Awake Windows by Age

Wake windows, what the heck does this mean? You hear everyone talking about them, but you just don’t feel like your baby is on the right track with following them. I have outlined biologically appropriate wake windows that when set up for success, a baby will sleep well, and you will avoid the dreaded overtired, over stimulated baby! If you are following these windows, that is awesome! If you are concerned because there are still short naps, early morning wakings, or some other sleep challenges, there is likely something else causing the issue. That is what I am here for, and I would be happy to help you learn all about newborn and infant sleep!

Newborns (0-2 Months)

The newborn stage, where all they do is eat, sleep and poop! This stage can be hard because once baby is up, you change, feed and a little bit of play and your baby is ready for another nap! It can feel like repeat and sometimes like you are racing the clock to get it all done before the next nap. Sleep at this stage is so crucial with the rapid growth that your baby is going through so if you think that they can’t possibly need this much sleep, they do!

Infants (2-4 Months)

Once you are through the newborn stage you will notice that the alertness is greater, and they can extend their wake times for a little bit longer of a stretch. Their time awake will start at about an hour and move to 1.5 hours closer to 4 months. At this age you will know your baby better and their tired signs will be more distinct, and you will have a better understanding of what their signs are. This is where you will also have a more consistent routine throughout the day and ensure you are starting a bedtime routine and nap time routine to set the stage as they grown.

4-6 Months

Your baby should be able to stay awake happily for about 1.5 hour – 2.5 hours between naps. If you are stretching the awake window and you think they are not tired with a burst of energy, that may be cortisol and adrenaline giving your baby energy to stay awake. Have caution going into nap time, it may be more challenging than other naps as their body is saying lets party and their brain is saying I need sleep. About 6 months following a clock for set nap times can be appropriate to ensure a body clock rhythm stays on track and it is also becoming a lot easier to plan your day when you are following a schedule to the clock and not the tricky awake windows.

6-9 Months

In my opinion this is the most fun age, there is so much growth and milestones met. You baby is sitting up, learning to crawl, getting their first tooth. So much excitement is happening, and all of these things can throw a curve ball in sleep. But you have laid the foundation for a solid sleep routine and staying the course even when it is challenging will help your baby get enough sleep to crush those milestones, but also get on track when that stinking tooth finally pokes through. You will see a typical wake window for this age between 2-3 hours.

9-12 Months

This age can handle a longer awake window from about 3-4 hours. Hold on to the 2 naps, you may see some resistance around the 12-month mark, but don’t transition just yet. Sticking to a good routine you will see your almost toddler understanding that it means bedtime for both naps and night sleep.

Toddlers (1-3 Years)

You have a flow blown toddler! Awake windows are about 4-6 hours. You will see some resistance and boundary pushing, that is normal. Staying with your routine and holding those boundaries in place are more comforting for them than they will show you. Keep your consistency up, you worked hard for a whole year to lay the foundation of good sleep, don’t let it go now!

Sleep is a science and understanding exactly what is happening biologically and what your baby’s needs are to grow strong and healthy is important. By having an early understanding and setting your child up for success will only benefit them for a lifetime of quality sleep, but just in infant and toddler years.