how many hours of sleep does a 3 yrs old need

[Tatyana Fanshteyn]

when i tell people my soon to be 3 yrs old child goes to bed at 7pm for the night i get very weird looks. I even had someone ask me if thats my way to get away from him? I really started to wonder if I am doing something wrong. Then i read a few things on the internet that shows I am doing the right thing. I wanted to share some articles

http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/05/14/tal ... hild-need/

according to this he needs 12hrs. If he has to get up at 7:30am and goes to bed 7 there goes the 12hrs.

[Lena]

Tatyana,

Every child is different. Just like some adults need a lot more sleep than others, kids need different amounts of sleep. Some kids take lots of naps, others take no naps, some go to bed early, others go to bed late. They are all fine. I think the best thing we, mommies, can do is to look and listen to what our kids' unique needs are and not listen to nosy people who act like they know everything.

Lena
http://www.ColorfulChildhoodStore.com
unique, fun, colorful decor for playrooms

[alinac]

I say if you can put him for a nap even if it's for an hour it will only benefit the child. Our almost 5 year old hates nap and we don’t make him, but when he does go for a nap on his own he can sleep up to 3 hours. And he’s a much happier kid by 9pm if he had his nap.

[irineR]

Tatyna
I completely agree with u. My 3 year old refused to nap in day care; therefore, she is in bed during the week and sleeping by 8!
on weeknds she takes 1-3 hour naps, we do allow her to stay up until 9-10 pm ( depending on how long she napped)

I agree, kids need their sleep. People are always questioning 8 pm bed time, but apperetly thats what wmy child needs, since she never gives me hard time about going to bed so early.

Irine

[alinac]

There is no way I can get the kids into bed by 8pm. Which is whay I make sure they nap during the day. Some one told us let them stay up till 11 and they'll sleep later... total bull! They went to bed at 11pm and woke up at 6am and were taking the nap at 11:30am lol
So I think you have to check w/ our kid and see what's better for him or her but there is no right or wrong in this topic