Wake windows are a reallllll handy tool when it comes to baby sleep,
All kids will be different, however here are the approximate windows by age:
Here’s some rules 👇🏻
❤️ A wake window is the amount of time your baby is awake from. This means, if their wake window is 1.5 hours, they’ll be ASLEEP at 1.5 hours, that’s not when you start settling them.
❤️ Wake windows are not all created equal. Generally up to 6-8mo, the first and last wake windows of the day are the shortest and others will be longer.
❤️ When they drop to 2 naps, the last window of the day will usually be longest
❤️ The timings above are a guide - you may find your child sits outside of these. As long as it’s not too far out, please don’t be too concerned.
❤️ if you’re getting 30 minute naps all of a sudden and your child is waking up really happy after this time OR your child is taking ages to fall asleep but is happy OR if you’re starting to experience fragmented nights, your wake window is likely going too short.Stretch it out.
❤️ If your baby is passing out pretty much as soon as soon as their head hits the pillow, but waking up shortly afterwards SCREAMING, they’re false starting, they’re waking up really early or their nights are otherwise awful, their window is likely to long. Bring it in.
❤️ If naps are fine but nights are crap, look at the window before bed. Depending on their age and how long they’re awake for, move it either forwards or backwards by 15 minutesto see if this helps (general rule of thumb is if they’re waking unhappy = overtired. If they’re waking happy = undertired).
I love wake windows for babies who don’t throw tired cues, or for second/third time mums who just don’t have the space to watch them. If following cues is more your jam, that’s so fine! You absolutely do not need to follow wake windows. This is an extra tool to add to your parenting toolbox - not the be all and end all!
Steph xx
