5 Month Old Sleep Schedule: Wake Windows & Nap Tips

If you have a 5 month old, you’re likely in a unique transition phase. Your baby is no longer a newborn, but they’re not quite a full-fledged baby yet, either. During this unique period of growth and development, baby’s sleep patterns can begin to shift. So you might be wondering: “What does a 5 month old bedtime routine look like?” 

If you haven’t already, 5 months is a great time to start implementing a flexible sleep routine. 

Consistency is key for anyone’s sleep, but it’s especially important for babies. Predictability with naps and bedtime helps can be soothing, while also training their bodies’ internal clock to associate certain cues with rest (read: easier bedtimes).

Need help making a sleep routine for a 5 month old? Read on to learn about the ideal 5 month old sleep schedule, and how Hatch can help your whole family get better rest. 

How Long Should a 5 Month Old Stay Awake? 

To establish a successful sleep routine for your little one, the first step is to understand their 5 month old wake windows. A wake window is the amount of time your baby can handle being awake before they need to go back to sleep. These timeframes are essential for building the right amount of sleep pressure between naps, so your baby will be tired enough for more sleep later. 

Typically, 5 month olds can be awake for 2-2.5 hours maximum. This amount is enough to allow for restorative naps and sound sleep through the night (without the potential fussiness of being overtired). Keep in mind that for a 5 month old, the wake window begins when they are taken out of their crib, not when their eyes open.

5 Month Old Sleep Schedule

A consistent routine is one of the best ways to support a healthy sleep schedule for your 5 month old. Incorporating predictable bedtime cues can help support your baby’s circadian rhythm and soothe them for deeper rest. Hatch has a full library of relaxing audio to set the tone for sleep, from heartbeat sounds and lullabies to white, brown, and pink noise. You can also use your Hatch as a calming nightlight when you get baby ready for rest.

Following a similar nap and bedtime routine each day also creates consistency that’s soothing to babies while supporting the internal clocks that determine when they’re tired and awake. The below schedule can be a good place to start: 

Ideally, throughout the day, your 5-month-old will follow 2-2.5 hour wake windows before each nap. The morning wake window is always the shortest one of the day because nap 1 acts as an extension of your baby’s nighttime sleep. 

Here’s an example of how to structure their morning:

1. Morning wake-up: When your baby wakes, take them out of their crib.
2. Get ready for the day: Change their diaper, feed them, and engage in a bit of playtime.
3. Prep for nap 1: After approximately 2 hours, do a quick nap routine — for example, play a lullaby on your Hatch with a calming red light on before putting baby in the crib. 

Before naps 2, 3, and bedtime, your baby can stay awake up to 2.5 hours.The goal is to offer three naps totaling 3.5 hours of daytime sleep (more on that below). For bedtime, your 5 month old is capable of sleeping 11-12 hours through the night with one optional waking for a night feed.

How Many Naps Should My 5 Month Old Take? 

The most important goal is to ensure your baby gets 3.5 hours of total daytime sleep, spread across three naps. The breakdown of nap lengths can differ — it’s the total that matters. Try not to let your baby get too much sleep during nap 1, if possible. Otherwise, they won’t take nap 2 or 3 as easily, leading to over-tiredness before bedtime. 

Your baby’s nap lengths will naturally vary from day to day, and that’s completely normal! Some days, all three naps might be 1-1.5 hours long. Other days, the first two naps may be longer (1-1.5 hours) while the 3rd nap is a short “cat nap” (20-30 minutes), often on the go, to get through dinner and bedtime. Hatch Go is a helpful tool for keeping up with baby’s sleep routine, even when you’re in the car or on a walk.

Around 6-7 months of age, your baby will transition from 3 to 2 daily naps. For now, try to honor wake windows and aim for consistent daytime sleep to set your baby up for more restful nights.

Conclusion

At 5 months old, or 20 weeks from their due date, your baby can have a predictable sleep routine that supports healthy rest during the day and at night. Aim for three total naps per day at this age, totaling 3.5 hours of daytime sleep, with 2-2.5 hour wake windows. 

Frequently asked questions

How many hours should my 5 month old sleep at night?

Every baby is different, but many 5 month olds sleep 11 or 12 hours at night with one optional night-time feeding. Keep in mind your baby’s nap routine during the day impacts their sleep at bedtime.

When do I feed my 5 month old? 

At 5 months old, babies usually feed every 3-4 hours throughout the day. It’s best to feed baby when they wake up rather than before  naps or bedtime so they don’t rely on feeding to fall asleep. That said: Your baby isn’t a robot, and they may sometimes need a feeding right before a nap.

Do 5 month olds still need a night feed?

Some babies can sleep through the night without eating at 5 months old, while others wake up for one night time feed. Follow your baby’s cues at this age and know that, over time, they’ll sleep for longer periods without feedings. 

What’s the difference between White Noise and Pink Noise for my baby?

White noise and pink noise both help babies sleep, but they’re a little different. White noise is like steady static (think fan or radio). It’s great for blocking out household sounds and helping babies fall asleep. Pink noise is softer and more balanced (like rainfall). It has been linked to higher-quality deep sleep and many families find it feels gentler for little ears and more soothing for longer stretches of sleep. Both are safe to use, so it’s really about what feels best for your baby. If you’re not sure, try pink noise at night and see if you notice a difference in how deeply your baby rests.

How do I prevent overtiredness in my 5 month old? 

Appropriate wake windows can help ensure your baby is sleepy enough for the next nap while preventing overtiredness that can make it hard for them to sleep. Aim for 2-2.5 hour awake periods between naps to decrease fussiness and improve overall sleep quality.