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CHILDREN’S SLEEP GUIDE (https://www.sleephelp.org)   ⁄     Children’s Sleep Guide

(https://www.sleephelp.org/)

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Like adults, children need sleep to feel their best. But also like adults, it’s not always easy for kids to get the sleep they

need. Family schedules, poor sleep habits, even sleep disorders can interfere with healthy sleep. For healthy development

and happiness, parents should support healthy sleep habits in children of every age.

There’s no denying that healthy sleep for children can be tough at any stage. Perhaps the hardest thing about children’s

sleep is that it’s almost always changing. What works for newborns may not work for a six month old, and preschoolers

sleep much differently than teenagers. All of these changes can leave parents confused and frustrated, especially when

children experience sleep dif�culties.

But even though healthy child sleep is sometimes dif�cult, it’s important that parents and caregivers work with children

to develop good sleep habits. Without enough sleep, children suffer. They experience moodiness, decreased cognitive

ability, dif�culty at school, even behavioral and health problems. There is no substitute for healthy sleep habits and

adequate sleep.

In this guide, we explain everything parents and caregivers need to know about sleep for children at every stage. You’ll

learn about appropriate sleep times for children by age, �nd tips for supporting healthy sleep, and learn how to develop a

good bedtime routine. There are also resources for learning about sleep disorders and discovering the best books, music,

and videos for helping children sleep soundly.

Ultimate Children’s Sleep Chart

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Use this children’s sleep chart to see sleep details for every age from newborn to school age. Find your child’s age to see

how many hours of sleep they need overall, during the day, and at night, along with helpful tips for each age.

 

Creating a Healthy Sleep Routine

→ NEWBORN-2 MONTHS 2-4 MONTHS

Total sleep 16-18 hours 14-16 hours

Nighttime sleep 8-9 hours 9-10 hours

Naptime Sleep 7-9 hours 4-5 hours

Sleep Help/Tips -Most newborns sleep for two to four hours at

a time.

-Swaddling and white noise may help soothe your

baby to sleep.

-Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back to

help prevent SIDS.

-Talk in low, soothing tones to avoid stimulating your

baby in the middle of the night.

-Never fall asleep with your baby on a couch or chair,

as there is a risk of falling as well as suffocation and

SIDS.

-Don't change nighttime diapers except for poop.

Changing your baby every time he or she wakes up

isn't necessary and may keep them awake longer.

-Set up a soothing nighttime routine with a

book, or lullabies to teach your baby how t

before bed.

-As soon as your baby seems sleepy, put hi

down for a nap.

-Don't respond to cries immediately. Give y

a few minutes to try and get settled withou

-Avoid placing blankets or toys in your bab

they can be a suffocation hazard and a SID

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A healthy sleep routine is essential at any age. A bedtime routine eases the transition from being awake to being asleep.

With calming, comforting activities, your child will feel more secure and ready for bed. Sleep associations are strong, and

with consistent use, your child will come to expect the routine, making bedtime transitions easier for everyone.

A child’s sleep routine can be simple as long as it is consistent and predictable. Your child’s bedtime routine will change as

they age, but the basics should stay the same. Quick and easy or long and relaxing, it’s your choice what you do to make

your child ready for bed.

Developing a sleep routine for your child is easy: simply choose a few calming activities that will help your child wind

down before bed. It can be as simple as putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, and reading a story, or

you can involve bathtime, snuggling, songs, or even massage. Follow these tips to build the perfect bedtime routine for

you and your child, adjusting activities for age as necessary:

Set a consistent bedtime: Your child’s body will learn to get ready to sleep at a certain time if you stick to a consistent

bedtime, making the transition to bed easier.

Tell your child bedtime is approaching: Give your child a warning that you’ll be starting bedtime in a few minutes. If

they’re playing, suggest they get “one more time” and then it’s off to start your routine.

Stop screen time: Screen time should end at least 30 minutes before bed. Do not allow screen time in your child’s

bedroom and especially not in bed.

Limit food and drink: Avoid giving your child food or drink just before bed, and don’t send your child to bed with a

drink, especially milk, formula, or juice, which can cause cavities as they sit on teeth all night. If they insist on a drink,

give them water.

Brush teeth and use the potty: While you’re running bath water, encourage your child to use the potty and brush his

or her teeth, offering assistance if necessary.

Start a warm bath: A warm bath will raise your child’s body temperature slightly and induce sleepiness. Plus, they can

keep playing for a few more minutes with bath toys.

Put on pajamas: Help your child dress for bed in comfortable pajamas. If they are old enough, encourage them to

choose which pajamas they’d like to wear.

Choose a comfort item: If your child sleeps with a special blanket or toy, ask them to choose which item they’d like to

take to bed.

Keep bedtime in your child’s bedroom: Once your bedtime routine has begun, keep it all in your child’s sleep

environment. Avoid adult bedrooms or trips to the kitchen or living room for snacks or toys once you’ve gone into

their room.

Read a story, sing a song, say a prayer: Enjoy a few minutes of bonding over a favorite bedtime book, especially ones

with a bedtime theme. Lullabies and prayers or meditation are also a good option during this time.

Put your child to bed: Take a few minutes to snuggle or talk about your day if you’d like. Encourage children to fall

asleep on their own by saying goodnight and leaving while they are still awake.

Stay consistent: Whatever elements you choose to make part of your bedtime routine, stick with them. Keeping the

same routine every night makes it easier for your child to settle into bed, giving his or her body cues that it’s about

time to go to sleep. Avoid wavering on bedtime rules to cut down on stalling.

Additional resources:

KidsHealth.org: All About Sleep (http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html)

Sleep Journal: Bedtime Routines for Young Children (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4402657/)

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Sleep Challenges: Why it Happens, What to Do (https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/331-sleep-challenges-why-

it-happens-what-to-do)

Sleep for Kids: Children and Sleep (http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/sheet.html)

Sleep Setup: Mattresses and MoreWhat do children need for healthy sleep? As your child grows, their needs will change, but the basics stay the same. A

comfortable, clean mattress, safe sleeping area, and relaxing bedroom environment are key to healthy sleep at any age.

Mattresses for Children

Finding the right mattress for your child is the foundation of healthy sleep. A good mattress will give your child a safe,

comfortable place to rest every night.

Crib Mattresses

Babies spend more hours asleep than awake in their �rst few months, so making the right choice for your newborn’s crib

mattress is important. Consider safety, cost, durability, and comfort when choosing a mattress for your baby’s crib.

Crib Mattress Materials and Types

Innerspring crib mattresses: Innerspring mattresses are most common for cribs. These mattresses have coils inside

that are covered with foam, padding, and fabric.

Foam crib mattresses: Light and usually inexpensive, foam mattresses are less common in cribs and more often seen

in bassinets. Choose a foam mattress that is �rm and resilient, as an overly soft sleeping surface is a suffocation and

SIDS risk.

Organic crib mattresses: Organic mattresses can be innerspring, foam, or another type of mattress made out of

organic materials. Parents concerned with gases and materials often choose organic crib mattresses, though they can

be expensive.

Inappropriate crib mattresses: Air mattresses, water beds, and other soft surfaces are not safe for babies and should

not be used in cribs.

Choosing the Right Crib Mattress

Firmness: For safety, your baby’s crib mattress should be �rm and not conform to the shape of your hand when you

test it. Mattresses that are too soft can be dangerous as babies and toddlers are unable to adjust their position on a

surface that holds their shape, leading to potential suffocation and SIDS.

Accurate sizing: Any mattress you choose should be snug in your baby’s crib. For safety, avoid mattresses that leave

space between the side of the mattress and the crib frame, as this is a suffocation hazard.

Venting: Small air �ow holes will let the mattress vent. This allows odors to escape and can extend the life of your crib

mattress.

Water resistant covering: Many parents choose mattresses with water resistant mattress covering. Organic

mattresses may not have this cover, but �tted waterproof covers can be added to bedding.

Certi�cation seals: Make sure you’re purchasing a crib mattress that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Commission and American Society for Testing and Materials safety standards.

Quality and cleanliness: Be careful if you’re choosing a used mattress. Look for signs of wear, damage, or bacteria

growth. For the latest in safety standards as well as hygiene, it’s best to choose a new mattress.

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Crib Mattress Lifespan

Like regular mattresses, it is recommended that you replace crib mattresses every eight years. Crib mattresses should be

replaced sooner if they show signs of wear, have been abused (such as extended jumping sessions with toddlers), or have

been recalled. Speci�cally, look for signs of mold or punctures or tears in the waterproof housing of the mattress before

deciding to reuse your crib mattress for another baby.

Cleaning a Crib Mattress

Most manufacturers recommend spot cleaning mattresses with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals

or bleach, as they can harm mattress coating and linger where your child sleeps at night.

Choosing a Mattress for Your Child

The Right Size Mattress for Your Child

Most families choose twin or twin XL for young children. However, older children may prefer a full or queen sized bed. If

you plan to keep your child’s mattress until they become a teenager, a larger bed may be a better choice.

Types of Mattresses for Children

Innerspring mattresses: Still the most popular mattress for children, innerspring mattresses offer support with coils.

Some now offer individually wrapped pocketed coils for better contouring. Best for: Back and stomach sleepers, side

sleepers (pocketed coil) Bedframes: traditional box spring Cost: $100-$2,000

Memory foam mattresses: Memory foam mattresses are made of foam that molds to your child’s body and then goes

back to its normal shape. This type of mattress offers excellent support as it conforms to your child’s body. Best for:

Back and side sleepers Bedframes: platform, adjustable Cost: $100-$4,000

Pillows for Children

Types of Pillows for Children

Toddler pillows: Designed just for toddlers, these pillows are made with toddler proportions in mind to support their

head, neck, and shoulders. They are typically made of wool, cotton, down, or feather.

Child body pillows: Child body pillows provide support and give children a comforting object to hug at night. Placed

between the legs, they can help with side sleeper alignment.

Foam pillows: Foam pillows offer support without getting too soft.

Memory foam pillows: Memory foam pillows adjust to your body’s shape throughout the night and may better

support the neck.

Latex pillows: Latex pillows are �rm and resistant to mold and dust mites. They are often contoured for neck support.

Wool and cotton pillows: Like latex pillows, pillows �lled with wool or cotton are �rm. They are also hypoallergenic

and resistant to mold and dust mites.

Down and feather pillows: Recommended by many sleep experts, down and feather pillows are easy to adjust, soft,

and �rm. However, some children may be allergic.

Thin pillows: Thin pillows are ideal for back sleepers to avoid pushing the head forward too far. Stomach sleepers

should also use thin pillows to avoid neck strain.

Firm pillows: Side sleepers should use �rm pillows to provide support for the head, neck, and shoulder.

Choosing Children’s Bedding

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Keep babies’ beds sparse: Bumpers, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, and other soft objects are a suffocation risk

and SIDS hazard for young babies. Newborn cribs should only have a �tted sheet for safety.

Ask your child about decor preferences: Child bedding is available in a variety of styles ranging from classic and

modern to themed.

Consider sheet quality: While some child bedding sets will be low quality, particularly themed sets, you should look

for cotton with a high thread count for comfort and durability.

Choose the right comforter or duvet �lling: Comforters, blankets, and duvets come in a variety of materials including

down and features, cotton and wool, synthetic, and renewable materials. Down and feather blankets will be warmest,

while synthetic, cotton, and renewable materials may offer a lighter cover. Cotton will be the most breathable,

absorbing moisture if your child sweats at night.

Consider �re retardants and organic bedding: Many parents choose sheets with natural �re retardants rather than

dyes, chemicals and coatings. Organic bedding uses natural �bers without harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Use a waterproof mattress protector for accidents: Babies and children who are potty training should have a

waterproof mattress protector to keep the mattress clean.

Use synthetic bedding for allergies: Children with allergies may not be comfortable with down, feather, wool, or even

cotton bedding. Synthetic non allergenic bedding is a good choice for these children.

Bedroom Lighting for Children

Child bedrooms should be kept dark: A dark room helps signal to your child’s brain that it’s nighttime and that they

should be sleeping. Any light Of course, during naptime, light is acceptable.

Use heavy curtains if needed: If your child’s bedroom tends to be bright with natural light, use heavy curtains to

block the light out during bedtime, particularly if your child goes to bed before it’s completely dark or wakes up after

sunrise.

Be careful with nightlights: Some children may insist on a nightlight, and they can offer comfort for kids who are

afraid of the dark. They also increase safety for children if they need to get out of bed in the night. However, exposure

to light in the night can have a negative impact on sleep quality. Instead of a nightlight, consider giving your child a

�ashlight to keep on their bedside table in case they are scared or need to get out of bed in the night. Or, use a

nightlight with a timer that turns off after your child has fallen asleep.

Additional Child Bedroom Resources

Sleep.org: Design a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom for Your Child (https://sleep.org/articles/design-a-sleep-friendly-

bedroom-for-your-child/)

American Academy of Pediatrics: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-

stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx)

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association: Safe Sleep Center (http://www.jpma.org/?page=safe_sleep_center)

HealthyChild.org: Tips for Choosing a Crib Mattress (http://www.healthychild.org/tips-for-choosing-a-crib-

mattress/)

Common Sleep Problems for ChildrenJust like adults, many children face dif�culties sleeping at night. Common sleep problems for children are nightmares,

sleep terrors, and sleep talking. Find out how you can help your child work through these issues.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

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The National Institutes of Health estimates that one million school-age children have RLS. However, the condition is

often mistaken for ADHD or growing pains. Children with RLS feel compelled to move their legs at night, feel discomfort

including itching, creepy crawling, or pins and needles, and struggle to fall asleep due to the movement and discomfort.

RLS can be caused by an iron de�ciency, inheritance, even some medications including antihistamines, anti-nausea

medications, and antidepressants. Treatments inclde iron supplementation in the case of iron de�ciency, massage

therapy, hot or cold therapy, and good sleep habits. Severe cases may call for prescription medication.

Children’s Nightmares

Most children experience nightmares at some point in their childhood. They are most common in preschoolers, as

children at this age develop more fears and imagination. With nightmares, children experience troubling dreams. They

may cause children to wake up, disrupt sleep, and cause anxiety or distress while they are awake.

When helping children with nightmares, it’s important to remember that these bad dreams may feel very real to them.

Reassure your child that you’re there to help them and explain that it was just a dream. Offer comfort, allow your child to

tell you about their nightmare if they’d like to, and if needed, perform a check in the closet and under the bed to give them

the all clear.

Often, nightmares will happen no matter what you do, but there are things you can do to encourage restful sleep and

good dreams. Maintain regular sleep and wake times, use a calming sleep routine, avoid scary shows or movies before

bed, and create a comforting sleep environment. Be aware that changes at home such as moving, starting a new school, a

new sibling, divorce, or a death in the family can increase anxiety and lead to more nightmares.

Insomnia

Children can experience insomnia, which occurs when children have dif�culty falling asleep or staying asleep at night.

Children with insomnia may wake up to early as well. Insomnia makes it dif�cult to rest and may impair daytime

functioning and health.

Insomnia in children can be short or long term, with short term insomnia often occurring due to sickness or a particular

medication. Children who suffer from insomnia three times a week for a month or longer may have long term insomnia.

Childhood insomnia can often be treated with good sleep habits and a comfortable sleep environment. Parents can also

teach children how to relax with deep breathing, positive imagery, and other relaxation techniques. Behavioral therapy

may be needed, however, medications are usually not recommended for children with insomnia.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleeping disorder that most often affects adults, but can occur in children as well. Children

suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing during their sleep, usually due to an obstruction in the upper airway. It can

cause disruptive sleep, learning, behavior, and growth problems, and even cause heart problems. Sometimes, childhood

sleep apnea is life threatening.

Parents should monitor children for signs of sleep apnea, including snoring, heavy breathing, restless sleep, sudden

bedwetting, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea treatment for children can include an adenotonsillectomy to remove

tonsil and adenoids, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and weight loss.

Night Terrors

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Often confused for nightmares, night terrors are sleep disruptions that can be very alarming. They typically occur

between two to three hours after a child falls asleep and as they transition from non-REM sleep to lighter REM sleep. It is

the transition from one sleep phase to another that gives children a fearful reaction.

Night terrors are rare and only happen in three to six percent of kids, usually between the ages of four to 12. During a

night terror, children may suddenly sit upright, scream, and experience fast breathing or heartbeat. They may also sweat,

thrash, and feel scared. Usually, children don’t remember night terrors because they are still in deep sleep.

There is no treatment for night terrors, but more frequent night terrors have been observed in children who are

overtired, stressed, fatigued, or sick, as well as those sleeping in a new environment or taking a new medication. You can

reduce your child’s stress, stick to a calming bedtime routine, and give your child enough rest. Never try to wake a child

during a night terror. Simply wait patiently and monitor your child to make sure they don’t get hurt until they fall back

asleep in a few minutes.

Snoring

Snoring is not always unusual in children. There are some children who snore every night without any indication of a

problem, and 20% of normal children snore occasionally with adequate sleep. Children may snore while suffering from a

respiratory infection, stuffy nose, or allergy, and the snoring will pass along with the illness.

However, snoring can indicate sleep apnea, a serious problem. If your child snores regularly, it’s best to work with your

doctor for a diagnosis.

Sleep Walking and Talking

As many as 40 percent of children may experience sleep walking. This condition is most common between the ages of

three and seven. Sleep walking usually happens an hour or two after children fall asleep and can last between �ve to 20

minutes. Sleep walking can be harmless, but is potentially dangerous if your child wanders outside. Children usually do

not remember sleep walking the next day.

Sleep walking can include sleep talking, though children may not respond when spoken to, even if their eyes are open.

Bedwetting and night terrors may also occur.

There is usually no need to treat a sleep walker or sleep talker unless the condition causes your child to be sleepy during

the day or involve dangerous behaviors. Do not try to wake a sleep walker. Rather, gently guide them back to bed. Lock

windows and doors throughout the home, remove dangerous objects and obstacles, and install safety gates at the top of

stairs. Do not allow sleep walkers to sleep in the top of a bunk bed.

Help Children Understand the Importance of SleepChildren, especially younger children, may not understand how important sleep is. Often, they’d much rather play or

engage with parents, siblings, and friends than rest. But sleep is important to health, growth, cognitive ability, mood, and

more. Parents should help children understand the importance of sleep at every stage, explaining why we sleep, what

happens while we sleep and dream, and supporting children as they learn how to get adequate sleep.

Resources for helping children understand the importance of sleep:

KidsHealth: Why Do I Need Sleep? (http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/sleep.html)

Sleep for Kids: Why We Sleep (http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/why.html)

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Parents: The 7 Reasons Your Kid Needs Sleep (http://www.parents.com/health/healthy-happy-kids/why-your-kid-

needs-sleep/)

National Sleep Foundation: What Happens When You Sleep? (https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/what-

happens-when-you-sleep)

Prevention: 10 Fascinating Things That Happen While You’re Sleeping (http://www.prevention.com/health/what-

happens-during-sleep)

Sleep for Kids: Everyone Dreams! (http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/dreams.html)

WebMD: Sleep Tips for Kids of All Ages (http://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-�t-kids/recharge/kids-sleep-tips)

PsychCentral: Hints to Help Kids Get Enough Sleep (http://psychcentral.com/lib/hints-to-help-kids-get-enough-

sleep/)

Additional Sleep Resources for ParentsWant more information on child sleep? These resources will help your child (and you) get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Training Resources

National Sleep Foundation: Everything You Need to Know About Sleep Training (https://sleep.org/articles/sleep-

training-babies/): This resource offers a brief overview of the most popular sleep training methods. There are also

helpful sleep training tips.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Infant Sleep Training is Effective and Safe, Study Finds (https://www.aap.org/en-

us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/Infant-Sleep-Training-is-Effective-and-Safe-Study-Finds.aspx?

nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-

000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token): The American Association of Pediatrics assures

parents that infant sleep training can improve infant sleep and reduce maternal depression.

BabyCenter: Baby Sleep Training: The Basics (http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-sleep-training-the-

basics_1505715.bc): Find a complete overview of baby sleep training here, including when you can start, what your

options are, what the experts say, and whether you should use sleep training at all.

Parents: 10 Steps to Sleep Training Success (http://www.parents.com/baby/sleep/tips/ten-steps-to-sleep-training-

success/): This article offers suggestions for gently sleep training your baby.

Sleep Aids for Children

BabyCenter: Sleep Aids for Toddlers (http://www.babycenter.com/0_sleep-aids-for-toddlers_1290152.bc): These

sleep techniques range from regular bedtime rituals to transitional objects that can help young children sleep better.

Mayo Clinic: Melatonin Not Recommended for Children or Teens as a Sleep Aid

(http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/melatonin-not-recommended-for-children-or-teens-as-sleep-

aid/): Though melatonin is a common sleep aid for children, the Mayo Clinic explains why they do not recommended.

They also suggest alternative solutions to help children sleep.

Sleep Disorders

Stanford Health Care: Pediatric Sleep Disorders (https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-

conditions/sleep/pediatric-sleep-disorders.html): Stanford Health Care offers an overview of pediatric sleep

disorders as well as information about treatment and the types of disorders children experience.

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Phoenix Children’s Hospital: Symptoms and Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Children

(http://www.phoenixchildrens.org/medical-specialties/pulmonology/sleep-medicine/treatment-of-sd-in-children):

Phoenix Children’s Hospital has an extensive list of sleep disorders children may experience. They explain symptoms,

consequences, and treatment of each.

Sleep Studies for Children

About Kids Health: Sleep Studies: Having a Polysomnogram

(http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/HealthAZ/TestsAndTreatments/Tests/Pages/Sleep-Studies-Having-a-

Polysomnogram.aspx): About Kids Health explains what happens during a sleep study, what is recorded, and how to

get ready.

Baylor Scott & White Health: Pediatric Sleep Studies (http://www.sw.org/sleep-institute/pediatric-sleep-studies-

ritch): In this resource, parents can learn what happens during a sleep study, why they are used, and which sleep

disorders usually qualify for a sleep study.

Sleep Habits for Children

Nationwide Children’s: Healthy Sleep Habits for Infants and Toddlers

(http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/healthy-sleep-habits-for-infants-and-toddlers): Nationwide Children’s

explains healthy sleep habits for infants and toddlers. You will learn what’s normal, what’s not, and ways you can

improve your child’s sleep.

Nationwide Children’s: Healthy Sleep Habits for Older Children and Teens

(http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/healthy-sleep-habits-for-older-children-and-teens): Learn why sleep is so

important at this age and how you can support healthy sleep habits in older children and teens.

National Association for the Education of Young Children: Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits

(https://families.naeyc.org/child-development/encouraging-healthy-sleep-habits): Help your child develop healthy

sleep habits with these key strategies from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The Best Lullabies, Books, and Videos for Child Sleep

The Going-to-Bed-Book by Sandra Boynton (https://www.amazon.com/Going-Bed-Book-Sandra-

Boynton/dp/0671449028): Encourage children to get ready for sleep with this Sandra Boynton classic. It will help

your child wind down and follow their bedtime routine.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (https://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-

Brown/dp/0064430170): This classic tale has put generations of children to bed with gentle illustrations and poetry

as a little bunny says goodnight to everything in his room.

How do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen (https://www.amazon.com/How-Dinosaurs-Say-Good-

Night/dp/0590316818/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=): Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this book

that takes a playful look at dinosaur bedtimes. It models good bedtime behavior for children human and dinosaur

alike.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathman (https://www.amazon.com/GOOD-NIGHT-GORILLA-Picture-

Puf�ns/dp/0698116496): Good Night, Gorilla has almost no words, but illustrates the story of a Gorilla who isn’t

ready to go to sleep and follows the zookeeper around the zoo.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow (https://www.amazon.com/Five-Little-Monkeys-

Jumping-Story/dp/0547896913): This fun book illustrates the classic Five Little Monkeys song.

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Time for Bed by Mem Fox (https://www.amazon.com/Time-Bed-Mem-Fox/dp/0152010661): Beautifully illustrated,

each page on Time for Bed shows children how baby animals go to sleep with the help of their parents.

The Dream Jar by Lindan Lee Johnson (https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Jar-Lindan-Lee-

Johnson/dp/0618176985): Help your children deal with nightmares and turn on their imagination for vivid dreams

with The Dream Jar.

Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book by Dr. Seuss (https://www.amazon.com/Seusss-Sleep-Book-Dr-Seuss/dp/0394800915): Dr.

Seuss celebrates sleep as a small bug’s yawn sets off a chain reaction of making others sleepy — along with your child.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney (https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Red-Pajama-Anna-

Dewdney/dp/0451474570): Learn about a Llama’s bedtime drama with fun rhymes and illustrations.

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (https://www.amazon.com/Harold-Purple-Crayon-

Books/dp/0064430227): For more than 60 years, Harold and the Purple Crayon has delighted the imaginations of

children. Read this book to your child and encourage them to use their imagination before bed.

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (https://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Bunny-Margaret-Wise-

Brown/dp/0064430189): As this little bunny plays hide and seek while his mother �nds him every time, children can

be reassured that their parents will always be there to help them. This is an especially good book for children who are

scared to go to bed alone.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wild-Things-Maurice-

Sendak/dp/0064431789): Take children on a wild dream before bed with this iconic book.

BabyCenter: Lullaby Lyrics: A Primer (http://www.babycenter.com/0_lullaby-lyrics-a-primer_1508569.bc): Do you

really know all the words to Rock-a-Bye Baby? Find the lyrics to important lullabies including Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Hush,Little Baby, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Parents: Sweet Dream Songs: The 12 Best Bedtime Songs (http://www.parents.com/baby/sleep/issues/best-

bedtime-songs/): These favorite good night songs include classics like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, You Are My Sunshine,

and Amazing Grace.

Rockabye Baby (http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/): Offering lullaby renditions of rock bands and popular

musicians, Rockabye Baby music is fun for parents and children alike. Artists include Adele, The Beatles, and The

Grateful Dead.

Video File: Best Baby Lullabies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDgVe1yGOg): Put baby to sleep with two

hours of soothing baby lullabies on this video.

Parenting: Free White Noise Downloads (http://www.parenting.com/article/free-white-noise-downloads): Use

these soothing white noise �les to help your baby fall asleep without distractions.