5.1 Explain the rest and sleep needs of: a baby aged 6 weeks, a baby aged 7 months, a toddler aged 15 months, a child aged 2 and a half years, a child aged 4–5 years, a child aged 6–7 years

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: 1.3 Support physical care routines for children
Learning outcome: 5. Understand rest and sleep needs of children
Assessment criteria: 5.1 Explain the rest and sleep needs of: a baby aged 6 weeks, a baby aged 7 months, a toddler aged 15 months, a child aged 2 and a half years, a child aged 4–5 years, a child aged 6–7 years

• Sleep is when the brain and body rest, rest refers to a waking state, where the brain is still active
• Rest activities can include chatting, looking at a book, drawing and listening to music
• Approximate hours of sleep of babies, toddlers and children (SOURCE: NHS)
  • 6 weeks old – 12 to 18 hours
  • 7 months old – 12 to 16 hours (including naps)
  • 15 months old – 11 to 14 hours (including naps)
  • 2 and a half years old – 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
  • 4-5 years old – 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
  • 6-7 years old – 9 to 12 hours (including naps)
• Rest and sleep patterns can vary between individual children
• You should know the sleep pattern of the children you are responsible for to maintain their routine – this information can be obtained from their parent/carer