What is the average bedtime for children?

In addition to exercise and healthy food, plenty of sleep is also important for a child. Children who don’t get enough sleep feel tired or weak. The time at which children go to sleep does differ. Some children simply need more sleep than others. The time at which a child goes to bed of course also depends on age.

The time at which children go to bed often varies, because children up to 3 years old still often sleep in the afternoon. Children who sleep longer during the afternoon can go to bed a bit later in the evening, compared to children who have only had a short nap in the afternoon. As soon as children no longer sleep in the afternoon, it becomes important for them to go to bed every evening at the same time.

Age child - bedtime
2 years: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
3 years: 6.30 - 7:30 pm
4 years: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
5 years: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
6 years: 7:15 - 8:15 pm
7 years: 7:15 - 8:15 pm
8 years: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
9 years: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
10 years: 8:00 - 9:00 pm
11 years: 8:30 - 9:00 pm
12 years: 9:00 - 9:30 pm

 

 

How much sleep does a child need?

Apart from the time at which a child goes to bed, it also important to look at how many hours of sleep a child needs per day. There are a number of general rules:

- Children of 2 / 3 years need 14 hours of sleep per day on average
- Children of 4 / 5 years need 12 hours of sleep per day on average
- Children of 6 to 9 years need 11 hours of sleep per day on average
- Children of 10 / 11 years need 10 hours of sleep per day on average
- Children of 12 years need 9 hours of sleep per day on average

Average bedtime children in other countries

The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany are quite unique when it comes to children’s bedtime. Children who live in these countries usually go to bed at a set bedtime. In other countries and cultures, it is common for children to stay up until they are tired.

See besides average bedtime child also: 
Average Sleep Time