Table of Contents
- Newborns (0–3 months): example reference range of about 45–90 minutes
- 3–6 months: example reference range of about 1.5–2.5 hours
- 6–9 months: example reference range of about 2–3.5 hours
- 9–12 months: example reference range of about 2.5–4 hours
- 12–18 months: example reference range of about 3–5 hours
- Further Reading
Important: Wake windows are informal planning references, not medical rules or developmental targets. The ranges and minute-by-minute routines below are examples only. Follow your baby’s cues, feeding needs, health, and actual sleep pattern rather than trying to reach a clock time. If your baby is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, feeding poorly, or has breathing or color changes, seek medical advice. Regardless of timing, use an AAP-recommended safe sleep space for every nap and night.
Newborns (0–3 months): example reference range of about 45–90 minutes #
- 35 minutes after waking: Begin reducing stimulation
- 45 minutes: Change diaper, swaddle baby (an example early wind-down point)
- 60 minutes: Feed in a quiet, dimly lit environment
- 75 minutes: Gentle rocking or soothing
- 85 minutes: Place in sleep space drowsy but awake (an example later wind-down point)
3–6 months: example reference range of about 1.5–2.5 hours #
- 1 hour 15 minutes after waking: Begin monitoring for early tired signs
- 1 hour 30 minutes: Start winding down activities (an example early wind-down point)
- 1 hour 45 minutes: Change diaper, put on sleep sack
- 2 hours: Feed or rock in dimly lit room
- 2 hours 15 minutes: Story or lullaby for longer wake windows
- 2 hours 25 minutes: Place in sleep space drowsy but awake (an example later wind-down point)
6–9 months: example reference range of about 2–3.5 hours #
- 1 hour 45 minutes: Begin monitoring for early tired signs
- 2 hours: For shorter wake windows, start bedtime routine (an example early wind-down point)
- 2 hours 45 minutes: For average wake windows, begin activity wind-down
- 3 hours: Start bedtime routine with bath
- 3 hours 15 minutes: Pajamas, diaper change
- 3 hours 25 minutes: Story or lullaby
- 3 hours 30 minutes: Place in crib awake (an example later wind-down point)
9–12 months: example reference range of about 2.5–4 hours #
- 2 hours 15 minutes: Monitor for tired signs for shorter wake windows
- 2 hours 30 minutes: Begin transition to quiet activities (an example early wind-down point)
- 3 hours 15 minutes: For average wake windows, start bedtime routine
- 3 hours 30 minutes: Bath, pajamas, diaper
- 3 hours 45 minutes: Feeding or snack
- 3 hours 50 minutes: Book or quiet play
- 3 hours 55 minutes: Place in crib awake (an example later wind-down point)
12–18 months: example reference range of about 3–5 hours #
- 2 hours 45 minutes: Monitor for tired signs in children with shorter wake needs
- 3 hours: Begin transition to quieter activities (an example early wind-down point)
- 4 hours: For average wake windows, begin bedtime routine
- 4 hours 30 minutes: Bath time
- 4 hours 40 minutes: Pajamas, brush teeth
- 4 hours 45 minutes: Story time (1-2 books)
- 4 hours 55 minutes: Final goodnight and place in bed (an example later wind-down point)
This guide can be adjusted for:
- Temperament (sensitive children often need shorter windows)
- Time of day (afternoon/evening windows are typically longer)
- Nap quality (poor naps may require shorter subsequent wake windows)
- Developmental leaps (may temporarily disrupt usual patterns)
Learn more about Wake Window.
