Wake Windows / Time Between Naps
Finding appropriate wake windows for your little one can set your days and nights up for success.
Here are general guidelines based upon your baby's age:
- Birth to 12 weeks: 60 to 90 minutes
- 3 to 4 Months: 75 to 120 minutes
- 5 to 7/8 Months: 2 to 3 hours
- 8 to 14 Months: 3 to 4 hours
- 14 to 24 Months: 5 to 6 hours
Read more about healthy wake windows for your baby's age here:
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Let's talk about "WAKE WINDOWS" (a fancy term for how long your baby is awake between naps) - Why do wake windows matter? Well, if your baby is undertired or overtired, you're likely to get stuck with difficult and/or short naps. 😬😬😬 - The following are AVERAGE healthy wake windows based upon age: ▪️Birth-12 weeks: 60-90 minutes ▪️3-4 Months: 75-120 minutes ▪️5-7/8 Months: 2 - 3 hours ▪️8-14 Months 3 - 4 hours ▪️14-24 Months- 5 - 6 hours - 👉🏻What if your little one is flashing sleepy cues before those wake windows? (See yesterday’s post for more on sleepy cues) You may have to push the baby to stay awake a bit past those initial hints of tiredness! 👉🏻Why? If a baby is briefly showing sleepy cues, but hasn’t been awake long enough to be truly tired, naps turn into a battle, and short naps become our nemesis. It’s a delicate balance between being awake long enough to sleep well, but not so long that we cause a meltdown. 👉🏻So, how do you do this? First, establish a normal wake window for your baby (see averages above). If you see sleepy cues prior to this time, maybe this is a perfect wake window for YOUR baby. If naps are short, perhaps it’s time to push just 5-25 minutes longer. 👉🏻How do you gently nudge a baby to stay awake a bit longer? Check out today’s story to see real mamas stretching wake windows with their babies. - Want to see how these wake windows fit into flexible schedules? Want to know when it’s time to drop a nap? Want to know how to drop that nap? I have so many blogs for you!! (Link in bio) - Please remember we have classes to help you. All resources will help with nights AND naps. Sleep deprivation does NOT have to rule your world. (Link in bio.) - How old is your baby? What wake window are you finding fits best for solid naps? What do you do during awake times? Will you tag me in your story today so I can see? - 📷 by @huntersofhappiness
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To see samples, check out our blogs on Nap Schedules: 5 Months to 25 Months and Short Naps and Newborns.
