Sleep Schedule for 5 years, 11 months old
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up and start the day
Begin calming bedtime routine (e.g., bath, brush teeth, read books)
Bedtime
Bedtime
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wake Time
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children approaching 6 years old still need a daily nap?
Most children have naturally dropped their regular daily nap by the age of 3 to 5 years old. For a child who is nearly 6, a consistent daily nap is quite rare. Instead of a full nap, many children at this age benefit more from dedicated 'quiet time' in the afternoon, allowing their body and mind to rest without actually sleeping.
If my 5 year 11 month old is still napping, how long should it be and how does it impact nighttime sleep?
If your child is still regularly napping at this age, it should ideally be very short (e.g., 30-60 minutes) and occur early in the afternoon (ideally before 2 PM). A nap that is too long or too late in the day is a primary reason for difficulty falling asleep at night, late bedtimes, or night wakings. If nighttime sleep is a struggle, consider shortening or eliminating the nap.
My child stopped napping, but they often seem overtired or have meltdowns in the late afternoon. What can I do?
This is a common challenge when transitioning away from naps. Instead of forcing a nap, implement a 'quiet time' of 30-60 minutes each afternoon. This means no screens, but quiet, solitary activities like reading books, looking at picture books, drawing, doing puzzles, or listening to an audiobook in their room. This rest period helps prevent overtiredness without interfering with nighttime sleep.
What if my child occasionally falls asleep in the car or on the couch, even if they don't have a regular nap schedule?
Occasional 'catnaps' or falling asleep on the go, especially after a very busy, stimulating, or physically demanding day, or if they're not feeling well, can be normal. Try to keep these very brief. If it's happening frequently, it might be a sign that they are not getting enough total sleep at night. Re-evaluate their bedtime and overall nighttime sleep duration (typically 10-12 hours for this age group).
My 5 year 11 month old no longer naps, and now their bedtime is quite early (e.g., 6:30 PM). Is this normal?
Yes, absolutely! If your child has dropped their nap, an earlier bedtime is often necessary to ensure they still get the recommended 10-12 hours of total sleep per night. An early bedtime for a non-napping child is a healthy and appropriate way to meet their sleep needs. As long as they are waking up rested and not showing signs of daytime fatigue, an earlier bedtime is perfectly fine.