Wake windows by age
Here at The Little Sleep Spot, one of the most common questions I get asked is what the ideal wake window is for their baby.
While every baby is unique and they have their own sleep needs, there are some general guidelines that can help you to ensure your little one is getting all the sleep they need.
What are the ideal wake windows for each age?
| Age | Window |
| 0-3 months | 30-90 minutes |
| 3-6 months | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| 6-8 months | 2-3 hours |
| 8-13 months | 2.5-4 hours |
| 13-18 months | 4.5-6 hours |
| 18 months-3 years | 5-6 hours |
0 to 3 months wake windows
Babies this age have extremely short wake windows and can typically only stay awake for about thirty to ninety minutes at a time. After being awake for this short period, they will usually need to take a nap. It's important to watch for tired cues, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or fussiness, to ensure they aren't kept awake too long.
3 to 6 months wake windows
As babies get a little older, they will be able to stay awake for longer periods, typically up to two and a half hours. However, they still need around four naps throughout the day to ensure they aren't getting overtired.
6 to 8 months wake windows
Around now, many babies will start consolidating their naps and sleeping for longer stretches at night. From six months, they may be able to stay awake for two to three hours between naps, but it's important to keep an eye on their tired cues and adjust as needed.
8 to 13 months wake windows
By this age, most babies will have dropped down to two naps a day, with wake windows of around two and a half to four hours. They will likely be sleeping for longer stretches at night.
13 to 18 months wake windows
As babies pass their first birthday, their wake windows will continue to stretch, with most being able to stay awake for about four and a half to six hours at a time. They may still be taking two naps a day, but some may start transitioning to just one nap.
18 months to 3 years wake windows
During this period, most babies will transition to just one nap a day, typically in the afternoon. They will usually be able to stay awake for around five to six hours between naps. A lot of babies still benefit from a nap until they reach 3 years old and beyond.
Every baby is different
Wake windows vary from child to child, and these general guidelines are just a starting point. Your baby might be doing their own thing. This is completely OK too!
Some babies may need more or less sleep than others, so it's just always important to watch for tired cues and adjust the windows as needed.
If you’d like help with a sleep routine that works best for your family and is tailored to your own baby’s sleep needs, please book a free discovery call with me.
