During a health history, the nurse explores the sleeping habits of a 3-year-old boy by interviewing his parents. Which statement from the parents reflects a recommended guideline for promoting healthy sleep in this age group?

Choice A reason: Allowing a 3-year-old to stay up later due to night walking (sleepwalking) disrupts consistent sleep schedules, which are critical for healthy sleep. Extending bedtime may exacerbate sleep disturbances, making this an incorrect practice that contradicts guidelines for promoting stable sleep patterns in young children. Choice B reason: Sleeping in a crib at age 3 is safe but not a recommended guideline for healthy sleep. Most 3-year-olds transition to toddler beds, and sleep health focuses on routines and environment, not specifically crib use, making this less relevant to promoting optimal sleep habits. Choice C reason: A strict bedtime ritual, including a bath and story, promotes healthy sleep in 3-year-olds by signaling sleep time, reducing anxiety, and fostering relaxation. Consistent routines align with pediatric sleep guidelines, enhancing sleep quality and duration, making this the correct and recommended practice for this age group. Choice D reason: Insisting on two naps daily for a 3-year-old is not a universal guideline, as many transition to one nap or none by this age. Forcing naps may disrupt nighttime sleep, and sleep guidelines prioritize consistent bedtime routines over mandated naps, making this incorrect.