Sleep schedule
6 Months Old Sleep Schedule
Wake windows, nap times, and a realistic daily routine.
Quick reference
24-hour visual timeline
Sample 6 months old schedule
- 7:00 AM Wake + feed
- 9:15 AM Nap 1 Wake window: 2.25 hr
- 10:45 AM Wake + feed + solids
- 1:00 PM Nap 2
- 2:30 PM Wake + feed
- 4:45 PM Nap 3 (30-45 min cap)
- 5:30 PM Wake + dinner solids
- 6:45 PM Bath + wind down
- 7:30 PM Bedtime feed + sleep
- 3:30 AM Possible night feed
These are realistic anchor times — not rules. Use your baby's sleepy cues and adjust.
What's developmentally happening at 6 months
Six months is a major developmental leap. Solids often start, sitting is emerging, and some babies begin crawling. This is also when many families drop the third nap. Object permanence is starting to develop, which is an early precursor to separation anxiety later at 8-10 months.
Six months is often considered the earliest reasonable age to expect longer unbroken night stretches, though many healthy 6-month-olds still wake to feed. Solids are complementary to milk at this age, not a replacement. Don't expect introducing cereal to magically consolidate sleep — the research does not support this.
Common sleep challenges at this age
- Dropping the third napIf the third nap regularly pushes bedtime too late, try alternating 3-nap days with 2-nap days until the transition is smooth.
- Crawling practice in cribVery common to stand or crawl during the night. Give it 1-2 weeks of daytime practice.
- Night feeds: needed or habitual?At 6 months with pediatric approval, some families begin to gently reduce night feeds. Others continue. Both are valid.
- Teething disruptionFirst teeth often appear around 6-9 months. Brief 2-3 day sleep disruptions are common. Persistent multi-week issues usually aren't teething alone.
Recent and upcoming transitions
What just changed
Third nap may be on its way out; solids starting.
What's coming next
The 8-month regression hits around 8-10 months, combined with separation anxiety.
When to talk to your pediatrician
Reach out if any of the following apply at 6 months:
- Not rolling in both directions
- No attempts to sit with support
- No babbling consonant sounds
- Not tracking or responding to faces
Trust your instincts. If something feels off with your baby's sleep, breathing, feeding, or development, call your pediatrician. This page is not a substitute for medical care.
Common questions about 6 months sleep
How long should a 6 month old nap?
The two main naps are usually 1-2 hours each, with a short third nap of 30-45 minutes if still needed. Total daytime sleep is 2.5-3.5 hours.
What time should a 6 month old go to bed?
Bedtime of 7:00-8:00pm works for most 6-month-olds. On two-nap days, bedtime needs to move earlier (6:30-7:00pm) to compensate.
How many naps does a 6 month old need?
Most 6-month-olds are on 2-3 naps. Some drop to two; some hold onto three for another month. Follow wake windows and total daytime sleep.
Why is my 6 month old waking up at night?
Common causes: teething, developmental leaps (sitting, crawling), habitual feeds, or the undertired/overtired trap. Many healthy 6-month-olds still legitimately wake once to eat.
Can I sleep train a 6 month old?
Yes, this is a common age for sleep training with pediatrician approval. Approaches range from gentle fading to more structured methods. There is no single right answer.