Guides for parents

The long reads: what the guidelines actually say, in plain words.

• AAP screen time guidelines 2026: what the new policy actually saysThe AAP’s 2026 policy replaced its 2016 hour limits with a Family Media Plan and the 5 Cs. Here is what it says, by age, and what to do this week.
• How much sleep does my child need? Hours by age, 4 months to 18AASM sleep hours for kids from 4 months to 18, signs your child is short on sleep, why teens run late, and how light, screens and bedtime change things.

Educational content only, not medical advice. New pages are added as we write them. All guides · Meet the crew