5 Month Old Wake Windows & Sleep Schedule (2026 Guide)
| Age | Wake Windows |
|---|---|
| 5 month old | 90 - 150 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 5 Month Old Need?
At 5 months, most babies take 3-4 naps a day.
At 5 months, most babies settle into 3 naps, with an optional catnap if needed.
How Much Sleep Does a 5 Month Old Need?
| Sleep Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total sleep (24 hours) | 12-15 hours |
| Night sleep | 10-12 hours (with 0-2 night feeds) |
| Daytime sleep | 3-4 hours across naps |
Sample Sleep Schedules for a 5 Month Old
Every baby is different, so here are a few schedule options based on a 5 month old with 90 - 150 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 |
| 7:45 AM | Nap 1 |
| 9:15 AM | Wake + feed |
| 11:00 AM | Nap 2 |
| 12:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 2:30 PM | Nap 3 |
| 3:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 5:00 PM | Bath + wind down |
| 6:30 PM | Bedtime feed + sleep |
Late Riser
For babies who wake around 8:00 AM
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Wake up + feed |
| 9:45 AM | Nap 1 |
| 11:15 AM | Wake + feed |
| 1:00 PM | Nap 2 |
| 2:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 4:30 PM | Nap 3 |
| 5:15 PM | Wake + bath |
| 7:30 PM | Bedtime feed + sleep |
Short Napper
For babies who take shorter 30-45 minute naps
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up + feed |
| 8:45 AM | Nap 1 (45 min) |
| 9:30 AM | Wake + feed |
| 11:15 AM | Nap 2 (45 min) |
| 12:00 PM | Wake + feed |
| 1:45 PM | Nap 3 (45 min) |
| 2:30 PM | Wake + feed |
| 4:15 PM | Catnap (30 min) |
| 4:45 PM | Wake + bath |
| 6:30 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:
- They take forever to fall asleep at nap time
- Naps shorten consistently to 20-30 minutes
- They're babbling away and playing happily when you try to put them down
- The third nap becomes harder and harder to make happen
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 5 Months
If sleep has gone a bit sideways, you're not alone. Here's what often trips up parents at this age:
- Some babies are still feeling the tail end of the 4 month regression.
- Early waking can mean the last wake window is off or the final nap is too late.
- Teething often starts around 5-6 months and can disrupt sleep.
- If the fourth nap becomes a fight, it may be time for 3 naps and an earlier bedtime.
What to Do During Wake Windows at 5 Months
Not sure how to fill those wake windows? Here are some age-appropriate ideas:
- Sitting up with support and playing with toys on the floor
- Peekaboo and cause-and-effect toys (press a button, something happens)
- Exploring safe household items such as wooden spoons and measuring cups
- Sensory play with different textures
- Rolling around on a play mat
- Getting outside - pushchair walks, blanket time in the garden
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a 5 month old be awake between naps?
About 90-150 minutes. Morning wake windows are usually shorter than afternoon ones.
Is 5 months too early to drop to 2 naps?
Usually yes. Most babies are not ready for 2 naps until 6-8 months.
How do I know if my 5 month old is teething?
Common signs are drooling, chewing, sore gums, fussiness, and disrupted sleep.
Should my 5 month old be sleeping through the night?
Some do, some do not. Both are normal at 5 months.
Why does my 5 month old wake up 30 minutes into every nap?
They are waking between sleep cycles. A dark room, white noise, and a steady pre-nap routine can help.
