Evie Summers
Establishing a healthy sleep schedule for your 9-month-old baby is important. By this age, most babies have dropped their third nap and are taking two solid naps a day, usually totalling 2-4 hours during the day. They should be awake for 2.5-4 hours at a time, with the first 'wake window' being the shortest. At night, your baby will probably sleep for 11-12 hours, and they probably don't need to eat during this time. However, sleep regressions can occur at 9 months, and teething, illness, developmental milestones, and growth spurts can cause temporary disruptions to your baby's sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Sleep Time | 14 hours per day |
| Number of Naps | 2 |
| Nap Duration | 2-4 hours |
| Wake Window | 2.5-4 hours |
| Sleep Training | Encouraged |
| Bedtime Routine | Consistent routine encouraged |
| Sleep Hazards | Avoid pillows, crib bumpers, and co-sleeping |
| Room Sharing | Encouraged for the first year |
| Nighttime Feeding | Not necessary |
| Sleep Regression | Temporary, caused by teething, illness, etc. |
| Sleep Schedule Adjustments | May be needed for early risings or travel |
| Sample Schedule | 7:00–7:30 a.m. Wake-up and breakfast |
| 9:00–9:30 a.m. Morning nap | |
| 12:00–12:30 p.m. Lunch | |
| 1:00–2:00 p.m. Afternoon nap | |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. Dinner | |
| 7:00–7:30 p.m. Bedtime |
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What You'll Learn
A 9-month-old baby needs about 14 hours of sleep per day
At this age, most 9-month-olds are sleeping through the night without needing a feed. They usually take two naps during the day, each lasting between 1 to 2 hours, but some babies may still need three naps to avoid getting overtired. The length of these naps can vary, and some babies may be champion nappers, dozing for two hours each time, while others may be cat-nappers, taking shorter, more frequent naps.
The morning nap typically occurs around 9 to 10 am, and the afternoon nap around 1 to 2 pm. The morning nap should last 1 to 1.5 hours, and the afternoon nap, 1.5 to 2 hours. Most 9-month-olds have a ""wake window"" of about 3 to 4 hours before needing to sleep again, with the first wake window being the shortest at 2.5 to 3 hours.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and prioritising a daily schedule can help your baby sleep better. A structured daily routine helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle, and consistency in their routines and your approach to sleep are key to helping them sleep through the night. Additionally, it's important to avoid sleep hazards like pillows, crib bumpers, and co-sleeping.
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Daytime sleep should be around 2-4 hours
A 9-month-old baby needs about 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. Daytime sleep should be around 2-4 hours, usually split between a morning and an afternoon nap. The length of these naps may vary, and some babies may still need three naps to avoid getting overtired.
At this age, most 9-month-olds have dropped their third nap and are taking two solid naps a day. The morning nap should last 1-1.5 hours, and the afternoon nap should be around 1.5-2 hours. The wake windows for a 9-month-old are typically 2-4 hours, with the first wake window being the shortest at 2.5-3 hours.
It's important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and prioritize your baby's schedule so they can nap at the same time each day. A structured daily schedule helps regulate your baby's sleep-wake cycle and provides the predictability that babies crave.
However, it's important to remember that all babies are different, and you should always use your best judgment as a parent when setting your child's sleep schedule. Sleep training can also be beneficial in establishing healthy sleep habits at this age.
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Most 9-month-olds take 2 naps a day
A 9-month-old baby typically needs about 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. Most 9-month-olds take two naps a day, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The length of these naps may vary, but they usually total 2 to 3 hours per day, with each nap lasting at least an hour. The morning nap should last around 1-1.5 hours, and the afternoon nap should be around 1.5-2 hours.
At this age, it's common for babies to drop their third nap and transition to two solid naps. Their \"wake windows\" or the time they stay awake between naps, typically range from 2.5 to 4 hours, with the first wake window being the shortest. For example, a 9-month-old might wake up at 6 or 7 a.m., take their first nap from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and their second nap from 1 to 2 p.m.
While most babies follow this general pattern, it's important to remember that every baby is unique and will progress at their own pace. Some 9-month-olds may still be taking three naps and sleeping well, while others may be ready to transition to two naps if they are experiencing sleep problems.
Additionally, it's normal for 9-month-olds to experience occasional sleep disruptions due to factors such as teething, illness, developmental milestones, or changes in routine. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and prioritising a predictable schedule can help your baby feel calmer and sleep better.
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Nighttime feeds should be stopped
A 9-month-old baby needs about 14 hours of sleep per day, split between naps and nighttime sleep. While many 9-month-olds can sleep through the night, it's normal for them to hit the occasional sleep speed bump. If your 9-month-old is waking in the middle of the night, they probably don't need to eat and have likely gotten used to their late-night snacks. Sleep training can help with this.
If your 9-month-old is still waking up for night feeds, there are several ways to stop this. Firstly, ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition throughout the day. This may mean waking them up from a long nap or timing naps differently so they don't interfere with feeding times. If feeding is the only way your baby will go back to sleep, try pausing for five minutes to see if they will self-settle. If not, soothe your baby in other ways, such as using a pacifier, shushing, or rubbing their head or back.
If your baby is struggling to get full feeds, especially before bed, try keeping them stimulated by turning on a dim light, taking off some of their clothes, or rubbing their feet. While night feeds usually happen in a dark environment, feeds right before bed can be done in a brighter environment to ensure your baby gets a full feed. If you are in the process of dropping a feed, decrease the time spent breastfeeding or the ounces in the bottle gradually over the course of a week.
For babies who are waking up for night feeds because they are hungry, it is important to prioritize daytime calories. Offer a bedtime snack to ensure your baby is not hungry, and if they are under 6 months, ensure they are eating every two to three hours during the day.
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Illness, travel and changes to routine can disrupt sleep
Establishing a healthy sleep schedule for your 9-month-old baby is important, but it's also important to remember that illness, travel, and changes to your routine can disrupt sleep.
Illness can cause temporary disruptions to your baby's sleep. If your baby is unwell, they may experience repeated nighttime wakings, along with persistent crying, clinginess, and difficulty falling back to sleep. In such cases, it's essential to address their health concerns and provide comfort.
Travel can also impact your baby's sleep patterns. Changes in environment, time zones, and daily routines can lead to sleep disturbances. It may take some time for your baby to adjust to new surroundings and get back to their regular sleep schedule.
Changes to your routine, such as returning to work or adjusting to a new schedule, can also affect your baby's sleep. Consistency and routine are crucial for babies, as they thrive on predictability. When introducing changes, gradually transition to the new routine, and maintain consistency in sleep habits and environments as much as possible.
Additionally, separation anxiety can impact your 9-month-old's sleep. They may experience difficulty sleeping independently due to separation anxiety from their primary caregivers. To navigate this challenge, consider seeking guidance from sleep specialists or pediatric experts who can provide strategies to promote independent sleep while addressing separation anxiety.
Remember, each baby is unique, and their sleep patterns may vary. Always use your best judgment as a parent and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Your 9-month-old needs about 14 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. This typically breaks down into two naps during the day, totalling 2 to 4 hours, and 11-12 hours at night.
The length of your baby's naps may vary. They might take two 2-hour-long naps, two 1-hour-long naps, or one shorter and one longer nap. The morning nap should last 1-1.5 hours, and the afternoon nap should be around 1.5-2 hours.
There is no one-size-fits-all bedtime for 9-month-olds. However, a general guideline is that they should have a wake window of about 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. For example, if they wake up at 7 am, their wake window would be from 7 am to 10 am, and their morning nap would be from 10 am to 11:30 am. They would then have an afternoon nap from 1 pm to 2:30 pm and go to bed at 7 pm.
