How much should my preschooler be sleeping?

How much should my preschooler be sleeping?

Sleep varies quite a bit for children 2- to 5-years-old. And it can be tricky to figure out just how much sleep your little one needs. Overall, preschoolers probably need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep per day (across the naps and overnight sleep). Some may be able to get by with 8 or 9 hours of sleep and other may need up to 14 hours. There is a wide range. Figuring out how much sleep your little one needs within that wide range can be tough. Here are some things to consider. If your child is falling asleep at a regular time on her own within about 20 minutes at night and waking up on her own (without an alarm clock) at about the same time each morning, she is probably getting enough sleep. However, if your child is irritable, cranky, difficult to console, or having trouble paying attention, your little one probably needs a bit more sleep. Try setting bedtime about 15 minutes earlier about every 3 days. Keep track on a calendar! See whether increasing your child’s sleep changes her behavior during the day.