Wake windows and daytime naps

What a wake window is

A wake window is the length of time a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. In the early months these are short, and an overtired baby often becomes harder to settle — so watching the clock a little, and your baby a lot, can help.

Rough wake windows by age

These are general guides, not rules — every baby differs:

• Newborn (0–6 weeks): about 45–60 minutes
• Around 2–3 months: about 60–90 minutes
• Around 3–4 months: about 75 minutes to 2 hours

Reading sleepy cues

Early tired cues include staring off, slowing down, looking away, yawning, and rubbing eyes or ears. Fussing and crying are later cues. Starting to settle your baby at the first quiet signs is usually easier than waiting.

Naps in the early months

Newborn naps are often short and irregular, and that is normal. Day-night rhythm and more predictable naps develop gradually over the first few months. Keeping days bright and active and nights calm and dark can help this settle in.

When to check with a professional

Sleep varies enormously between babies. Check with your pediatrician if your baby is extremely difficult to wake, is consistently sleeping through many feeds in the newborn weeks, or you have concerns about their breathing during sleep.