Are you currently holding your baby and looking for a 5-month-old sleep schedule? Here is everything you need to know about your 5-month-old baby including the 5-month-old schedule.
5 months is an exciting and can be a difficult period as you may have or are still experiencing the 4 month sleep regression. But no need to worry, today we will answer the most common questions about sleep schedules, wake windows, feedings, and more. As a twin mom who lived through through it all with my twins, I know how challenging this time can be for sleep.
As a certified pediatric sleep consultant, I will give you the exact schedule I used with my twins and my clients, discuss things you may notice around 5 months and so much more. After reading this post, you will know exactly how to help your little one sleep better.
5 Month Old Sleep Schedule
Sample sleep and feeding schedule for a 5 month old
Some general sleep and feeding guidelines for a 5 month old are:
- Average total daytime sleep: 3 - 4 hours
- Average wake time: 2 - 2.25 hours
- Naps: 3 naps
- Total Sleep (Day + Night): 14 - 15+ hours
- Daytime feedings: Every 2 - 3 hours
- Bedtime: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Wake time are increased to 2 to 2.5 hours hours. If a nap ever goes unplanned or on the shorter side use a 2 hour wake window and then offer a nap again.
5 month old wake window
Before we discuss the wake window for a 5 month old, lets first discuss what a wake window is. A wake window is simply the amount your baby is awake between their naps. It's really important to keep track of your baby's wake window to prevent them from being overtired or under-tired which often leads to a difficult sleep environment.
A 5 month old's wake window should be 2 hours to 2.5 hours at most.
What if my baby was born earlier?
If your baby or twins were born earlier, you will use adjusted age for all wake windows and sleep needs. So if your baby was born at 36 weeks, you will use a 4 month old wake windows and sleep needs instead of a 5 month old.
How long should my 5 month old nap?
A 5 month old may take 3 naps a day and you want to aim for a total of 3 to 4 hours of daytime sleep.
How many naps should my 5 month old take?
Your 5 month old should be napping 3 times a day. This is the age for 30 minute naps. Try your best to play around with your baby's wake windows and nap extensions. Use an earlier bedtime to compensate for a day of bad naps. If you had a 3 30 minute nap day, bedtime should be around 6 pm to compensate.
How many hours should my 5 month old sleep?
The total sleep (day + night) should be 14-15+ hours. Roughly 12 hours of nighttime sleep and 3 hours of daytime sleep.
When should bedtime be for my 5 month old?
Bedtime can be a tricky subject as different families have different needs, some may prefer for their kids to have a later bedtime such as 9 PM, or an early bedtime such as 7 PM.
A 5 month old can be put to bed as early as 6 PM, especially on a day of short naps (30 minute naps). A great way to know when bedtime should be is to aim for a 2 hour and 15 minute to 2.5 hour wake window after the last nap. So if the last nap ended at 4:30 PM, bedtime should be around 7 PM.
When should the last nap for my 5 month old be?
Aim for the last nap to end around 4:30 - 5 PM if you are aiming for a 7 PM bedtime.
What if my 5 month old didn't take their naps as planned?
5 months is the age for 30-minute naps. Use an earlier bedtime to compensate for days with bad naps (as early as 6 PM).
Is there a 5 month sleep regression?
There is no sleep regression at 5 months but you may be still experiencing the 4 month sleep regression which takes around 2 to 6 weeks to pass.
At 4 months old, your baby is coming out of the newborn stage which means lots of changes! A newborn can sleep anywhere regardless of light, noise, and stimulation, but now your baby becomes much more aware of their surroundings. They can no longer fall asleep in a brightly lit room. Everything around them is now exciting!
At this age, your baby goes from newborn sleep patterns to baby sleep patterns and starts to develop more adult-like patterns such as changing positions, taking longer to fall asleep, and moving in and out of sleep cycles which can include waking up and falling back asleep.
Your baby is also learning “object permanence” which means they understand when you walk out of the room after you put them to sleep. This can cause frustration and as a result cause a disruption of sleep. Your baby may also be learning a new skill such as rolling which can cause disruption of sleep as they try to learn and practice this new skill sometimes even in their crib.
Why is my 5 month old fighting sleep?
One of the biggest reasons your baby may be fighting sleep is because they are overtired or not tired enough. Ensure you are following age-appropriate wake windows and maintain a consistent bedtime routine which helps the baby understand sleep is coming.
Can I start using a sleep sack with my 5 month old?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says babies can be swaddled until they show signs of rolling. Once your baby has shown signs of rolling, it is time to discontinue swaddling. You can move on to sleep sack. This is the one we love and have.
Kyte Baby
Sleep Sack
I have twins, their crying is waking each other up. How can I fix it?
This is a very common fear among twin parents. One thing you can do is place the cribs on the opposite sides of the wall. But if that is not an option, know that often twins will sleep through each other's cries and many times it is soothing for them.
Can I sleep train my 5 month old?
Yes! If it's something your family is looking for, 5 months is the perfect age to start. Sleep training does not mean you leave your baby crying in their crib for hours upon hours. There are many gentle methods you can choose from that help support your baby each step of the way.
What are some 5 month old milestones?
As parents, it's natural to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as our babies reach new milestones. Just remember each baby is different and these milestones are just based on age ranges. If you have any concerns about your baby's milestones, be sure to speak to your pediatrician.
Let's delve into some of the exciting milestones you can expect to see from your five-month-old.
- Rolling over: many babies can roll over from tummy to back and vice versa.
- Sitting with support: some babies start to sit with assistance, gaining better head control.
- Grasping Objects: improved hand-eye coordination allows them to grasp and hold onto objects.
- Babbling and Mimicking Sounds: increased vocalizations, babbling, and attempts to mimic sounds become more noticeable.
- Teething Signs: sme babies may begin teething, leading to increased drooling, irritability and a desire to chew on object.
What are some activities for a 5 month old?
For a 5-month-old, consider engaging in activities that stimulate their senses and promote motor skill development:
- Tummy Time: Encourage tummy time to strengthen neck and upper body muscles.
- Interactive Play: Use colorful toys with various textures to stimulate their senses.
- Mirror Play: Babies often enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror, promoting visual exploration.
- Reading: Share soft books with bold pictures and textures to encourage visual and tactile exploration.
- Sing and Talk: Sing songs and talk to your baby to encourage language development.
- Texture Exploration: Provide safe, soft textures for them to touch and feel.
- Outdoor Walks: Taking your baby for a walk in a stroller or a baby carrier can be beneficial for both of you. It provides a change of scenery for the baby and helps them experience the outside world, fostering their curiosity and awareness.
Remember to always supervise and ensure activities are suitable for your baby's developmental stage.
I also have some of my favorite toys for a 5 month old here.
