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kidshealth library

health & safety topics

Your child's health and safety is our top priority. Please search our resource library for information on health, nutrition, fitness, injury prevention and other important topics.

Sleep

Naps

A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.

Night Terrors

A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

Nightmares

It’s normal for kids to have nightmares occasionally. You can't completely prevent nightmares, but you can help make them less likely and help your child get back to sleep.

Sleep and Your Newborn

Newborn babies don’t yet have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat – no matter what time it is.

Sleep and Your Preschooler

Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 13 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.

Sleep and Your School-Aged Child

School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. If they don't get it, they may be cranky or moody, hyper, and have behavior problems.

Sleep and Your Teen

Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.

Sleepwalking

Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1 year old. Though SIDS remains unpredictable, you can help reduce your infant's risk.

Toddler Sleep: 1- to 2-Year-Olds

How much sleep do toddlers need? Learn about the sleep habits and patterns of 1- to 2-year-olds.