We all like to have a good nap between classes or work hours. But with the fast pace of our daily lives, it’s hard to find time for such a thing. In the small world of a baby, however, a nap is essential. It is always a good way to rest and relax. Not only is it good for a baby, but also for parents who want to have a restful time.
The benefits of napping
The benefits of a nap are numerous and universally recognised, such as its effect on :
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The nap favours the emotional development of a child. Thus, children who miss naps and do not rest during the day are the most likely to show signs of anxiety and learning problems.
Scientifically speaking, a child who takes a nap has a better day. Indeed, studies have shown that a child’s positive emotional responses are 35% lower when they have not had time for a nap.
NIGHT SLEEP
In contrast to the effect that napping can have on an adult’s sleep schedule, a child needs to nap or he/she may have difficulty sleeping at night.
Lack of napping, for example, can make a child irritable and nervous, which decreases their chances of sleeping. This will then lead to an exhausted baby and exhausted parents.
EMOTIONS
Like everyone else, when a baby is tired he is emotionally unstable. This can lead to tantrums.
Studies point out that when toddlers are used to regular naps, if they miss even one, they can be more irritable and prone to tantrums.
Indeed, no one finds it pleasant when a child cries on the floor of a shop or department store simply because his or her parent has refused to buy him or her something.
HEALTH
Obviously, toddlers go through periods of rapid growth. This increases their need for food, but also for sleep. Indeed, much of this growth takes place while they are in dreamland, which means that depriving your child of sleep can affect them physically and mentally.
Does the nap differ according to age?
The nap differs from one child to another. It is directly related to the hours of sleep at night, for example a child who sleeps 13 hours may have a short nap. On the other hand, a child who sleeps 9 hours in the evening will have a nap of 2 hours or more.
Thus, the nap is individual and personal. This does not prevent an average according to age from being observed, as follows:
FROM BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS
Infants always need 15 hours or more of sleep. They sleep all day while waking up every 2 or 3 hours to eat.
At about 3 or 4 months of age, the baby needs 10 hours of sleep at night and 5 hours during the day, with two or three naps that may last an hour or more.
FROM 6 TO 12 MONTHS
Babies at this age usually need 14 hours of sleep. So, with about 2 naps a day, the baby feels relaxed.
During this period, naps are often taken in the middle of the afternoon or in the morning, but not in the late afternoon. 3 hours will then be divided into 2 naps during the day.
FROM 1 TO 3 YEARS (TODDLERS)
On average, children between 1 and 3 years of age require 13 to 14 hours of sleep, including a 1 to 3 hour nap in the afternoon.
However, late afternoon naps are not recommended for toddlers, as this will be close to bedtime, which can make it difficult to get to sleep at night.
FROM 3 TO 5 YEARS (PRESCHOOL AGE)
Preschoolers do not need as much sleep as younger children. Therefore, an average of 11 or 12 hours of sleep is sufficient, plus a good afternoon nap.
FROM 5 TO 12 YEARS (SCHOOL AGE)
With a decrease in sleep hours throughout a child’s growth, it is best for school-age children to get between 10 and 11 hours of sleep.
Younger children may need a nap as they grow, if not an earlier bedtime.
