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my small victories, struggles and advice on the day to day.

I started this blog space on the internet so I can share with you my personal Motherhood journey - and how my relationship with that journey became so much more meaningful and joyful when I was fully rested. I’m passionate about all things that bring a sense of harmony and calm into parenting. On this little blog, I hope to share those things with you - from healthy recipes for you or your baby, sleep training advice, self-care practices and so much more.Parenthood is not easy which is why I want to encourage you by sharing what works for me and my family on a daily basis :)

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Wake Window Guidelines by Age

July 24, 20242 min read

Wake Window Guidelines by Age

Parenting, especially when it comes to baby sleep, is a bit like navigating through a foggy maze. But here's a simple trick that might help: wake windows. They're a super helpful tool, taking some of the guesswork out of understanding your babies sleep patterns.

What are wake windows?

A wake window, also known as awake times, is the period your child stays awake between sleeps. It starts when your baby wakes up and ends when they fall asleep for their nap or bedtime.

Why do they matter?

Wake windows help guide us towards an ideal sleep schedule for our baby's age. Babies need our help staying on track as we all know they can easily become overstimulated, leading to difficulty falling asleep. On the flip side, they may nap too much during the day and struggle to sleep at night, resulting in frequent awakenings and painfully early mornings! 

Avoiding over tiredness

If you have a baby, the term "overtired" probably gives your shivers! When babies become overtired, settling them down becomes a real challenge. Even though they're exhausted, they may exhibit signs of being alert and energized, making it really hard for parents, especially first-timers, to determine if their child is wide awake, or overtired. On the other hand, putting your baby down undertired is also a struggle and can result in short naps and early wake-ups.

Getting the timing just right

Getting the wake windows just right can help avoid many sleep struggles and gives you the confidence knowing that your baby is getting the sleep they need to thrive.

Usually the first wake window of the day, from wake up to nap 1, is the shortest and the last wake window of the day is the longest. Here is an example

A full day’s awake time for an 11-month old

  • 3 hours of awake time leading up to Nap 1

  • 3.5 hours leading up to Nap 2

  • 3.75 hours of awake time leading up to bedtime

    Awake times chart

Signs it's working​

Babies are unique, so discovering the ideal sleep routine might involve a bit of trial and error. Pay attention to your baby's sleepy cues and keep trying. When you notice those magical moments where naps and bedtime fall into place, that's your signal that you're on the right track. Those satisfying stretches of sleep aren't just a breath of relief; they're a clear indication that you're approaching your baby's perfect sleep schedule. Keep tuning in, keep adapting gradually, and you're sure to find that sweet spot.

If your baby's wake windows seem just right, but sleep is still a challenge, we're here to help. Book a free discovery call with me or shoot us an email with details about your situation, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

All the best,

Lindsay

wake windowssleep knowledge
Certified Sleep Consultant

Lindsay Sanford

Certified Sleep Consultant

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