Wake windows by age: a simple chart for 4 to 24 months

2026-09-24 · 3 min read

A wake window is the stretch of time a baby can stay awake before they need to sleep again. Get it roughly right and naps and bedtime get easier.

Typical wake windows

• 4 to 6 months: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• 7 to 9 months: 2.5 to 3 hours
• 10 to 12 months: 3 to 4 hours
• 13 to 18 months: 4 to 5 hours, usually one nap
• 18 to 24 months: 5 to 6 hours

Signs the window is closing

Rubbing eyes, staring into space, pulling ears, sudden fussiness. By the time a baby is crying hard, the window has usually passed.

When naps fall apart

Short naps often mean the window was a little too short, not too long. Try adding 15 minutes for three days before changing anything else.