6 Month Old Sleep Schedule

At 6 months, babies typically need 12–15h of total sleep, including 10–11h at night and 2.5–4h of daytime naps (2–3 naps). Regular sleep cycles established; 3→2 nap transition.

Updated August 6, 2026

Sleep Guidelines

Typical sleep ranges for 6 months old babies

Age	Night Sleep	Nap Duration	Total Sleep	Naps	Transition
6 months	10–11h	2.5–4h	12–15h	2–3	Regular sleep cycles established; 3→2 nap transition

Target Wake Windows

Planning targets for this age range

Age Range	Schedule	Before Nap 1	Before Nap 2	Before Nap 3	Before Bedtime
5-7 months	3 naps	2h	2.5h	2.5h	2.5-3h

5-7 months · 3 napsFirst window is shortest (~2h). Third nap is a 30-45 min catnap. Bedtime window is usually the longest. Bedtime may need to be earlier if the last nap ends early.

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Sample schedules (6 months)

Compare both nap schedules during this transition

Sample day assuming aWake-up timewake-up

During a nap transition, either schedule may fit your baby. Compare both below and follow sleepy cues.

3 naps schedule

5-7 months

7:00 AM
Wake up
2h awake
9:00 AM – 10:15 AMNap One: 1h 15m
2h 30m awake
12:45 PM – 2:15 PMNap Two: 1h 30m
2h 30m awake
4:45 PM – 5:30 PMNap Three: 45m
2h 45m awake
8:15 PM
Bedtime

2 naps schedule

7-10 months

7:00 AM
Wake up
2h 45m awake
9:45 AM – 11:00 AMNap One: 1h 15m
3h awake
2:00 PM – 3:30 PMNap Two: 1h 30m
3h 15m awake
6:45 PM
Bedtime

Wake times use each range's midpoint, rounded to 15 minutes. Nap lengths are planning averages for 6 months. Adjust to your baby's cues.

Transitions to Watch For

Sleep pattern shifts common around this age

~5–6 months

Sleeping Through the Night

Many babies start consolidating their nightly sleep period. Regular sleep cycles are established by ~6 months. Source: Sleep Foundation, AAP, NHS.

~6–8 months

3→2 Naps

The transition from 3 naps to a 2-nap schedule (morning + afternoon) is common during this window. Source: Sleep Foundation.

Sleep Disruption Troubleshooting

Common sleep challenges at this age

Teething Pain

When: Can begin around 4–6 months and continue through 24 months as teeth erupt.

Signs: Increased drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, refusal to feed, disrupted night sleep.

What helps: Offer a clean, chilled teething ring. Gently massage gums with a clean finger. Maintain consistent bedtime routines. If pain is severe, consult your pediatrician about appropriate pain relief.

Sleep Regressions

Common windows: ~4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, and 18 months.

What happens: Temporary disruptions as babies hit developmental milestones or sleep cycles reorganize. Previously good sleepers may wake frequently.

Duration: Usually 2–6 weeks. Maintain consistent routines and avoid creating new sleep associations (like feeding to sleep) during this phase. This is temporary. Sleep typically returns.

Night Feed Changes

Newborns (0–3m): Feed every 2–3 hours around the clock. Night feeds are essential.

3–6 months: Fewer night feeds needed. Some babies sleep 8+ hours. Source: NHS.

6+ months: Many babies can sleep 6–8 hours without feeding. Solids complement milk. If night feeds were sleep associations, gradual weaning may improve sleep, but consult your pediatrician first.

Growth Spurts

Common at: ~3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months (timing varies).

Signs: Increased hunger, more frequent waking (day and night), possibly fussier than usual.

Duration: Usually 2–7 days. Follow baby's hunger cues. Temporary increase in feeds is normal. Sleep typically returns to baseline after. Source: AAP.

Developmental Milestones

Common milestones: Rolling (~4–6m), sitting (~6m), crawling (~7–9m), pulling to stand (~9–11m), walking (~12–15m).

Impact: Babies may practice new skills at night, leading to disrupted sleep. Some may seem to "forget" how to sleep for 1–2 weeks.

What helps: Provide plenty of practice time during the day. Maintain routines. If baby gets stuck in a new position, gently help them resettle without fully picking them up.

Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general reference information compiled from pediatric sleep guidelines (AAP, Sleep Foundation, NHS). Every baby develops differently. These are typical ranges, not prescriptive targets. Always consult your pediatrician for questions about your baby's feeding, growth, health, or sleep concerns. Follow safe sleep guidelines: place babies on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding.

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