Sleep Schedule Calculator

Get recommended sleep schedules including naps, wake windows, and bedtime based on your baby's age following AAP guidelines.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Sleep needs change dramatically in the first 3 years. Newborns sleep 16+ hours in short bursts; by 18 months, most babies consolidate to one nap and 11-12 hours at night. Wake windows (time between sleeps) are key to avoiding overtiredness. Not medical advice.

The Formula

Total sleep: 16 hrs (newborn) -> 12.5 hrs (2 years)
Naps: 4-5 (newborn) -> 1 (18 months)
Wake window: 45 min (newborn) -> 5.5 hrs (2 years)
Bedtime = Wake time + Awake hours

Variables

  • Wake window — Maximum comfortable awake time between sleeps
  • Sleep cues — Yawning, eye rubbing, fussiness -- put baby down at first signs

Example

6-month-old waking at 7:00 AM: first nap ~9:15 AM, 3 naps totaling 3.5 hrs, bedtime ~7:00 PM.

Tips

  • Watch for sleep cues (yawning, rubbing eyes) -- timing is everything
  • A consistent bedtime routine (bath, book, song) helps signal sleep time
  • Keep the room dark, cool (68-72F), and use white noise
  • An overtired baby is HARDER to put to sleep -- do not skip naps hoping for better night sleep
  • Safe sleep: back to sleep, firm mattress, no blankets/pillows until 12 months (AAP)