A wake window is a popular, non-medical term for the length of time a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. Wake windows get longer as babies grow, but age-based charts are only rough guides; a baby's own tired signs are more reliable.
Key takeaways
- The World Health Organization gives recommended total sleep by age, not wake windows.
- Watching tired signs helps you time sleep for your own baby.
How much total sleep do babies need?
The World Health Organization recommends the following total sleep in 24 hours, including naps:
| Age | Total sleep (including naps) |
|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 14-17 hours |
| 4-11 months | 12-16 hours |
| 1-2 years | 11-14 hours |
What you can do
- Use a wake window chart as a starting point and adjust it to your baby.
- Watch for early tired signs such as yawning and staring.
- Note sleep and wake times for a few days to find your baby's rhythm.
