The Sleep Lady on Windows of Wakefulness

The number and length of naps a child needs varies depending on age. But regardless of age, it's important to put a kid down to rest during his sleep window—when he's really ready for sleep (before his second wind kicks in.)

For toddlers the biggest window of wakefulness i.e., how long they can stay awake before they get fussy, cranky or over tired, is from the time they wake up in the morning until the afternoon nap. For babies, the largest window is from the late afternoon nap to bedtime.

Here are the average windows of wakefulness for 3-month-olds to 5-year-olds:

• A 3-month-old can only stay awake between sleep times (i.e. his "window of wakefulness") for 1.5-3 hours without becoming overtired and cranky.
• For a 6-month-old the window of wakefulness is 2-3 hours.
• For a 9-month-old the window of wakefulness is 2-4 hours.
• For a 12-month-old the window of wakefulness is 3-4 hours.
• For an 18-month-old the window of wakefulness is 4-6 hours.
• For a 2-year-old the window of wakefulness is 5-6.5 hours.
• For a 3-year-old the window of wakefulness is 6-8 hours. Some kids this age are no longer napping.
• For a 4-year-old the window of wakefulness is 6-12 hours. Many kids this age are no longer napping.
• For a 5-year-old the window of wakefulness is 6-12 hours. Most kids this age are no longer napping.

These are averages for well rested children who are sleeping through the night. Sleep begets sleep, so make sure you help your kid get good, solid naps when he needs them! Don't push your kid past his window of wakefulness or you'll regret it!