How often should you check on a sleeping child or infant?

Checking on a sleeping child or infant every 15 minutes is a reasonable frequency that balances safety with practical observation. This interval allows the caregiver to monitor the child's well-being without being overly intrusive, which can disrupt their sleep. During these check-ins, the caregiver can observe for any signs of distress, ensure the child is in a safe sleeping position, and confirm that the environment is conducive to sleep (e.g., appropriate temperature, no loose bedding).

More frequent checks, such as every 5 or 10 minutes, could lead to unnecessary disturbances, potentially waking the child and preventing them from getting restorative sleep. Conversely, checking every 30 minutes may be too infrequent and could mean missing critical signs that a child might need assistance, especially in the case of infants who can require more attention due to their vulnerabilities. Therefore, the 15-minute interval strikes a suitable balance between maintaining a watchful eye and allowing the child to rest peacefully.