grow ready, set

Sleep…the five letter word that has a different meaning for us than for our kids. For us moms, a nap is luxurious and getting to bed early, a miracle! For our kids, it can be in the same realm as torture and a major waste of time. Regardless of our differing views, we know what is best, and our kids need sleep.

So, what is sleep? Simply, sleep is food for the brain. Sleep is just as important as food and air. There are two alternating states of sleep:

NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) – sometimes called quiet sleep,

• during NREM blood supply increases to the muscles, tissue repair and growth occur, hormones impacting growth and development are released and energy is restored.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) – called active sleep, during REM our

• brains are active and dreaming occurs. Our bodies become immobile and our breathing and heart rate is irregular.

So, we know what it is, and that they need it. Here are some facts, tips and general info on sleep for our kids as they grow.

Asleeping baby will bring out ooo’s and ahhh’s in the coldest of hearts. Initially, newborns will sleep around the clock and wake to be fed, changed, or just to get some nurturing. Most will sleep 10.5 to 20 hours a day. By six months of age, many (not all) babies will sleep through the night. They will also take more structured naps. Naps can occur one to four times a day and range from 30 minutes to two hours each. By 18 months of age, your wee one will need about 12–14 hours of sleep a night and will probably take one nap lasting around 1–3 hours.