Sleep guide
Baby sleep schedule by age
Wake windows, nap counts, and total sleep needs from newborn through 24 months — a practical chart you can actually use at 2 a.m.
| Age | Wake window | Naps / day | Day sleep | Night sleep | Total / 24 h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 weeks | 35–60 min | 4–6+ (irregular) | 7–9 h | 8–9 h | 15–18 h |
| 2–3 months | 60–90 min | 4–5 | 4–6 h | 9–10 h | 14–16 h |
| 4–5 months | 1.5–2 h | 3–4 | 3–4 h | 10–11 h | 13–15 h |
| 6–8 months | 2–3 h | 3 | 3 h | 10–11 h | 13–14 h |
| 9–12 months | 2.5–3.5 h | 2 | 2–3 h | 11–12 h | 13–14 h |
| 12–18 months | 3–4 h | 1–2 | 2–3 h | 11–12 h | 12–14 h |
| 18–24 months | 4–6 h | 1 | 1.5–2 h | 11–12 h | 12–14 h |
Ranges are typical guidelines. Every baby varies — use them as a starting point, not a rulebook.
What is a wake window?
A wake window is the stretch of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps — from the moment they wake to the moment they fall asleep again. Matching naps to the right wake window is one of the simplest ways to avoid an overtired (or under-tired) bedtime.
Notes by age
Newborn (0–3 months)
Sleep is irregular and feeding-driven. Aim for a wake window under 90 minutes and follow sleepy cues — yawning, zoning out, jerky movements.
4–6 months
The "4-month sleep regression" usually reflects a real shift in sleep cycles. Most babies consolidate to 3 naps and start showing a more predictable rhythm.
7–12 months
Two naps become the norm — typically a morning and an early-afternoon nap, with bedtime around 12 hours after morning wake.
12–24 months
Most toddlers drop to one midday nap between 15 and 18 months. If bedtime is creeping later or night waking returns, it's often the nap-transition signal.
Track it without the spreadsheet
Caro Baby logs naps, night sleep, and feeds in seconds — then suggests the next wake window so you're not doing the math at 3 a.m.
FAQ
How much should a 6-month-old sleep?
About 13–14 hours total — typically 10–11 hours at night plus three naps of around an hour each.
When do babies drop to one nap?
Usually between 15 and 18 months. Signs include short or skipped naps, late bedtimes, or early waking.
What's a healthy bedtime?
For most babies 4 months and older, between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. works well — adjusted to land one wake window after the last nap.