What Are Wake Windows?

Wake windows (sometimes called "awake windows") are the amount of time that a baby can handle being awake before she starts to get sleepy, and eventually, overstimulated and cranky. They vary by age and get longer as your baby gets older and needs less sleep.

Many parents rely on wake windows to estimate when they'll need to put their baby down for a nap or for bedtime. If your baby has a two-hour wake window and wakes up from her first nap at 10 a.m., for instance, you know she'll be due for her next nap around 12 p.m.

That's important information to have, especially if you're hoping for your baby to drift off relatively easily. When a baby stays awake for too long, her body starts to produce more of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This revs baby up and causes her to become overtired, an unpleasant state of fussy restlessness that can actually make it harder for your child to fall asleep.

Why Wake Windows Matter

Understanding your baby's wake windows can help you:

  • Prevent your baby from becoming overtired
  • Establish a more predictable daily routine
  • Improve your baby's sleep quality
  • Reduce fussiness and crying
  • Make naptime and bedtime easier for both you and your baby

How to Use Wake Windows

To use wake windows effectively:

  1. Note the time when your baby wakes up
  2. Add the appropriate wake window time for your baby's age
  3. Start your nap routine about 15-30 minutes before the end of the wake window
  4. Adjust as needed based on your baby's individual cues

Remember that wake windows are guidelines, not strict rules. Every baby is unique, and you should always pay attention to your baby's individual sleep cues.

Wake Windows By Age

Wake windows vary significantly as your baby grows. Here's a general guide to wake windows by age:

Newborns (0-1 month)

Newborns have very short wake windows, typically around 45 minutes. During the 4th trimester, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb and need frequent naps.

1-2 Months

At this age, wake windows are still short, ranging from 45-60 minutes. A 10 week old baby's wake window is typically around 1 hour.

2-4 Months

As your baby approaches 3 months old, sleep schedules begin to develop more structure. A 3 month old sleep schedule might include wake windows of 1.5-2 hours. The 4 month sleep regression often occurs during this period, which may temporarily disrupt established patterns.

5-7 Months

By this age, babies can typically stay awake for 2-3 hours between naps. A 6 month old baby might have 2-3 naps per day with wake windows of about 2.5 hours.

7-10 Months

Wake windows extend to 2.5-3.5 hours. Many babies transition from 3 naps to 2 naps during this period.

11-14 Months

At this stage, most babies can handle 3-4 hours of wake time between naps and typically take 2 naps per day.

14-24 Months

Wake windows continue to lengthen to 4-6 hours. Many toddlers transition to a single afternoon nap during this period.

Try Our Wake Window Calculator

Our Baby Wake Window Calculator makes it easy to track your baby's optimal wake times based on their age. Simply select your baby's age, and the calculator will show you the recommended wake window duration.