6 Month Old Sleep Schedule Tips + Sample
Getting your 6-month-old baby on a regular sleep schedule can be a daunting task. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can teach your baby to sleep through the night and reduce the amount of crying and fussing. Here are some tips for establishing a consistent sleep routine for your 6-month-old.
Tips for Establishing a Sleep Schedule
- Set a consistent bedtime. Having the same bedtime every night helps signal to your baby that it is time to sleep. Aim for 7-8pm for your baby’s bedtime.
- Teach your baby to self-soothe. Self-soothing is the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep without the help or assistance of a parent. This is an important skill for babies to learn as they grow and develop.
- Limit daytime naps. Too much daytime sleep can cause night-waking and disrupt your baby’s regular sleep schedule. Aim for 2-3 short naps during the day that are no longer than 1.5 hours.
- Keep the bedroom dark and quiet. Create an environment that promotes relaxation and promotes sleep. Dim lighting and minimal noise help encourage your baby to stay asleep.
- Time baby’s naps and meals. Having consistent times for meals and naps helps to establish a routine. Aim for meals every 3-4 hours and naps at the same time every day.
Sample 6 Month Old Sleep Schedule
- 7:00 pm – Bedtime
- 7:30 pm – Nightly feeding
- 8:00 am – Wake up, bottle feeding
- 9:00am – Nap 1
- 11:30am – Wake up, meal/snack
- 12:00pm – Nap 2
- 2:00pm – Wake up, meal/snack
- 7:00 pm – Bedtime
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule may take a few weeks of trial and error. Be patient and consistent in your approach, as this will help your baby learn to sleep through the night. With these simple tips and tricks, you can have your 6-month-old baby sleeping through the night in no time!