Sleep Schedule for 4-6 months old
Recommended Daily Schedule
Wake up, feeding, and morning play
Nap 1 (morning nap, aim for 1.5 hours)
Duration: The first two naps are typically 1-2 hours each, and the third nap is often a shorter 'catnap' of 30-45 minutes.
Wake up, feeding, and active play
Nap 2 (midday nap, aim for 1.5-2 hours)
Duration: The first two naps are typically 1-2 hours each, and the third nap is often a shorter 'catnap' of 30-45 minutes.
Wake up, feeding, and quiet play
Nap 3 (late afternoon 'catnap', aim for 30-45 minutes)
Duration: The first two naps are typically 1-2 hours each, and the third nap is often a shorter 'catnap' of 30-45 minutes.
Wake up, feeding, and start evening wind-down routine
Bedtime routine (bath, books, last feeding)
Bedtime
Bedtime
7:00 PM
Wake Time
7:00 AM
Sleep Pattern Visualization
Frequently Asked Questions
How many naps should my newborn be taking each day, and how long should they last?
Newborns (0-3 months) have highly disorganized sleep and typically nap frequently, often 3-5 times a day, with each nap lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to 2-3 hours. Focus less on a rigid schedule and more on observing your baby's sleepy cues and ensuring they don't get overtired. As they grow (3-6 months), naps usually consolidate into 3-4 longer naps, and by 6-12 months, many babies are on a more predictable 2-3 nap schedule.
My baby's naps feel very unpredictable. How can I start to establish a more consistent nap schedule?
Consistency is key! Start by observing your baby's wake windows (the time they can comfortably stay awake between sleeps) and sleepy cues (yawning, rubbing eyes, staring blankly). Aim to put them down for a nap shortly after these cues appear, before they become overtired. Create a short, calming pre-nap routine (e.g., dim lights, quiet cuddle, quick song) to signal it's sleep time. A consistent nap environment (dark, cool, quiet) can also help.
My baby only takes short naps (30-45 minutes) or struggles to fall asleep for naps. What can I do?
Short naps, especially under 6 months, are very common as babies haven't fully learned to connect sleep cycles. Ensure your baby isn't overtired when you put them down – this is a major cause of nap resistance and short naps. Check their nap environment for optimal darkness, quiet, and temperature. For short naps, if your baby wakes after a single sleep cycle, you can try 'nap rescuing' by quickly going in to resettle them back to sleep with a hand on their chest or a gentle pat. Persistence with consistent nap times will often help lengthen them over time.
When will my baby drop a nap, and how do I manage those nap transitions?
Nap transitions typically occur around specific ages: 4 to 3 naps (around 4-6 months), 3 to 2 naps (around 6-9 months), and 2 to 1 nap (around 12-18 months). You'll notice signs like resistance to a particular nap, taking a very long time to fall asleep for it, or it starting to impact nighttime sleep. When transitioning, gradually stretch wake windows before the remaining naps, aiming to consolidate the dropped nap's sleep into longer, more restorative naps. Be flexible during these periods, as some days your baby might still need the 'extra' nap.
Do good naps during the day actually help my baby sleep better at night, or will they make them sleep less?
Good naps during the day are crucial for better nighttime sleep! It's a common misconception that skipping naps will make a baby sleep more at night; in reality, it often leads to overtiredness. An overtired baby's body produces more cortisol, making it harder for them to fall asleep, stay asleep, and often results in more frequent night wakings and early morning awakenings. Well-rested babies, on the other hand, are typically calmer, settle more easily, and achieve longer, more consolidated stretches of sleep at night.