The typical 7 month old sleep schedule varies daily from 30 minutes to one hour. For example, they will wake at around 4:30 am, sleep for about one hour, and then wake up around 10:30 am for another nap. Regardless of the nap schedule, your child will still need between two and three hours of sleep per day. The best way to achieve a balanced sleep schedule for your baby is to start early. You should also be prepared for the occasional overnight sleep, which is normal at this age.
The 7-month-old’s wake window varies between two and three hours and depends on the number and length of naps. Babies generally spend about 2.5 hours awake before their first nap, but that window will increase as the day progresses. Generally, it’s best to drop the third nap and transition to a two-nap schedule. However, the first two-hour wake window is the most critical, as it sets the tone for a long day ahead.
The first step in developing a good 7-month-old sleep schedule is ensuring your baby gets plenty of exercises and play before nap time. A good way to do this is to take your baby to the park a few times each week. Introduce new toys and read books together. But make sure you don’t neglect your baby’s naps. If they haven’t yet dropped their 3rd nap, ensure it’s uninterrupted. If not, it’s better to keep it consistent and less rigid than to try and force them to drop the 3rd nap.
The ideal 7-month-old sleep schedule should give your baby 14 hours of total sleep per day. The average seven-month-old needs eleven to twelve hours of sleep at night and two to three hours of daytime sleep. Depending on their individual needs, they may need more or less sleep. If you’re not sure about the best schedule for your baby, try following these guidelines to help you make a timely decision for your baby.
By the time your baby is seven months old, they will have experienced the “regression” to sleep that occurs around six to eight months. Sleep regressions do not have a set timeline, varying from child to child. During this time, they may take fewer naps than usual, and you may be left with several “disaster” naps throughout the day. However, don’t panic if your baby still sleeps less than normal! Fortunately, taking a 7-month-old to bed at 9 pm is perfectly normal.
Another important part of a successful sleep schedule for your child is setting a wake-up time. Early morning wake-up times will cut your sleep, while late-night wake-ups will mean your baby didn’t get enough sleep. Therefore, experts recommend establishing a bedtime for your baby at least 11 to 12 hours before your preferred wake-up time. By following these tips, your child will be on the right schedule for a healthy sleep cycle.
