9 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 9 months, most babies are on 2 naps with wake windows of 2.75–3.5 hours. Total sleep is around 13–14 hours. Developmental leaps and the tail end of the 8–10 month regression can make sleep feel more disrupted.
What does a 9 month old sleep schedule look like?
At 9 months, your baby is firmly in a 2-nap routine. Wake windows are longer, and your baby is becoming more active and curious during the day. A typical day might look like this:
Sample Schedule
Wake windows at 9 months
Wake windows at 9 months are around 2.75 to 3 hours for the first window and 3.25 to 3.5 hours before bedtime. Getting these right is key to avoiding overtiredness and keeping naps on track.
Common challenges at 9 months
Many 9 month olds go through a burst of developmental changes — standing, cruising, babbling, understanding more language. This mental and physical activity can make sleep more fragmented temporarily.
Early morning wakings are also common at this age. If your baby is waking before 6am, it is often linked to schedule issues or how they fall asleep at bedtime.
If nights are still very disrupted, this explains why: Baby Waking Every Hour
Tips for 9 month sleep
- Don't drop to 1 nap yet — even if your baby resists, they almost certainly still need 2 naps.
- Extend wake windows gradually if naps or bedtime settling has become harder.
- If you're ready for support, gentle sleep training works very well at this age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many naps should a 9 month old take?
Most 9 month olds take 2 naps per day, with total daytime sleep of 2.5 to 3 hours. Some babies begin resisting the second nap, but it is usually too early to drop to 1 nap at this age.
What are the wake windows for a 9 month old?
Wake windows at 9 months are typically 2.75 to 3.5 hours. The first window is around 2.75 to 3 hours, and the last before bedtime is around 3.25 to 3.5 hours.
My 9 month old is fighting naps. Should I drop to 1 nap?
Almost certainly not. Most babies are not ready for 1 nap until around 13–15 months. Nap resistance at 9 months is usually caused by undertiredness (wake windows may need extending) or the ongoing 8–10 month regression.
How much night sleep should a 9 month old get?
Most 9 month olds need 11 to 12 hours of night sleep. Many are capable of sleeping through without feeds, though some may still have 1 feed.
Is 9 months too late to start sleep training?
Not at all. 9 months is a very common age for families to seek support. Gentle methods work well at this age and can make a significant difference quickly.
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