Nap schedule calculator
Pick your baby’s age and their morning wake-up time, and we’ll lay out a typical day of naps — and a suggested bedtime — from age-appropriate wake windows.
- Wake up: 7:00 AM
- Nap 1: ~9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Nap 2: ~1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
- Nap 3: ~5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Bedtime: ~8:45 PM
Typical wake windows at this age: 120–180 minutes. Most drop the third nap around 7–9 months.
Every baby is different — treat this as a starting point, allow ±30 minutes, and let sleepy cues win over the clock.
| Age | Wake windows | Naps | Nap length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborns (0–3 months) | 45–90 min | 4–5 short naps | — | Sleep is irregular; follow sleepy cues, not the clock. |
| 4–5 months | 90–150 min | 3–4 naps | 45–90 min | Many babies settle into three naps around 5 months. |
| 6–7 months | 120–180 min | 2–3 naps | 60–90 min | Most drop the third nap around 7–9 months. |
| 8–12 months | 150–210 min | 2 naps | 60–90 min | Two naps is typical right up to the one-nap transition. |
| 13–17 months | 180–240 min | 1–2 naps | 60–90 min | Most drop to one nap around 15–18 months. |
| 18–35 months | 240–330 min | 1 nap | 90–120 min | One early-afternoon nap is typical until age 2–3. |
Frequently asked questions
What are wake windows?
A wake window is the stretch of awake time a baby can comfortably handle between sleeps. They lengthen with age — from under an hour for newborns to five hours or more for toddlers.
How many naps should a 6-month-old take?
Most 6-month-olds take two to three naps, with wake windows of roughly two to three hours.
When do babies drop to two naps?
Most babies drop the third nap around 7–9 months, settling into a two-nap day.
When do toddlers drop to one nap?
Most toddlers move from two naps to one around 15–18 months, and keep that single early-afternoon nap until sometime between ages 2 and 3.
How long should naps be?
Anywhere from about 45 minutes to two hours per nap is typical, depending on age. Short catnaps are common for young babies.
The suggested bedtime here comes from nap maths; the bedtime calculator works from night-sleep needs instead, so the two can differ a little — both are guides. See also baby milestones for what else is happening this year. Typical ranges consistent with paediatric sleep guidance — general information, not medical advice.