Sleep Schedule for 9 month old

Most 9-month-olds have firmly transitioned to a two-nap schedule. The third, late-afternoon nap is typically dropped around 7-8 months of age. While some babies might occasionally need a very short third nap if their first two naps were unusually brief, the goal and norm for this age is two restorative naps per day.

A common two-nap schedule for a 9-month-old involves a morning nap and an afternoon nap, with wake windows (time awake between sleeps) typically ranging from 3 to 4 hours. A sample schedule might look like this: * Wake: 6:30-7:00 AM * First Nap: 9:30-10:00 AM (after approx. 3 hours of wake time), lasting 1-1.5 hours. * Wake: 11:00-11:30 AM * Second Nap: 2:30-3:00 PM (after approx. 3.5 hours of wake time), lasting 1-1.5 hours. * Wake: 4:00-4:30 PM * Bedtime: 7:00-7:30 PM (after approx. 3.5-4 hours of wake time). Remember that these are averages, and flexibility based on your baby's unique cues is important.

Nap resistance or short naps are common at 9 months due to developmental leaps (like crawling, pulling up), teething, or being overtired/undertired. Here are some strategies: * **Check Wake Windows:** Ensure your baby isn't awake for too long (overtired) or not long enough (undertired). Adjust wake windows by 15-30 minutes if needed. * **Consistency:** Stick to a consistent nap routine and timing as much as possible. * **Optimize Environment:** Ensure the nap room is dark, cool, and quiet (consider white noise). * **Brief Nap Routine:** A short, calming routine (e.g., diaper change, story, lullaby) signals it's nap time. * **Encourage Self-Soothing:** Allow opportunities for them to fall asleep independently. If they wake early, give them 10-15 minutes to resettle before intervening.

A 9-month-old typically needs about 2-3 hours of total daytime sleep, usually split between two naps. Each nap ideally lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours. While some babies might take slightly longer naps (e.g., one 2-hour nap) or slightly shorter ones, aiming for at least an hour per nap ensures more restorative sleep. The total 24-hour sleep requirement for a 9-month-old (including nighttime sleep) is generally between 12-15 hours.

Refusing the second nap can be a frustrating but temporary phase. It often indicates a slight misalignment in their schedule, being overtired, undertired, or a developmental surge. * **Review Wake Windows:** The wake window before the second nap is often the longest. Check if it's too long (leading to overtiredness) or too short (not tired enough). You might need to adjust it by 15-30 minutes. * **Offer the Nap:** Even if they don't fall asleep, consistently offer the nap opportunity in their crib in a dark, quiet room. Sometimes quiet rest is beneficial even if sleep doesn't happen. * **Early Bedtime:** If the second nap is consistently skipped, consider moving bedtime earlier by 30-60 minutes to compensate for the lost daytime sleep and prevent severe overtiredness at night. * **Don't Rush to One Nap:** Most babies aren't ready to drop to one nap until 12-18 months, so continue to offer two naps consistently during this phase.