1 Month Old Wake Windows & Sleep Schedule
| Age | Wake Windows |
|---|---|
| 1 month old | 30 - 90 minutes |
Wake windows are the stretches of time your baby is awake between naps or before bedtime. Using them as a guide can help you spot a good time for naps and bedtime, but every baby responds a bit differently.
Wake windows get longer as your baby grows and needs less daytime sleep. Read more about how wake windows work.
How Many Naps Does a 1 Month Old Need?
At 1 months, most babies take 4-6 naps a day.
Expect 4-6 naps a day. At 1 month, naps are irregular and a fixed schedule is usually not necessary. Follow sleep cues instead.
How Much Sleep Does a 1 Month Old Need?
| Sleep Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total sleep (24 hours) | Varies widely: around 8 to 18 hours (NHS) |
| Night sleep | Short or long bursts, with waking for feeds |
| Daytime sleep | Most newborns are asleep more than they are awake |
Sample Sleep Schedules for a 1 Month Old
Every baby is different, so here are a few schedule options based on a 1 month old with 30 - 90 minute wake windows. Pick the one that looks closest to your day.
Early Riser
For babies who wake around 6:00 AM
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up + feed |
| 7:00 AM | Nap 1 |
| 8:30 AM | Wake + feed |
| 9:30 AM | Nap 2 |
| 11:00 AM | Wake + feed |
| 12:00 PM | Nap 3 |
| 1:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 2:30 PM | Nap 4 |
| 4:00 PM | Wake + feed |
| 5:00 PM | Nap 5 |
| 6:30 PM | Wake + feed + bath |
| 8:00 PM | Bedtime feed + sleep |
Late Riser
For babies who wake around 8:00 AM
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Wake up + feed |
| 8:45 AM | Nap 1 |
| 10:15 AM | Wake + feed |
| 11:15 AM | Nap 2 |
| 12:45 PM | Wake + feed |
| 1:45 PM | Nap 3 |
| 3:15 PM | Wake + feed |
| 4:15 PM | Nap 4 |
| 5:45 PM | Wake + feed |
| 6:45 PM | Nap 5 |
| 7:30 PM | Wake + feed + bath |
| 9:00 PM | Bedtime feed + sleep |
Short Napper
For babies who take shorter 30-45 minute naps
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up + feed |
| 8:00 AM | Nap 1 (45 min) |
| 8:45 AM | Wake + feed |
| 10:00 AM | Nap 2 (45 min) |
| 10:45 AM | Wake + feed |
| 12:00 PM | Nap 3 (45 min) |
| 12:45 PM | Wake + feed |
| 2:00 PM | Nap 4 (45 min) |
| 2:45 PM | Wake + feed |
| 4:00 PM | Nap 5 (30 min) |
| 4:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 6:00 PM | Nap 6 (30 min) |
| 6:30 PM | Wake + feed + bath |
| 8:00 PM | Bedtime feed + sleep |
Signs It's Time to Stretch the Wake Window
Your baby won't stay on the same wake windows forever. Here's how to tell they're ready for a bit more awake time:
- Your baby fights falling asleep and takes ages to settle
- Naps shrink to under 20 minutes over and over
- They seem wide awake and happy well past their usual nap time
- Night sleep gets worse for no obvious reason
If you spot a couple of these for several days in a row, try adding 10-15 minutes to the wake window and see how it goes.
Common Sleep Problems at 1 Months
If sleep has gone a bit sideways, you're not alone. Here's what often trips up parents at this age:
- Day-night confusion is common. Keep days bright and nights dark and quiet.
- Wake windows are very short. Missing one by 10-15 minutes can lead to overtiredness.
- Waking every 2 hours at night is normal at this age.
- Short 20-30 minute naps are also normal.
What to Do During Wake Windows at 1 Months
Not sure how to fill those wake windows? Here are some age-appropriate ideas:
- Tummy time in short bursts (even 1-2 minutes counts)
- Singing and talking - your voice is familiar and soothing
- Black and white picture cards held close to their face
- Skin-to-skin cuddles (great for you both)
- Gentle rocking or swaying
- Reading a simple board book aloud
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a 1 month old be awake between naps?
About 30-90 minutes, or sooner if sleepy cues show up.
How many naps should a 1 month old take?
Usually 4-6 naps a day. Nap length varies a lot at this age.
Is it normal for a 1 month old to only nap for 20 minutes?
Yes. Newborn naps are often short because sleep cycles are still immature.
Should I wake my 1 month old from a nap to feed?
During the day, many parents cap naps at 2-2.5 hours to keep feeds on track. Ask your clinician about overnight feeds.
Why does my 1 month old fight sleep even though they're clearly tired?
Usually overtiredness. At 1 month, even a short delay can make settling harder.