😴 A Parent's Guide to the 10-Month-Old Sleep Schedule (& Regression)

😴 A Guide to Your 10-Month-Old's Sleep Schedule (and the Regression!) 😴

Your 10-month-old is full of personality and new skills. It is an exciting time. But these new developments can often lead to a major disruption in their sleep. If your once-decent sleeper is now fighting naps and waking up all night, you are not alone. You have likely entered the 10-month sleep regression.

This phase can be exhausting for parents. But it is important to remember that it is a normal and temporary part of your baby's development. It is a sign that their brain and body are making incredible progress. It is not a step backward.

This guide will explain a typical 10 month old sleep schedule. We will also cover why this regression happens. Let's get you and your baby back on track to a good night's sleep. ✅

🤔 What Does a Typical 10-Month-Old's Sleep Schedule Look Like?

By 10 months, your baby's sleep is becoming more predictable. They are solidly on a two-nap schedule. The key to a good schedule is understanding their wake windows. A wake window is the amount of time they can comfortably stay awake between sleeps.

Here are the key numbers for this age:

Total Sleep: About 12 to 15 hours in a 24-hour period.
Nighttime Sleep: 10 to 12 hours.
Daytime Sleep: 2 to 3 hours, split between two naps.
Wake Windows: At 10 months, wake windows are typically between 3 and 4 hours.

What is a good sample schedule?

Many parents at this age have great success with the "2-3-4" schedule. This refers to the wake windows between sleeps, though at 10 months it is often closer to "3-3.5-4." Here is a great template for a 10 month old sleep schedule:

7:00 AM: Wake up
(3 hours of awake time)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Nap 1
(3.5 hours of awake time)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap 2
(4 hours of awake time)
8:00 PM: Bedtime

🤸 Why is Your 10-Month-Old Suddenly Fighting Sleep?

The 10-month sleep regression is all about development. Your baby is learning so many new and exciting things. Their desire to practice these skills can easily override their desire to sleep. Here are the main reasons for the disruption.

Are they learning new motor skills?

Yes! This is the biggest cause. Your baby is likely crawling everywhere. They are also pulling up to stand on everything. They might even be cruising along furniture. The crib is a safe and perfect place to practice standing up and sitting down. This is much more fun than sleeping!

Is separation anxiety a factor?

Separation anxiety is at its peak around this age. Your baby understands that you are still around even when you leave the room. This can cause them to cry and protest at bedtime. They want you to come back.

✅ How Can You and Your Baby Get Through This Phase?

The key to surviving this regression is consistency and patience. It is important to support your baby through this phase without creating new long-term sleep habits. Here are some essential tips.

1. Stick to the Wake Windows: An overtired baby is much harder to get to sleep. Follow a consistent schedule based on 3-4 hour wake windows. This will help to ensure they are tired, but not too tired, at naptime and bedtime.

2. Have a Solid Bedtime Routine: A calm and predictable routine is very comforting. A bath, a book, and a song are powerful cues that sleep is coming.

3. Allow Time to Practice: It is okay to let your baby stand and babble in their crib for 10-15 minutes. Trying to force them to lie down can turn into a game. They will usually get tired and lie down on their own.

This phase is challenging, but it is a positive sign of healthy growth. It typically lasts for about three to six weeks. Stay consistent, and peaceful nights will return. ❤️