10 Month Old Sleep Schedule
By Angelica Videla — Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, London | Supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia
Quick answer: At 10 months, most babies are on 2 naps with wake windows of 3 to 4 hours. Total sleep is around 13 to 14 hours. The tail end of the 8–10 month regression can still affect sleep at this age, and many babies are actively crawling, pulling to stand, and developing separation anxiety — all of which affect settling.
What does a 10 month old sleep schedule look like?
At 10 months, your baby is firmly in a 2-nap routine with longer wake windows than just a few weeks ago. Most 10 month olds can comfortably handle 3 to 4 hours of awake time between naps, with the longest window before bedtime. A typical day might look like this:
Sample Schedule
Wake windows at 10 months
Wake windows at 10 months are approximately 3 to 3.5 hours for the morning, 3 to 3.5 hours midday, and 3.5 to 4 hours before bedtime. Getting these right is one of the most impactful things you can do for sleep quality at this age.
If your baby is fighting naps or taking a long time to settle, the wake windows may need extending slightly. If your baby seems wired and overtired at bedtime, they may need shortening. The key is watching your baby's response and adjusting in 15-minute increments.
Common challenges at 10 months
The 8 to 10 month sleep regression frequently affects babies at exactly this age. Motor milestones — crawling, cruising, pulling to stand — create neurological activity that disrupts sleep. Many babies practise standing in the cot at night and cannot yet get back down.
Separation anxiety also peaks around this age. Your baby now understands that you exist when you leave the room and wants you back. This is normal and developmental — not a behaviour problem.
If nights are very disrupted: Baby Waking Every Hour
Tips for 10 month sleep
- Do not drop to 1 nap — even if nap 2 is being refused some days. Most babies need 2 naps until at least 13 months.
- Practise getting down from standing during the day if your baby is stuck standing in the cot at night.
- Keep bedtime early — 7pm or earlier if overtiredness has been building.
- If sleep has been disrupted for more than 3 to 4 weeks, consider gentle sleep support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many naps does a 10 month old need?
Most 10 month olds still need 2 naps. Total daytime sleep of 2 to 3.5 hours across both naps is appropriate. Most babies are not ready to drop to one nap until 13 to 18 months.
What are the wake windows for a 10 month old?
Wake windows at 10 months are typically 3 to 4 hours. The morning wake window can often be stretched to 3.5 to 4 hours if your baby manages it well.
What time should a 10 month old go to bed?
Bedtime between 6:30 and 7:30pm works best for most 10 month olds. Earlier within that range is usually better if your baby seems overtired.
Is my 10 month old going through a sleep regression?
The 8 to 10 month sleep regression frequently peaks around 10 months. Sudden deterioration in sleep that coincides with crawling, pulling to stand, or increased separation anxiety is very likely to be the regression. It typically resolves within 3 to 6 weeks.
Should I drop to one nap at 10 months?
Almost never. True nap readiness is rare before 13 months. Dropping the second nap at 10 months almost always creates overtiredness that worsens night sleep and makes the following weeks significantly harder.
My 10 month old wakes at 5am — what should I do?
Early morning waking at 10 months is often driven by the second nap ending too late, an overtiredness build-up, or the developmental regression. Try ensuring nap 2 ends by 3:30pm and bedtime is no later than 7:30pm.
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