Wake Window Calculator

Find age-appropriate wake windows to help your baby sleep better.

Enter 0 for newborn, or whole/half months (e.g. 3.5)

Wake windows are the periods of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. Getting them right helps prevent overtiredness — one of the most common causes of difficult settling and frequent night waking. Enter your baby's age to get personalised wake window recommendations.

Frequently asked questions

What is a wake window?

A wake window is the amount of time a baby or toddler can comfortably stay awake between sleeps before becoming overtired. Wake windows increase gradually as babies develop — a newborn may only manage 45 minutes, while a toddler can stay awake for 5–6 hours.

What are wake windows by age?

Newborns (0–6 weeks): 30–60 minutes. 2–3 months: 60–90 minutes. 4–6 months: 1.5–2.5 hours. 6–9 months: 2–3 hours. 9–12 months: 3–4 hours. 12–18 months: 4–5 hours. 2 years: 5–6 hours.

What happens if I miss a wake window?

An overtired baby can become harder to settle and may wake more frequently overnight. If you miss a window, try to get baby down as soon as possible — even a short nap is better than pushing through and reaching exhaustion.

Are wake windows the same for all babies?

Wake windows are a guide, not a rigid rule. Some babies naturally have longer or shorter windows than average. Watch for sleepy cues — eye rubbing, yawning, glazed eyes, fussiness — alongside the age-based timings.