Ashwin Lewis
A six-month-old baby typically sleeps 12-16 hours a day, including a longer stretch at night and two to three shorter naps during the day. The average amount of daytime sleep is about 3-4 hours, and by six months, most babies are sleeping at night for 9 hours or longer, with brief awakenings. While some babies sleep through the night at this age, others won't. It's important to remember that every baby is unique, and their sleep patterns can vary greatly. However, by establishing a consistent routine and healthy sleep habits, you can help your baby get the rest they need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of naps | 2-3 naps |
| Nap duration | 30-90 minutes |
| Total daytime sleep | 3-4 hours |
| Total sleep | 12-16 hours |
| Longest sleep period | Night time |
| Sleep position | On their back |
| Sleep surface | Firm, flat surface |
| Crib items | Only a sheet that fits snugly |
| Clothing | Dressed for room temperature |
| Room-sharing | Without bed-sharing until the first birthday or for at least 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Babies at 6 months should sleep 12-16 hours a day
At six months, your baby is likely to be staying awake for 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.
By this age, your baby should be on the way to having a regular sleep pattern, sleeping longer at night, and taking 2 or 3 naps during the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that most babies this age should sleep for 12-16 hours a day, including a longer stretch at night and at least two naps during the day. The average amount of daytime sleep is about 3-4 hours, and by six months, most babies are sleeping at night for 9 hours or longer, with brief awakenings.
The length of each nap may change each day, and this is okay. What matters is that your baby is getting a total of 3 to 4 hours of daytime sleep, separated by age-appropriate wake windows. A six-month-old baby's wake windows range between 2 and 3 hours, with shorter wake windows in the morning that generally increase as the day goes on and as babies get older. Your baby may need 2 hours of awake time before their first nap and up to 3 hours before their last one.
While we still expect some short naps of 30-45 minutes at this age, we hope to see the first two naps start to consolidate and lengthen. By six months, most babies are ready to link sleep cycles during the day with the proper foundation, leading to longer naps. Chronic short naps are usually caused by schedule issues and/or parent-led sleep associations, such as using movement or feeding to help your baby fall asleep. If your baby is taking four naps a day, try lengthening the wake time 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.
If you haven't already put your baby on a sleep schedule, you can start one at six months old. Create a routine by looking to your baby's regular patterns, and keep in mind that many babies this age can sleep from six to eight or even nine hours without waking at night. A sleep schedule is beneficial because babies thrive on consistency. Getting enough sleep powers their days, supporting them during growth spurts and developmental leaps. A well-rested baby is likely to sleep better, while overtired little ones may resist sleep.
If you are worried about your baby's sleep and settling, track their sleep for a week or so. This can give you a clear idea of what might be going on. If you are still concerned after trying different approaches for 1-2 weeks, talk to a healthcare professional.
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They should take 2 or 3 naps during the day
By the time your baby is six months old, they should be sleeping for around 14 hours each day, including 10 hours of nighttime sleep and two to four hours of daytime sleep.
At this age, your baby should be taking two or three naps during the day. The first two naps of the day will ideally be 60 to 90 minutes long, and the third nap may be the shortest, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The length of each nap may vary each day, but it's important that your baby gets a total of two to four hours of daytime sleep.
If your baby is taking four naps a day, you can transition to a three-nap schedule by lengthening the time they are awake between each nap. This will allow more sleep pressure to build, making it easier for your baby to link sleep cycles and extend their naps.
However, some six-month-olds may be ready to drop a nap and transition to two naps a day. This usually happens when they are between 6.5 and 7.5 months old, but it's important to remember that every baby is different, and you should consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
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Each nap should be 60-90 minutes long
At six months, your baby is likely to be staying awake for longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. Their sleep patterns are also 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 include 10 hours of nighttime sleep and around four hours of daytime sleep, typically divided over two or three shorter naps. While it's not uncommon for six-month-olds to take four naps, doing so can reinforce shorter naps and shorter nights.
Ideally, the first two naps of the day will be 60-90 minutes long. While this may be challenging, it is possible. 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.
It's important to remember that every baby is different, and sleep patterns can vary greatly. If you're concerned about your baby's sleep, consider tracking their sleep for a week or so to get a clear idea of their sleep patterns. You can then try different approaches for 1-2 weeks and, if you're still concerned, contact a healthcare professional.
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Babies should sleep for longer stretches at night
At six months old, your baby will sleep an average of 14 hours each day. This includes 10 hours of nighttime sleep and four hours of daytime sleep. During the day, your baby will take two or three shorter naps.
At this age, your baby is staying awake longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. They are capable of sleeping through the night, but many won't. Their sleep cycles are maturing, and they can go for longer stretches without eating.
If your baby is taking four naps a day, 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.
To help your baby sleep for longer stretches at night, it is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This could include bathing, reading, and singing, which can soothe your baby and signal the end of the day. Be consistent, and your baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping.
You can also encourage longer sleep at night by promoting activity during your baby's daytime awake time. This includes talking to your baby, reading, dancing, smiling, looking in a mirror, and clapping their hands.
By being consistent and patient, you can teach your baby healthy sleep habits that will benefit them throughout their childhood.
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You can start a sleep schedule at 6 months
By the time your baby is six months old, you can start a sleep schedule. At this age, babies are capable of sleeping through the night, but many won't. However, by being consistent and patient, you can teach your baby healthy sleep habits that will benefit them throughout their childhood.
A sleep schedule is beneficial because babies thrive on consistency. Getting enough sleep powers their days, supporting them during growth spurts and development leaps. A well-rested baby is likely to sleep better, while an overtired baby may resist sleep.
At six months, your baby is staying awake longer, playing more, and may even be sitting up independently. Their wake windows range between 2 and 3 hours, with shorter wake windows in the morning, increasing as the day goes on and as they get older. As your baby approaches seven months, their wake windows may be closer to 3 hours.
At six months, most babies are taking three semi-predictable naps per day, with a total daytime sleep goal of 3 to 4 hours. However, they may begin to resist the last nap of the day as they outgrow the wake windows of a 3-nap schedule. The length of each nap may change each day, and that's okay. What matters is that your baby is getting enough total daytime sleep, separated by age-appropriate wake windows.
When making a nap transition, it's important to be flexible with bedtime. It's normal for it to take 2 to 4 weeks for your baby to fully transition from three to two naps. You may need to move bedtime earlier, to around 6:00-6:30 pm, while your baby adjusts to fewer naps and longer wake windows.
In summary, you can start a sleep schedule at six months, and by being consistent and patient, you can teach your baby healthy sleep habits. A sleep schedule provides consistency, which is beneficial for your baby's development and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, 6-month-old babies sleep 12-16 hours a day, including a longer stretch at night and two or three shorter naps during the day.
The first two naps of the day will ideally be 60-90 minutes long, while the third nap may be shorter, lasting 30-45 minutes.
By 6 months, most babies are sleeping at night for 9 hours or longer, with brief awakenings. Some 6-month-olds may sleep through the night, but many won't.
There is no one-size-fits-all bedtime for 6-month-olds. It's important to establish a consistent sleep schedule based on your baby's regular patterns.
