Baby Sleep Schedules
by Age UK 2026.
Wake windows, naps & bedtimes.
How much sleep babies need, how long they can stay awake, and sample daily schedules from newborn through to toddler — all based on current sleep science rather than one particular method or philosophy.
All sleep needs listed here are ranges, not targets. Individual babies vary considerably — a baby consistently sleeping at either end of a normal range is not a cause for concern unless they are showing signs of insufficient sleep (persistent difficulty settling, mood issues, frequent night waking). If you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, speak to your health visitor. See also our complete baby sleep guide.
Quick reference — sleep needs at every age
| Age | Total sleep / 24h | Night sleep | Naps | Wake window | Bedtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 weeks | 14–18 hrs | No predictable pattern | 4–6 (30–120 min) | 45–60 min | Variable — no set bedtime |
| 4–8 weeks | 14–17 hrs | 2–4 hour stretches | 4–5 | 60–90 min | Late — 9–11pm |
| 3–4 months | 13–16 hrs | Varies — regression common | 3–4 | 75–90 min | 7–9pm (starting to consolidate) |
| 5–6 months | 13–15 hrs | 10–12 hrs (may still wake) | 3 (transitioning to 2) | 2–2.5 hrs | 6:30–8pm |
| 7–9 months | 12–15 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 2 | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 6–8pm |
| 10–12 months | 12–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 2 (transitioning to 1) | 3–4 hrs | 6:30–7:30pm |
| 13–18 months | 11–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 1 | 4–6 hrs | 6:30–7:30pm |
| 18 months–3 years | 11–14 hrs | 10–12 hrs | 1 (then 0) | 5–6 hrs | 7–8pm |
Understanding wake windows
A wake window is the period a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleep periods before becoming overtired. Wake windows are the most practically useful concept in baby sleep scheduling — more useful than clock-based schedules — because they adapt automatically as babies grow and as their day varies.
The goal is to put a baby down for sleep when they are tired but not overtired. An overtired baby releases cortisol (a stress hormone) that actively makes settling harder and can cause fragmented sleep and early waking. Watching wake windows and offering sleep at the right moment is the fastest route to easier settling and longer naps for most babies.
Newborn — 0 to 8 weeks
Newborn sleep has no predictable pattern and attempting to create one in the first 6–8 weeks is almost always counterproductive. Newborns have very short wake windows (45–60 minutes), sleep in polyphasic cycles (short periods across the full 24 hours), and have no established circadian rhythm — the biological day/night distinction develops gradually over the first 3–4 months.
The most useful thing to do in the first 8 weeks is watch wake windows, respond to sleep cues promptly before overtiredness sets in, and differentiate day and night by keeping daytime feeds in bright, active environments and night feeds quiet and dark. A regular bedtime routine can begin from around 6–8 weeks but should not be expected to produce consistent results until 3–4 months.
4 months — the 4-month regression
At around 3.5–4.5 months, babies’ sleep architecture permanently matures to cycle between light and deep sleep in a similar pattern to adults. This transition — commonly called the 4-month sleep regression — is actually a developmental progression, not a regression. It is permanent: sleep does not return to the newborn pattern.
The practical impact is that babies who previously settled easily in arms or fed to sleep may now fully wake between sleep cycles and struggle to return to sleep without the same conditions they fell asleep in. This is the most common moment parents begin considering sleep training. Wake windows lengthen to around 75–90 minutes, and 3–4 naps remain typical at this stage.
6 months — the 2-nap schedule
Most babies transition from 3 naps to 2 between 5–7 months, though some make this move as early as 4.5 months or as late as 8 months. Signs that a baby is ready for the 2-nap transition: consistently fighting the third nap, taking shorter naps, or taking a very long time to settle for the third nap. Wake windows lengthen to 2–2.5 hours, and a more predictable 2-nap schedule starts to emerge.
At 6 months, night sleep typically consolidates to 10–12 hours with 1–3 night feeds still common, particularly for breastfed babies. Many babies are developmental ready for sleep training at this age if parents wish to pursue it — see our sleep training methods guide.
9 months — 2 naps, longer wake windows
At 9 months, wake windows lengthen to 3–3.5 hours and naps continue to consolidate. A common pattern at this age is a morning nap of around 45–60 minutes and a longer afternoon nap of 1–1.5 hours. The 9-month sleep regression — linked to increased mobility (crawling, pulling to stand) and a peak in separation anxiety — affects many babies at this age and can temporarily disrupt a previously settled schedule.
12 months — transition to 1 nap
The 2-to-1 nap transition typically happens between 12–18 months, with most babies making the change around 14–15 months. Signs of readiness: consistently fighting one of the naps, taking a very long time to settle, or struggling to fall asleep at bedtime after two naps. The transition is often bumpy — a 1-nap day can be overtiredness-inducing in the early stages, and an overtired baby settles harder, not easier.
The transition period may take 4–6 weeks. Bridging with an earlier bedtime during this period (6–6:30pm on heavy days) prevents the overtiredness spiral that derails many families during the switch.
18 months to 3 years — 1 nap, then dropping naps
From 18 months through to approximately 3 years, most children maintain 1 nap of 1–2 hours in the early afternoon. Night sleep is typically 10–12 hours. Some children drop their nap as early as 2 years; others maintain it past 3. There is significant individual variation and the nap should be dropped when the child consistently fails to fall asleep at bedtime — not before.
