My LO has always slept less than the average amount espoused in some books, and have not yet been worried. Nonetheless after speaking to some local mommas, I wanted to check in with you all and to see if I should be doing something different to encourage more sleep.
He gets about 12 hours of sleep a day on average.
1. He sleeps about 10 hours a nite (wakes 0-2 times if looses pacifier, sometimes to nurse if teething).
2. Goes down at about 800-830 in the eve and wakes at 615 in the morn.
3. 2 hour nap ____@____.com books say he should be getting 13-14. hours a day (12 during the nite)
Any insight? Tips to encourage another 1/2 hour- hour at nite? Or Should I be OK with the situation.
Thank you.
Thank you for all the support and advice. Reading that other toddlers do well on a bit less of the recommended sleep is comforting. Blessings to all.
You've got a great schedule, there. I'd try to lose the pacifier, though. He's getting too old for it.
Um, my first slept maybe 12 hours (night and nap)....maybe, on a good day.
I wouldn't worry. As long as you are giving opportunities to sleep and rest I'd say you are fine.
My second one sleeps more than his brother. I think some kiddos just sleep more than others.
You should "be OK with the situation". Don't read too many books :-)
I never looked up how much sleep my daughter "should be" getting. I just let her sleep until she woke up, if possible, and put her to bed a little earlier if she seemed tired. The same as you would for yourself...
How is he doing on that amount? If well then really trust your instincts-
best,k
My son has always slept less than the books say. He is almost 2 now and doesn't fall asleep until 9:30 or 10 and wakes up at 6:30-7. I have tried putting him down earlier but the night time routine just takes longer. He naps 1.25-2 hours. He is energetic and happy all day so I guess he is fine. He worried me for awhile but it is just the way he is.
So you are worried about a half hour? Are you serious? I don't think you need to be worried.
You should only be worried if you're son seems to be cranky/tired all the time--like he isn't getting enough sleep. And if you do want to try getting more snooze time in, put him to bed earlier. My son is a great night sleeper (about 11-12 hours/night) but naps are always up in the air...most days he ends up playing in his crib for an hour and a half until i go get him, no sleeping at all. So I guess he isn't getting "enough" sleep but he sure is a happy, bright little guy so we're not worried. Every child is different--some just dont need as much sleep as others. I like to think we have to more exciting children because they're too busy learning and playing to snooze all day :)
Seems to me that 10 hours a nite is really good. Maybe, and it's no guarantee, getting a shorter nap could help.
I'm a gramma so the best advise I can give you is Enjoy it while you can! LOL
My son has slept a total of 12 hours since he was around 12 months, with exactly the the same schedule that you mentioned. He is 2.5 now, and is still on the same 12 hour schedule. He is happy and healthy, so I'm not worried. I think your LO is fine.
My LO is 18 months. On a good day she will take a hour nap, but normally she naps for about 20 minutes a day. She goes to bed at 8 and is awake anytime between 5:30 and 7. She is perfectly happy, and has just never seemed to need much sleep (my mom says I was the same way). I wouldnt worry about you LO unless he seems to be very tired/cranky throught the day. Good luck!
My son slept the same amount at that age. Eventually he learned to go back to sleep in the morning. Don't worry about the amount in books, all kids are different.
I was going to pose the same question this week. My 25 month old only sleeps the exact same amount!! And has since she was @19+ months old.
My old thought is that they don't need as much sleep, because I have tried everything from blackout drapes to late feedings, etc..
You mentioned that you are still nursing, depending on how much real food your child is eating, he may be getting up because he's hungry. At that age my daughter was eating a full meal (steak, potatoes, & a salad!)
Just a thought- good luck :)
The books are only general guidelines. My three boys - 6 yrs, 3.5 yrs, and 2 yrs all slept a different amount and still do. We have the same routines for all of them but they are all different. Don't stress. If you need the extra time for yourself and that is why you are fretting.... let him learn to play by himself in his crib while you get your extra time.
Throw away that book and you will stress less! I've had 4 children, 5 grandchildren, none of them had the same sleep patterns. Each person is different in their needs, and children will go through different phases at different times needing more or less sleep. If you want to keep your sanity, roll with it.
My oldest child NEVER in her little life slept 8 hours straight until she had her second child! My second child could sleep 12-14 hours a day her whole life. My third child was kind of textbook. My last child is now six, and her sleep patterns are all over the map, some nights 8 hours, others 14 hours! They will get what they need.
