Baby Sleep Schedules by Age: From Newborn to Toddler (0–24 Months)

Need Nap and Bedtime Clarity? These Baby Sleep Schedules Can Help

If you're wondering, "Should they be napping now?" or "Is it bedtime already?"—I’ve been there, mate. Every baby is different, but there are predictable sleep patterns you can rely on. This post gives you real-life, age-based schedules to help you find your rhythm and stop second-guessing. From naps to bedtime, we’ll cover everything from newborns to toddlers.

Let’s make naps less of a mystery and more of a “we’ve got this” moment. 

Newborns (0–15 Weeks)

Wake Window Range:

• 0–4 weeks: 15–60 mins

• 5–8 weeks: 45–60 mins

• 9–12 weeks: 45–75 mins

• 13–15 weeks: 45–90 mins

Tip: Newborns sleep a lot, and their wake windows are very short. Watch for sleepy cues and don’t be afraid of cat naps.

4 Months Old

• Wake Windows: 1 hr 15 min to 2 hr 15 min

• Naps: 3–4 per day

Try both 4-nap and 3-nap sample schedules to see what works best.

5–6 Months Old

• Naps: 3 per day

• Wake Windows:

  • 5 months: 1.25–2.5 hrs

  • 6 months: 1.5–3 hrs

As naps consolidate, you’ll likely see longer wake windows in the afternoon.

7–8 Months Old

• Transition Period: Some babies shift from 3 naps to 2 around this time.

• Wake Windows: 2–3.5 hrs

Tip: If naps are short, consider keeping a short third catnap to avoid overtired bedtimes.

9–12 Months Old

• Typical Naps: 2 per day

• Wake Windows:

  • Morning: 2–2.5 hrs

  • Midday: 2.75–3.5 hrs

  • Before bed: 3–3.75 hrs

At 10 months, some babies may try skipping that second nap—but it’s usually not time to drop it yet.

13–14 Months Old

• Big Transition: Moving from 2 naps to 1

• Wake Windows for 1-nap days:

  • Before nap: 4–4.5 hrs

  • Before bedtime: 4.5–5 hrs
    
    

15–24 Months Old: Transitioning to a 1-Nap Sleep Schedule

This is the stretch where most babies move from two naps to one. It doesn’t usually happen overnight—many toddlers switch back and forth before settling into a consistent 1-nap rhythm. That’s normal!

 Tip: Don’t stress over exact minutes. These wake windows and nap lengths are flexible. Track your baby’s sleep and adjust by 10–15 minutes as needed.

15 Months Old: In Between Naps

Your little one may still need two naps some days while managing just one on others. Sample options:

2-Nap Schedule

• Wake: 7–8 AM

• Nap 1: ~3.5 hrs after waking

• Nap 2: ~3–3.5 hrs later

• Bedtime: 7–8 PM

1-Nap Schedule

• Wake: 6:30–8 AM

• Nap: After 4 hrs awake, 2.5–3.5 hrs long

• Bedtime: 6–7 PM

16 Months Old: Leaning into One Nap

Most toddlers are ready for one solid nap by now, but if two naps still work, go for it.

1-Nap Schedule

• Wake: 6:30–8 AM

• Nap: 4 hrs after waking, 2–3.5 hrs long

• Bedtime: 6–7 PM

17–23 Months Old: More Predictable Sleep

By now, most toddlers are on a consistent 1-nap schedule with fairly stable wake windows.

1-Nap Schedule

• Wake: 6–8 AM

• Nap: After 4.5–5 hrs awake

• Bedtime: 6–8 PM

You’ll find things feel a little more predictable during this phase—enjoy it! If your toddler still shows signs of overtiredness, don’t hesitate to tweak bedtime or nap start times slightly
 

What If the Schedule Still Feels Off?

Even when the nap timing should work, sometimes it just... doesn’t. And that’s normal. Growth spurts, teething, separation anxiety—it all plays a role. So if your baby is suddenly waking early or skipping naps, take a deep breath. You’re not doing anything wrong.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Stick with a rhythm for a few days before changing things

• Use a log to track what’s actually happening (your future self will thank you)

• Don’t forget: little changes, like adjusting wake windows by 15 minutes, can make a big difference

And if it still feels like a guessing game? You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. I have sleep plans to help you get the rest you deserve!

👶 For Babies 4–24 Months:

The Cozy Baby Sleep Course is designed to help you ditch the overwhelm and finally feel in control of sleep. You’ll get:

✅ Gradual sleep teaching methods you can choose from
✅ Daily schedules tailored to your baby’s exact age
✅ A predictable bedtime routine (that doesn’t involve a 2-hour dance party)
✅ Solutions for night wakings, false starts, and separation anxiety

It’s everything I wish I’d had when my first was cluster feeding like mad and I just wanted to know what time to start the wind-down.

 Ready to stop second-guessing and actually enjoy evenings again?
👉 Your Baby Sleep Hub: Guides, Courses + More

Have a Newborn?

The Newborn Sleep Course is your go-to if you’re in those foggy early weeks. It’s not about strict routines—it’s about understanding your baby’s rhythms and building gradual sleep habits that work now, not just later.

Peek inside the Newborn Sleep Course here!

You’ve got this, ok!! And I’m here cheering you on every step of the way!!