Miya Pearson
At six months, your baby is staying awake for longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. They will sleep for an average of 14 hours each day, including 10 hours of nighttime sleep and four hours of daytime sleep. This daytime sleep is usually split into two or three shorter naps. While some babies sleep through the night at this age, others won't. You can start a sleep schedule at six months, creating a routine based on your baby's regular patterns. A sleep schedule can help you avoid an overtired baby, as a well-rested baby is likely to sleep better. It's important to remember that every child grows and develops at their own pace, so it's okay if your baby isn't sleeping through the night yet.
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What You'll Learn
Six-month-olds should sleep 10-14 hours a day
Six-month-old babies typically sleep for 10-14 hours in a 24-hour period, with the longest sleep period usually occurring at night. However, it's important to remember that sleep patterns vary greatly from baby to baby. While some six-month-olds may sleep through the night, others may not.
At this age, your baby is staying awake longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. Their sleep patterns are gradually becoming more developed, and they are beginning to recognise the difference between night and day. This means they may not need to wake up as much at night, as night feeds will have reduced.
In terms of nap schedules, most six-month-olds take two or three shorter naps during the day. While some babies may still be taking four naps, this can reinforce shorter naps and disrupted night sleep. If your baby is taking four naps a day, try lengthening the time they are awake between each nap and transition to three naps. This will allow more sleep pressure to build, making it easier for them to link sleep cycles and extend their naps.
The length of each nap may vary, but aim for the first two naps of the day to be 60-90 minutes long. The third nap of the day is often the shortest, lasting around 30-45 minutes. If your baby resists taking the third nap, don't worry; this is a normal phase due to their increasing need for longer wake windows. However, it's important to ensure they are getting enough rest during the day to avoid overtiredness, which can lead to increased night waking or early morning risings.
To promote healthy sleep habits, you can start a sleep schedule for your six-month-old. Create a consistent routine based on your baby's regular patterns, as consistency and routines are essential for their development. You can also encourage self-soothing habits like thumb-sucking and try to resist the urge to pick them up immediately when they wake up crying. Remember that every child grows and develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your six-month-old isn't sleeping through the night yet.
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Three to four of these hours should be during the day
At six months, your baby is likely staying awake for longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. Their sleep patterns are becoming more developed, and they are beginning to recognise the difference between night and day.
At this age, your baby will sleep an average of 14 hours each day. This will usually include 10 hours of nighttime sleep and three to four hours of daytime sleep. During the day, your baby will take two or three shorter naps. Many babies will still take three naps each day, but some will consolidate their daytime sleep to two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The length of each nap may change each day, and that's okay. What matters is that your baby is getting a total of three to four hours of daytime sleep, typically divided over three naps. Each nap may last between 30 and 90 minutes. The third nap may be the shortest of the day, lasting 30-45 minutes.
If your baby is taking four naps a day, try lengthening the time they are awake between each nap and transition to three naps. This allows more sleep pressure to build, making it easier for your baby to link sleep cycles and extend their naps.
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This should be split into two or three naps
By the time your baby is six months old, their sleep patterns will be more developed, and they will be capable of sleeping through the night. However, many won't. At this age, your baby will sleep an average of 14 hours each day, including 10 hours of nighttime sleep and two to four hours of daytime sleep.
During the day, your baby will take two or three shorter naps. Many babies will still take three naps each day, but some consolidate their daytime sleep to two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The length of each nap may change each day, and that's okay. What matters is that your baby is getting a total of three to four hours of daytime sleep.
If your baby is taking four naps a day, you can try lengthening the time they are awake between each nap and transition to a three-nap schedule. This allows more sleep pressure to build, making it easier for your baby to link sleep cycles and extend their naps.
The ideal nap schedule at this age is two hours for the first nap, 45 minutes for the second, and 35 minutes for the third nap. The next day, the times might change, with the first and second naps lasting one hour each and the third nap lasting one hour.
It's important to remember that sleep needs vary by child, and this should be viewed as a guideline.
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The longest sleep period tends to be at night
By six months, your baby is likely to be staying awake for longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. They will also be sleeping more, thanks to their maturing sleep cycles and their ability to go for longer stretches without eating.
At this age, your baby will sleep an average of 14 hours each day. For most babies, this will include 10 hours of nighttime sleep and four hours of daytime sleep. During the day, your baby will take two or three shorter naps. Many babies will still take three naps each day, but some will consolidate their daytime sleep down to two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Sleep patterns can vary greatly from baby to baby, and some babies won't sleep through the night at 6 months old. However, by being consistent and patient, you can teach your little one healthy sleep habits that will serve them well throughout their childhood.
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Sleep training can start at this age
By the time they are six months old, babies are staying awake for longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. They are also capable of sleeping through the night, although many won't.
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule: Create a routine based on your baby's regular patterns. A sleep schedule is beneficial because babies thrive on consistency. Getting enough sleep during the day will help them sleep better at night.
- Lengthen wake windows: Gradually increase the time your baby is awake between naps. This will help them build sleep pressure and consolidate their daytime naps into longer stretches.
- Transition to 2-3 naps: Most 6-month-olds will take two or three naps per day. While some may still need four short naps, this can reinforce shorter naps and disrupted night sleep. Aim for longer naps by lengthening the time between them.
- Recognise self-soothing: By 6 months, babies are capable of falling asleep independently and linking sleep cycles. If your baby wakes up at night, give them a few minutes to self-soothe before intervening. Encourage self-soothing habits like thumb-sucking, but avoid leaving objects such as stuffed toys or blankets in their crib to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Night feeds: Night feeds may no longer be necessary for some 6-month-olds, but this varies from baby to baby. If your baby wakes up frequently at night, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a 6-month-old baby sleeps for 14 hours each day, including 10 hours of nighttime sleep and 3-4 hours of daytime sleep. However, it's important to remember that sleep patterns vary across babies.
Most 6-month-olds take 2-3 naps per day. While some babies may still take 4 naps, this can reinforce shorter naps and disrupted night sleep. When transitioning from 3 to 2 naps, it's normal for it to take 2-4 weeks for your baby to adjust.
You can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits by establishing a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine. Additionally, ensure your baby is getting adequate awake time between sleep periods, typically 2-3 hours. If you have concerns about your baby's sleep, consult a healthcare professional.
