6-Month Sleep Schedule

A sample day might start with morning feed and play, a first nap after the early wake window, another feed and floor time, a second nap around midday or early afternoon, a short third nap if the day needs it, then a simple bedtime rhythm. Treat that as a sketch, not a promise. The best schedule is the one your household can repeat safely.

A moving baby needs more space, not more restraints. Rolling, pivoting, crawling attempts, or pulling up can interrupt sleep because your baby practises new skills or gets stuck in uncomfortable positions. Avoid products that hold baby in place. Use a clear sleep space and well-fitted arms-free sleepwear so your baby can move their arms and body.

Starting solids is not a magic sleep switch. Around 6 months, many babies begin solids when they show readiness, but first foods are about iron, texture, allergens, skill practice, and family meals. Keep breastmilk or formula as the main milk feed, offer solids safely, and avoid loading dinner with the hope that it will force longer sleep.

Parent sleep is part of the safety plan. Decide who handles which wake, where safe night supplies live, how phones charge away from the cot, and what happens if the adult holding baby feels drowsy. Put baby back in the safe sleep space before you fall asleep, especially on sofas, recliners, or adult beds.

Get advice early if sleep changes come with health concerns. Snoring, noisy breathing, pauses in breathing, fever, persistent vomiting, poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, unusual floppiness or stiffness, eczema itch, ear pain, weight concerns, or parent exhaustion that feels unsafe deserves help rather than another schedule tweak.