Sleep Schedule for 6–12 Months
Between 6 and 12 months, sleep finally gets more predictable — if the schedule fits. This is the age of the 3-to-2 nap transition, lengthening wake windows, and (for many families) the first real chance at consistent nights. Here's what a developmentally-appropriate day looks like.
Wake windows
2–3.5 hrs
Naps
2
Day sleep
~2.5 hrs
Night sleep
~11 hrs
Bedtime
6:30 PM–8:00 PM
Sample day (7:00 AM wake-up)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake Up |
| 9:12 AM | Nap 1 Start — Duration: ~90 minutes |
| 10:42 AM | Nap 1 End |
| 1:27 PM | Nap 2 Start — Duration: ~60 minutes |
| 2:27 PM | Nap 2 End |
| 6:30 PM | Bedtime — Start bedtime routine 20 minutes before this time |
Most babies drop to 2 naps around 8-9 months. Get times matched to your child's actual wake-up with the wake windows calculator.
The 3-to-2 nap transition
Somewhere between 6 and 9 months, the third catnap starts sabotaging bedtime — the classic sign it's time to drop to 2 naps. A two-nap day typically means a morning nap around 9-10 AM and an afternoon nap around 1:30-2:30 PM, with wake windows stretching from about 2 hours in the morning to 3-3.5 hours before bed. During the transition, an extra-early bedtime is your safety valve.
Separation anxiety and the 8-10 month bump
Many babies who slept well suddenly protest bedtime or wake overnight around 8-10 months — separation awareness, standing in the crib, and skill practice (crawling, pulling up) all peak together. Keep the routine boring and consistent, give lots of connection before bed, and avoid creating new sleep dependencies you'll need to unwind later.
Night weaning readiness
By 6+ months, many (not all) babies are developmentally capable of a full night without feeding — but readiness varies and feeding decisions belong with you and your pediatrician. If nights are still feed-heavy, address schedule and sleep-onset habits first; night feeds often shrink on their own once bedtime independence improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wake windows for 6-12 month olds?
Roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, shortest before the first nap and longest before bedtime. A 7-month-old might handle 2/2.5/3 hours across the day, while an 11-month-old often stretches to 3/3.5+.
When do babies drop to 2 naps?
Most drop the third nap between 7 and 9 months. Signs: the last nap keeps getting refused, or bedtime drifts past 8:30 PM. The transition takes 1-2 weeks of earlier bedtimes to smooth out.
What is the best bedtime for a 6-12 month old?
Between 6:30 and 8:00 PM for most babies, timed 3-3.75 hours after the last nap ends. If naps fell apart that day, moving bedtime 30-45 minutes earlier protects the night.
How much total sleep does a 6-12 month old need?
About 12-15 hours in 24 hours: typically 11-12 hours at night plus 2-3 hours across two naps. Individual babies vary — mood and daytime behavior matter more than exact totals.
General behavioral sleep information for healthy children — not medical advice. For infants, always follow safe-sleep guidance (alone, on the back, in a bare crib), and talk to your pediatrician about any health concerns.
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