 17 Months | 1-2 Naps |
| 18 Months – 3 Years | 1 Nap |
Note: These are general guidelines, and individual babies may have slightly different nap patterns.
Nap Environment Matter (Carn Horn, Cool Enough Room Etc.)
Napping is an important part of many people’s lives, especially as they age. Throughout life, the number of naps taken per day may vary depending on the individual’s lifestyle and how comfortable their nap environment is.
It is important to note that comfortability matters when it comes to napping; a noisy car horn or a cramped and hot room can make even the most restful person feel uneasy.
Generally speaking, younger children tend to take more naps throughout the day than older individuals. Infants may take up to four naps per day while toddlers typically only need two.
As children move into adolescence, the number of daily naps decreases until adults are usually content with one afternoon nap every once in awhile. However, for those over 60 years old, adding an extra nap during daylight hours can help maintain their energy levels and overall well-being.
Naps Per Day Of Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
Evolution of Nap Needs in Preschoolers
- Infants (0–3 months): 14–17 hours. Infants tend to sleep on and off around the clock, waking every couple of hours to eat.
- Infants (4–12 months): 12–16 hours. Around 4 months of age, sleep rhythms start to become more set. Most babies are sleeping longer at night and have 2–3 daytime naps.
- Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours. Young toddlers may still take two naps, but most drop down to one nap a day by 18 months.
- Preschool (3–5 years): 10–13 hours. Many preschoolers get enough sleep at night and give up their afternoon nap during these years.
Determining if Your Child Still Needs Naps
- Observe your child’s behavior. If they are cranky, irritable, or have trouble focusing, they may still need a nap.
- Pay attention to their sleep patterns. If they are sleeping less than the recommended hours for their age group, they may still need a nap.
- Consider their age. Most preschoolers give up their afternoon nap by age 5, but some may still need it.
Establishing a Consistent Nap Schedule
- Set a regular nap time and stick to it.
- Create a relaxing environment for your child to nap in.
- Encourage your child to wind down before nap time with quiet activities like reading or listening to calming music.
Nap Duration Guidelines
- Infants (0–12 months): 30 minutes to 2 hours per nap.
- Toddlers (1–3 years): 1–3 hours per nap.
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): 1–2 hours per nap.
Distractions: Same Room Siblings
Having multiple siblings in the same room can be a challenge for parents whether they are trying to get their children to sleep or focus on homework. Studies have found that having siblings in the same room can lead to more distraction and decreased ability to concentrate, especially when it comes to nap times.
Generally speaking, younger children will require at least one nap per day while older children may opt out of napping altogether. For ages two-three, a single nap usually lasts between 1-3 hours depending on how sleepy the child is feeling.
As a child grows older, their need for naps decreases with toddler aged kids needing just one mid-day rest typically for an hour or two while pre-schoolers may still enjoy mid-day slumber but only require around 30 minutes of rest time and some days not even opting for any shut eye at all.
Naps Per Day Of School-Age Children (5-12 Years)
Napping is an important aspect of sleep for school-age children, but as they grow older, their reliance on napping decreases. Here are some factors that influence nap requirements and guidelines for optimal rest and alertness:
Decreased reliance on napping in school-age children
- School-age children (5-12 years) require 9-11 hours of sleep per day.
- As children grow older, their reliance on napping decreases.
Factors influencing nap requirements
- Genetics, sleep habits, medical problems, parents/caregiver factors, screen time, and personal hygiene before sleep can affect sleep quality in children.
- Habitual nappers had better academic achievement, greater happiness, grit, and metabolic health outcomes.
Balancing naps with school schedules
- Parents can help children balance naps with school schedules by ensuring they get enough sleep at night.
- Consistent sleep is vital for children and adolescents who are experiencing significant brain development.
Napping guidelines for optimal rest and alertness
- Toddlers require napping for memory consolidation, executive attention, and motor skill development.
- For school-age children, napping guidelines are not well-established, but naps should not interfere with nighttime sleep.
- Making sleep a priority is important for parents who want their children to succeed in school.
Depends On The Individual Child
When it comes to how many naps a person should take each day, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The number of naps per day will vary depending on the individual and their lifestyle.
For young children, who have shorter attention spans and need more sleep, taking two naps per day may be beneficial for them.
As one gets older, those afternoon siestas become less necessary as their sleep needs diminish. Teens may only need to nap once a day in order to adequately rest, while adults may not even feel the need for a nap at all due to busy work or school schedules.
It all depends on the individual’s sleeping habits and physical activity levels throughout the day.
