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What Time Should You Put Your Child to Bed by Age

8 min read · 30 August 2026
Иллюстрация к статье «Во сколько укладывать ребёнка спать: режим по возрасту»

Every parent sooner or later faces the question of when to put their child to bed. A proper sleep schedule is crucial for the health and development of your little one, as well as for the overall well-being of the entire family. Knowing when to send your child off to dreamland is important not just for newborns but also for older kids, since each age has its own unique features and recommendations.

In this article, we will explore optimal bedtime windows depending on your child’s age. You will learn how to establish a healthy sleep routine that supports not only physical but also emotional and psychological growth. Prepare a cozy sleeping space, and let’s dive into this important topic together!

Comparison of Sleep Schedules by Age
Age Hours of Sleep per Day Optimal Bedtime Average Crib Price
0-3 months 18 1-1.5 hours after feeding 10,000 ₽
4-11 months 14-15 19:00-20:00 15,000 ₽
1-3 years 12-14 20:00-21:00 25,000 ₽
3-6 years 10-12 20:30-21:00 30,000 ₽
6-12 years 9-11 by 22:00 15,000 ₽
  • 18 hours maximum sleep duration for newborns
  • 10,000 ₽ average price of a baby crib
  • 14-15 hours sleep time for children up to 11 months
  • 30,000 ₽ average cost of an orthopedic crib
  • 9-11 hours required sleep duration for children aged 6-12 years

Sleep Schedule for Newborns (0-3 months)

Examples of Bedtime

Newborn babies sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, but their sleep is divided into short cycles. Usually, the baby wakes every 2-4 hours for feeding. It is recommended to put the baby to sleep after feeding when they are most tired. The optimal awake time for a newborn is about 1-1.5 hours. For example, if you feed your baby at 10:00, put them down to sleep around 11:30. This helps establish a stable routine and makes falling asleep easier.

Tips for Parents

When choosing a crib for a newborn, it’s important to consider not only comfort but also safety. The average price of a baby crib in 2026 ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 ₽. Pay attention to the following criteria when selecting a crib:

  • Material: wood or safe composites
  • Size: standard dimensions 120×60 cm
  • Adjustable base: availability of multiple height levels
  • Additional features: ability to transform into a bed for an older child

By following these recommendations, you can ensure a comfortable and safe sleep environment for your baby.

Sleep for Children Aged 4 to 11 Months

Daytime Sleep

Between 4 and 11 months, children need 14-15 hours of sleep per day, including 2-3 daytime naps lasting from 1 to 2 hours each. It is important to remember that sleep schedules may vary depending on the child’s activity level and individual characteristics. For example, many parents notice their children sleep better when put to bed at the same time each day, which helps organize a stable daily routine.

Nighttime Rituals

The optimal time to put your child to bed is between 19:00 and 20:00. This timing allows the child to get the necessary amount of nighttime rest. To create a comfortable environment, pay attention to the choice of crib: models with a rocking mechanism, such as the “Sonya,” cost around 15,000 ₽. Nighttime rituals like bathing and reading books can help soothe the child before sleep and make the bedtime process more harmonious.

  • Daytime naps: 2-3 naps lasting 1-2 hours each
  • Total sleep duration: 14-15 hours per day
  • Bedtime: 19:00-20:00
  • Price of crib with rocking mechanism: about 15,000 ₽

Sleep Schedule for Toddlers (1-3 years)

Transition to One Daytime Nap

Between 1 and 3 years, many children gradually switch to one daytime nap, usually between 15 and 18 months of age. At this stage, the total sleep duration is 12-14 hours per day, including both nighttime and daytime sleep. If your child naps at 12:00, they may sleep for 1.5 to 3 hours. This helps restore energy before the evening, when it is recommended to put your child to bed between 20:00 and 21:00.

Nighttime Habits

To ensure quality nighttime sleep, it’s important to create comfortable conditions. For example, an adjustable crib, which typically costs around 25,000 ₽, can help adapt the space to your growing child’s needs. Also, pay attention to bedtime rituals: calm music or reading a book can significantly improve falling asleep. Additionally, make sure the room is dark and quiet, which promotes better sleep.

  • Total sleep duration: 12-14 hours per day.
  • Recommended bedtime: 20:00-21:00.
  • Cost of adjustable crib: about 25,000 ₽.

Sleep for Children Aged 3 to 6 Years

Preparing for Sleep

Children aged 3 to 6 years need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. The optimal bedtime is from 20:30 to 21:00. This timing helps maintain your child’s health and psychological balance. To create a comfortable sleep environment, it’s important to prepare the crib properly. A crib with a good orthopedic base costs about 30,000 ₽ and can significantly improve your child’s sleep quality, reducing the risk of back problems in the future.

Bedtime Stories

Reading bedtime stories is not only a pleasant tradition but also an important part of the sleep preparation routine. Stories help calm the child, stimulate their imagination, and foster a strong emotional connection between parents and children. The ideal duration for reading is 15-30 minutes. This time allows the child to relax and get in the mood for sleep, which helps them fall asleep faster.

  • Bedtime: 20:30-21:00
  • Sleep duration: 10-12 hours
  • Crib price: about 30,000 ₽
  • Length of bedtime stories: 15-30 minutes

Sleep for Children Aged 6 to 12 Years

Sleep for children aged 6 to 12 years has its own characteristics that are important for health and development. At this age, children need 9 to 11 hours of quality sleep. Experts recommend putting your child to bed no later than 22:00 so they have enough time to recover and be ready for a new school day. A proper sleep schedule helps strengthen the immune system and improves concentration at school.

Screen Time

To ensure full-quality sleep, it is important to control screen time. It is recommended to avoid using gadgets for 1 hour before bedtime, as the blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production — the hormone responsible for restful sleep. Studies show that children who spend more than 2 hours a day in front of screens more often have trouble falling asleep.

Daily Routine

In addition to limiting screen time, it is important to establish a strict daily routine that includes regular wake-up and bedtime hours. An orthopedic mattress, which can help create comfortable sleep conditions, costs on average about 15,000 ₽. Choosing the right mattress and following a daily schedule contribute not only to better sleep quality but also to your child’s overall health.

  • Sleep duration: 9-11 hours per day
  • Maximum screen time: no more than 2 hours per day
  • Recommended price for orthopedic mattress: 15,000 ₽
  • Bedtime: by 22:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a crib for a newborn?
Pay attention to cribs with adjustable bases and safe materials. The average price starts from 10,000 ₽.
How long should a 6-month-old baby sleep?
At 6 months, a baby sleeps about 14-15 hours, including two daytime naps lasting 1-2 hours each.
When should a child stop taking daytime naps?
Children usually start to be weaned off daytime naps after age 3, when they become more active.

Key Takeaways

  • Newborns sleep up to 18 hours per day.
  • Children aged 1 to 3 years need 12-14 hours of sleep.
  • Optimal bedtime for children under 6 years old is before 21:00.