A 5-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule

There’s a lot happening with a 5-month-old baby’s sleep.

Their circadian rhythms are taking shape, but they’ve also just had  a 4-month sleep regression. They may be going through a nap transition and falling asleep earlier, too. And you probably have a lot of questions, like, “How long should a 5-month-old nap, anyway?”

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• Sample Sleep Schedule for 5-Month-Olds with 4 Naps
• Sample Sleep Schedule for 5-Month-Olds with 3 Naps
• How Many Total Hours Should a 5-Month-Old Sleep?
• Can a 5-month-old baby sleep through the night?
• How much nighttime sleep for a 5-month-old?
• How much daytime sleep for a 5-month-old?
• What is a 5-month-old’s wake window?
• Is there a 5-month-old regression?

Luckily, we’ve spoken to experts and other parents and have answers for you.

A Sample 5-Month-Old’s Sleep Schedule:

Your baby’s unique, so when determining their sleep schedule, focus less on the specific clock times and more on wake windows – the amount of time your baby is awake between naps or their last nap and bedtime. – and their sleepy cues. This timetable is simply an example.

To learn more about how wake windows and sleepy cues work, and how you can use them to help your baby sleep, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™. It creates a personalized sleep coaching plan for you and your baby so you can help them learn how to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Tip: Follow our guidance on how long your baby should be awake before their next nap or sleep.

Also, note that a 5-month-old’s naps are starting to consolidate. If your baby’s staying awake longer in the afternoon or resisting a fourth nap, it may be time for a nap transition.  Read more about those here.

Sample Sleep Schedule for 5-Month-Olds with 4 Naps:

Sample Sleep Schedule for 5-Month-Olds with 3 Naps:

Q: How Many Total Hours Should a 5-Month-Old Sleep?

About 14.5 hours over a 24-hour period.

Q: Can a 5-month-old baby sleep through the night?

Many can, yes – especially if they’re sleep coached, but some babies this age will wake for a night feeding.

Note on Rolling Over: 5-month-olds are also mastering the art of rolling over. It’s common for one to roll over and struggle in the night – if this happens, give them a second to “correct” themselves. Many can and will. If they’re still struggling after a minute, feel free to give them a hand.

Q: How much nighttime sleep for a 5-month-old?

About 11-12 hours, though there may still be a few brief wakeups.

Q: How much daytime sleep for a 5-month-old?

A great amount is 2.5-3.5 hours over 3-4 naps.

Q: What is a 5-month-old’s wake window?

Five-months-olds taking 3 naps a day can usually be awake 2-3 hours between sleeps. For those still taking 4, it’s more like 1.5-2 hours.

Q: Is there a 5-month-old regression?

There’s no 5-month sleep regression but there may still be a few night wakes from the 4-month regression and as your baby’s circadian rhythms continue to develop.

For more on sleep regressions,  please read our article on why they happen and how to thrive through them.