Children differ in how much sleep they need, how long it takes them to fall asleep, and how easily they wake up. If you are concerned about your child’s sleep habits, talk with your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary to help track your child’s sleep habits. Here is a sample chart.
| Day of the Week |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
| Date |
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| Where your child sleeps |
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| Average hours of sleep at night |
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| What your child needs to fall asleep (for example, a favorite toy or blanket)\* |
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| How often your child wakes up during the night |
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| How you comfort and console your child when they wake up during the night |
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| The timing and length of naps |
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| Any changes or stresses in the home |
\* Children younger than 1 year should be placed on their backs to sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface with no objects, such as toys or blankets, that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation.
Disclaimer
Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brochure
The AAP is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
