Baby Wake Window & Nap Predictor
Enter your baby's age and morning wake time to get a full day of predicted nap times and bedtime.
Total Sleep / 24hr
14.5 hrs
Wake windows are averages based on pediatric sleep research. Every baby is different. Watch your baby's sleepy cues alongside these guidelines. Consult your pediatrician for any sleep concerns. This tool is for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: This tool is for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. No doctor-patient relationship is created by your use of this tool. Results are estimates based on published formulas and population-level data that may not reflect your individual medical circumstances. Neither MayoCalc nor Cook Media Systems assumes any liability or responsibility for damage or injury (including death) to any person arising from the use of any information, results, or content provided by this tool. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. See our full
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What Are Wake Windows?
Wake windows are the periods of time a baby can comfortably stay awake between naps. Getting the timing right is one of the most impactful things parents can do for infant sleep quality. If a baby stays awake too long, they become overtired (producing cortisol and adrenaline that make it harder to fall asleep). If put down too early, they may not have enough sleep pressure to fall asleep easily. Wake windows increase as babies grow and their sleep needs consolidate.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your baby's age in months. The calculator shows the recommended wake window length for that age, the expected number of naps per day, approximate nap duration, and a suggested daily schedule. You can also enter your desired wake-up time and the calculator generates a full day schedule with nap times and bedtime based on age-appropriate wake windows.
Wake Window Guidelines by Age
Newborn (0-6 weeks): 45-60 minutes. 2-3 months: 60-90 minutes. 4-5 months: 1.5-2.5 hours. 6-7 months: 2-3 hours. 8-10 months: 2.5-3.5 hours. 11-14 months: 3-4 hours. 15-24 months: 4-5.5 hours (typically 1 nap). These are averages and every baby is different. Sleepy cues (rubbing eyes, yawning, fussiness) should take priority over strict clock-based schedules.
Wake Window FAQ
My baby fights naps. Are the wake windows wrong?
Nap resistance can mean the wake window is too short (not enough sleep pressure) or too long (overtired and wired). Try adjusting by 15 minutes in either direction. If your baby falls asleep easily but takes short naps (under 40 minutes), the wake window is likely appropriate and the short naps are developmental. If your baby cries for a long time before sleeping, the wake window may need adjustment.
Should wake windows be the same throughout the day?
No. Most babies tolerate a slightly shorter wake window before the first nap and a longer wake window before bedtime. For example, a 7-month-old might do 2 hours before nap 1, 2.5 hours before nap 2, and 3 hours before bedtime. Gradually lengthening wake windows throughout the day aligns with the natural buildup of sleep pressure.