With the right wake windows, babies can sleep better and longer. But, what wake windows should you use for your 6 month old? Find out in this article and tap into my 15+ years of experience as a baby sleep consultant!
In this article:
- Morning Wake Window: 6 Month Old
- Midday Wake Window
- Afternoon Wake Window
- Before Bedtime Wake Window
- Wake Window Chart for a 6 Month Old
- How Many Naps for a 6 Month Old?
Morning Wake Window for your 6 Month Old
The first wake window, in the morning, for your 6-month-old will usually be two hours. It is counter-intuitive but this wake window is usually the shortest of all the wake windows during the day. You might think it would be the opposite considering your baby slept 10-12 hours the night before. However, they typically need to take a nap soon after waking up for the day.
Midday Wake Window
The second wake window is usually a bit longer than the first. For most 6-month-olds, the second wake window will be around 2 1/2 hours. While it’s possible to have a 3-hour wake window at this age, it typically only happens if your baby has already transitioned to two naps and takes two-hour naps. Generally speaking, having a wake window that is too long at this age will lead to short naps and babies waking up crying.
Afternoon Wake Time
The third wake window in the afternoon is typically one of the longest. At 6 months old, the third wake time is usually 2 1/2 to 3 hours though it would not be unusual if it’s shorter. If your baby takes a shorter second nap, it’s more likely that the third wake window is shorter at just two hours.
Before Bedtime Wake Window
The final wake window before bedtime is generally shorter than the third. Most of the time, the third nap of the day is a short catnap of 30-45 minutes. That plus baby staying awake with stimulation for much of the day means they tend to get tired quickly at the end of the day. Therefore, the last wake window of the day for a 6-month-old is generally just two hours.
How Many Naps for a 6 Month Old?
Nearly all 6-month-olds will take three naps per day based on my 15+ years as a sleep consultant. There are a handful of babies who will transition to two naps this young, but it’s not as common. Keep in mind, however, that the third nap is often on-the-go or “any way you can get it.” The third nap is almost always a catnap of 30-45 minutes as a means of getting them to bedtime. It’s not meant to be a full-length nap though there are a few babies who take a longer third nap.
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