1 Month Old Sleep Schedule
Gentle sleep guide for 4-7 week old babies: wake windows, flexible routines, handling day-night confusion, and building healthy sleep foundations during this transitional month.
Circadian rhythms are just beginning to emerge!
Evidence-based guide reviewed by pediatric sleep experts
Last updated: January 22, 2025
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice or professional sleep consultation. Every baby is unique. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific sleep, health, and safety needs. If you have concerns about your baby's breathing, development, feeding, or sleep patterns, seek professional guidance immediately.
1 Month Sleep Schedule Guidelines
What's New at 1 Month (4-7 Weeks)?
Around 6-7 weeks, your baby will start smiling in response to you! This is a major developmental milestone and brings so much joy.
Around 6-8 weeks, baby's internal clock starts developing. You may notice slightly more predictable wake times, though sleep is still very variable.
Wake windows gradually increase from 50-70 minutes at 4 weeks to 60-90 minutes by 7 weeks. Still very short compared to older babies.
1 month olds need to be fed on demand every 2-3 hours around the clock. This is survival mode—focus on bonding and meeting baby's needs.
Quick Reference: 1 Month Old Sleep (4-7 Weeks)
📚 Data Sources:
Guidelines adapted from:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- National Sleep Foundation
- Pediatric sleep research (see References section below)
⚕️ Consult Your Pediatrician: These are general planning guidelines. Every baby is different. If you have concerns about your baby's sleep, feeding, or development, please consult your healthcare provider.
Why Use Wake Windows Instead of a Fixed Schedule?
You might be wondering: If this is a sleep schedule page, why am I seeing a wake window calculator instead of exact times?
Here's the truth: At 1 month (4-7 weeks), your baby's circadian rhythm is just starting to develop. Daily wake times can vary by 30+ minutes or more from day to day. A rigid "7:00 AM wake, 8:00 AM nap" schedule will leave you frustrated because your baby simply cannot follow clock times yet.
What ARE Wake Windows?
Wake windows are the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. For 1 month olds, this is typically 50-90 minutes (less than 1.5 hours).
Instead of watching the clock for specific nap times, you watch how long baby has been awake and respond to their sleep cues. This flexible approach works WITH your baby's natural rhythms, not against them.
How the calculator below helps: Enter your baby's wake-up time, and it will show you the window when they'll likely need their next nap (based on age-appropriate wake windows for 1 month olds). This adapts to YOUR baby's actual day.
Bottom line: At 1 month, wake windows provide a flexible routine without rigid clock-watching. By 3-4 months, your baby will become more predictable, but right now, following wake windows and sleep cues is the most responsive and effective approach.
Next Nap Window Calculator
What's Normal at 1 Month
You cannot expect a consistent schedule yet. Wake times may vary significantly day to day. Some days are smooth; others are chaotic. Both are completely normal.
Nighttime feeds are essential for growth and development. Do not expect long sleep stretches. If breastfeeding, frequent feeds also help establish milk supply.
Many babies have their longest wake periods or fussiest times at night. This gradually improves as circadian rhythms develop around 6-8 weeks.
5-8 naps per day is typical. Some naps may be 20 minutes; others could be 2 hours. You cannot control nap length yet—just follow your baby's cues.
Rocking, feeding to sleep, holding, swaddling—whatever works is perfectly fine. This is not creating bad habits. Your baby is too young for independent sleep.
Remember: You are in survival mode. The goal is not perfect sleep—it's keeping baby fed, safe, and loved. Give yourself grace. Every baby develops at their own pace, and this phase will pass.
Wake Windows Guide: 1 Month Old (4-7 Weeks)
Age-Specific Wake Windows
50-70 minutes. Very short wake windows. Baby tires quickly and needs frequent naps.
55-80 minutes. Slightly longer as alertness increases. Social smiles often appear around this time!
60-90 minutes. Approaching 2 months. Some babies can handle closer to 90 minutes by the end of week 7, but many still need 60-75 minutes.
Unlike older babies, wake windows at 1 month do NOT progressively lengthen throughout the day. They remain fairly consistent—sometimes the first wake window is even longer than later ones. Watch your baby's cues rather than following a strict pattern.
Sleep Cues to Watch For
Early Signs (Sleepy Window)
- •Staring into space or glazed look
- •Quieting down, less movement
- •Yawning (even one yawn is a cue)
- •Rubbing eyes or face
- •Turning head away from stimulation
- •Losing interest in people or toys
Late Signs (Overtired)
- •Crying or fussing
- •Arching back
- •Jerky arm/leg movements
- •Clenched fists
- •Difficult to soothe
- •Fighting sleep despite exhaustion
At 1 month, wake windows are VERY short. By the time you change a diaper, feed baby, and have a few minutes of interaction, it's often already time for the next nap. Don't wait for obvious tired signs—start your sleep routine around 45-60 minutes after waking.
Sample Daily Schedule: 1 Month Old
Important: This is a flexible sample, not a rigid schedule. At 1 month, you cannot follow clock times—this is just to give you an idea of the rhythm. Your baby's day will look different, and that's completely normal. Focus on wake windows and feeding on demand.
| Approximate Time | Activity | Duration/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake + Feed | Morning wake time (highly variable) |
| 7:15-8:00 AM | Awake Time | Diaper change, gentle interaction (50-70 min WW) |
| 8:00-9:30 AM | Nap 1 | First nap: 45-90 min (varies widely) |
| 9:30 AM | Feed | Feed upon waking |
| 9:45-10:45 AM | Awake Time | Diaper, tummy time, gentle play (60 min WW) |
| 10:45-11:45 AM | Nap 2 | Morning nap: 30-90 min |
| 11:45 AM | Feed | Feed upon waking |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Awake Time | Diaper, looking around, cuddles (60 min WW) |
| 1:00-2:30 PM | Nap 3 | Midday nap: 60-120 min (or shorter) |
| 2:30 PM | Feed | Feed upon waking |
| 2:45-3:45 PM | Awake Time | Diaper, short walk/outdoor time (60 min WW) |
| 3:45-5:00 PM | Nap 4 | Afternoon nap: 45-90 min |
| 5:00 PM | Feed | Feed upon waking |
| 5:15-6:15 PM | Awake Time | Witching hour—may be fussy (60 min WW) |
| 6:15-7:00 PM | Catnap 5 (Optional) | Short 20-45 min nap to bridge to bedtime |
| 7:00 PM | Feed | If baby woke from catnap |
| 7:15-8:00 PM | Awake Time | Calm activities, dim lights |
| 8:00-8:30 PM | Bedtime Routine | Bath, diaper, swaddle, feed, lullaby |
| 8:30 PM | Bedtime | Down for "night" (highly variable timing) |
| 10:30-11:30 PM | Night Feed 1 | Feed when baby wakes |
| 1:30-2:30 AM | Night Feed 2 | Feed when baby wakes |
| 4:30-5:30 AM | Night Feed 3 | Feed when baby wakes |
Remember: This schedule is just a sample! Your baby may take 5 naps, 6 naps, or 8 naps. Bedtime may be 7:00 PM one night and 10:00 PM the next. Night wakings may be every 2 hours or every 4 hours. All of this is normal at 1 month. Follow your baby's lead.
Night period tip: Keep the "night" period to a maximum of 12-12.5 hours (e.g., 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM or 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM). This helps prevent day-night confusion from worsening and supports developing circadian rhythms.
How many naps should a 1 month old take?
Most 1 month olds (4-7 weeks) take 5-8 naps per day. Sleep is very fragmented at this age. Here's what's typical:
- At 4-5 weeks: Often 6-8 naps per day, with very short wake windows (50-60 min)
- By 6-7 weeks: May consolidate slightly to 5-7 naps as wake windows lengthen (60-80 min)
- Total daytime sleep: 7-9 hours across all naps (though some babies sleep more, some less)
Remember: There is huge variability at this age. As long as your baby is feeding well, having wet/dirty diapers, and meeting developmental milestones, their sleep pattern is likely fine—even if it feels chaotic to you!
How long can a 1 month old nap?
Nap lengths at 1 month are highly unpredictable and can range from 20 minutes to 2 hours:
- •Short naps: 20-45 minutes (very common at this age)
- •Long naps: 1-2 hours (some babies, some days)
- •Guideline: Try not to let any single nap exceed 2 hours to protect nighttime sleep
It's okay if naps are inconsistent! At 1 month, babies cannot regulate their sleep cycles yet. One day all naps might be 30 minutes; the next day they take a 2-hour nap. This unpredictability is completely normal and typically improves over the next few months.
When should the last nap be for a 1 month old?
At 1 month, the concept of a "last nap" is fluid because bedtime itself is highly variable. However, here are some general guidelines:
- If bedtime is 7-8 PM: The last nap often ends around 5:30-6:30 PM (a short catnap that bridges to bedtime)
- If bedtime is 9-10 PM: There may be another nap around 7-8 PM
- Key principle: Keep wake windows short (60-80 min max before bed) to prevent overtiredness
Don't stress about last nap timing yet: At 1 month, focus on following wake windows throughout the day and night. As circadian rhythms develop over the next 4-8 weeks, bedtime naturally becomes more consistent, and the "last nap" concept makes more sense.
When is bedtime for a 1 month old?
Bedtime at 1 month is highly variable and can range from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (or even later). This is because circadian rhythms are just beginning to develop.
- What's normal: Bedtime may shift by 1-2 hours from night to night
- Follow wake windows: Put baby down for "bed" when they've been awake 60-80 minutes after the last nap
- Night period guideline: Keep the designated "night" period to 12-12.5 hours maximum (e.g., 8 PM - 8 AM)
- Building a routine: Even though bedtime varies, start a simple bedtime routine (bath, feed, swaddle, lullaby) to signal "night" is coming
Give yourself grace: You cannot force a consistent bedtime at 1 month. Your baby's biology is not ready yet. By 8-12 weeks, bedtime will naturally become more predictable as their internal clock matures.
Developmental Milestones for a 1 Month Old
At 1 month (4-7 weeks), your baby is rapidly developing. Here are key milestones to watch for:
Social & Emotional
- • First social smiles (around 6 weeks)
- • Begins to track faces
- • May calm when picked up
- • Starting to make cooing sounds
Vision & Hearing
- • Focuses on objects 8-12 inches away
- • Tracks moving objects briefly
- • Turns toward sounds
- • Prefers high-contrast patterns
Motor Skills
- • Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- • Jerky arm and leg movements
- • Strong grasp reflex
- • Brings hands to mouth occasionally
Communication
- • Cries for different needs (hunger, discomfort)
- • Begins cooing and gurgling
- • Different cries for different needs
- • Responds to soothing voice
Note: All babies develop at their own pace. If you have concerns about your baby's development, talk to your pediatrician. Milestones are guidelines, not strict rules.
Is there a 1 month old sleep regression?
There is no official "1 month sleep regression," but many parents notice sleep disruptions around 4-7 weeks due to:
- Peak fussiness period: 6-8 weeks is often the peak of crying/fussiness for many babies
- Developmental leaps: Increased awareness can make settling harder
- Growth spurts: Around 3-6 weeks, increased feeding needs can disrupt sleep
- Circadian rhythm development: As the internal clock starts forming, sleep patterns shift
How to cope: This is temporary! Focus on responsive caregiving, use calming techniques (swaddling, white noise, rocking), and ask for help. The peak fussiness typically improves by 8-12 weeks.
What activities can I do with my 1 month old?
At 1 month, wake windows are very short (50-90 minutes), so activities should be simple and gentle. Here are ideas:
Visual Stimulation
- • Show high-contrast images (black/white)
- • Move objects slowly for baby to track
- • Face-to-face interaction (12 inches away)
- • Look at simple board books together
Physical Development
- • Tummy time (1-5 minutes, 2-3x/day)
- • Gentle bicycle legs exercise
- • Skin-to-skin contact
- • Let baby grasp your finger
Auditory Stimulation
- • Sing lullabies and simple songs
- • Talk to baby about what you're doing
- • Play gentle music
- • Use rattles and soft sounds
Bonding & Calming
- • Baby massage with gentle strokes
- • Rocking and swaying
- • Babywearing around the house
- • Cuddling and holding close
Important: At 1 month, less is more. A typical wake window might include: diaper change (5 min) + feed (20-30 min) + brief play/interaction (10-15 min) + wind-down for sleep (5-10 min). That's it! Overstimulation can make settling very difficult.
What is a bedtime routine for a 1 month old?
Even though bedtime is variable at 1 month, establishing a simple bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that night sleep is coming. Keep it short (20-30 minutes) and calming.
Bath (Optional)
A warm bath can be calming, but it's not necessary every night. 2-3 times per week is sufficient for newborns.
Diaper Change & Pajamas
Fresh diaper and put on sleepwear. This is part of the transition to sleep mode.
Dim Lights
Lower the lights in the room to signal nighttime. This helps with circadian rhythm development.
Swaddle
If your baby likes being swaddled, this is a good time. Swaddling helps reduce the startle reflex.
Feed
A full feed before bed. It's okay if baby falls asleep while feeding at this age.
Lullaby or White Noise
Sing a soft lullaby, say a goodnight phrase, or turn on white noise. Keep it calm and quiet.
Place in Crib/Bassinet
On their back, in a safe sleep space. It's okay to soothe them to sleep at this age.
Pro Tip: The goal is not to have baby fall asleep independently at 1 month. The goal is simply to create a consistent sequence of calming events that signal "this is bedtime." Independent sleep skills can be worked on much later (4-6 months).
Should I swaddle my 1 month old?
Yes, swaddling is generally safe and beneficial for 1 month olds who cannot yet roll over. Swaddling helps:
- Prevent the startle (Moro) reflex from waking baby
- Provide a cozy, womb-like feeling
- Reduce crying and improve sleep duration
Safe Swaddling Guidelines
- • Stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling (typically 8-12 weeks)
- • Always place baby on their back to sleep when swaddled
- • Keep swaddle snug around arms but loose around hips (allow hip movement)
- • Don't overdress baby under the swaddle (risk of overheating)
- • Never swaddle with a blanket in the crib (safe sleep hazard)
- • Ensure baby's face is always uncovered
Note: Some babies don't like being swaddled. If your baby consistently fights the swaddle or seems more upset, try a sleep sack with arms free instead. Every baby is different!
What do I do if my 1 month old needs the pacifier to sleep?
It's completely normal for 1 month olds to need a pacifier (or other soothing method) to fall asleep. Here's what to know:
- Pacifiers are safe and recommended: The AAP states pacifiers may reduce SIDS risk. It's okay to use one for sleep.
- You'll need to replace it at night: At 1 month, baby cannot find and replace the pacifier themselves. This means you may need to wake to reinsert it. This is temporary.
- It's not a "bad habit": At this age, responsive soothing is appropriate. You're not creating problems for the future.
- Alternatives: If pacifier wakeups are exhausting, you can try other soothing methods (rocking, white noise, swaddling) or simply not use a pacifier
Bottom line: Do whatever helps you and your baby get the most sleep right now. You can address sleep associations later (around 4-6 months) if needed. For now, prioritize rest and sanity!
Can a 1 month old sleep through the night?
No, 1 month olds cannot and should not sleep through the night. Here's why:
- Nutritional needs: Babies need to eat every 2-3 hours for proper growth and development. Their tiny stomachs cannot hold enough to go 8+ hours.
- Not developmentally ready: Their circadian rhythms and sleep regulation systems are immature.
- Breastfeeding consideration: If breastfeeding, frequent night feeds help establish and maintain milk supply.
What to Expect Instead
- • Most 1 month olds wake every 2-3 hours at night to feed
- • Some may have one slightly longer stretch (3-4 hours), often early in the night
- • Total night sleep: typically broken into 4-6 segments with feeding breaks
- • This is normal, healthy, and expected
When will it get better? Most babies don't sleep through the night until 4-6 months (some later). Around 2-3 months, you may see slightly longer stretches (4-5 hours). Be patient—this phase is temporary!
Why is my 1 month old fighting sleep?
There are several common reasons why 1 month olds resist sleep:
Overtired (Wake Window Too Long)
If baby has been awake longer than 60-90 minutes, they may be overtired. Overtired babies have a harder time settling. Watch the clock and sleep cues closely.
Overstimulated
Too much activity, noise, or bright lights can make it hard for baby to wind down. Create a calm, dark environment before naps and bedtime.
Discomfort (Gas, Reflux, Temperature)
Check if baby needs a diaper change, is too hot/cold, or has gas/reflux. Address physical discomfort first.
Day-Night Confusion
Some babies are more alert at night. Help by keeping days bright and active, nights dark and boring.
Developmental Leaps or Growth Spurts
Around 3-6 weeks, babies go through growth spurts and developmental leaps that can temporarily disrupt sleep.
What helps: Shorten wake windows, use calming techniques (swaddle, white noise, rocking, shushing), keep the sleep environment dark and cool, and give yourself grace. Some days are just harder than others at this age.
Why are my 1 month old naps suddenly short?
Short naps (20-45 minutes) are extremely common at 1 month. Here's why:
- Sleep cycles are short: 1 month olds have 45-60 minute sleep cycles and cannot yet connect cycles during naps
- Startle reflex: The Moro reflex can wake baby (swaddling can help)
- Environmental factors: Noise, light, or temperature changes can wake baby
- Hunger: Babies may wake hungry, especially during growth spurts
What You Can Do
- • Swaddle for naps to reduce startle reflex
- • Use white noise to mask environmental sounds
- • Keep the room dark (blackout curtains help)
- • Watch wake windows—not too short, not too long
- • Accept that short naps are normal at this age
Good news: Nap consolidation typically happens around 4-6 months. For now, short naps are developmentally normal. If baby seems content and well-rested despite short naps, they're getting what they need!
How do I handle early morning wakings with my 1 month old?
"Early morning wakings" are a bit of a misnomer at 1 month because babies don't yet have a consistent wake time. However, here's guidance:
- Define your "morning": Choose a consistent time to start the day (e.g., 7:00 AM). If baby wakes before this, treat it as a night waking (dark room, minimal interaction, feed and back to sleep).
- Keep night period to 12-12.5 hours: If bedtime is 8:00 PM, morning should start around 8:00 AM. Adjust bedtime if needed.
- Expose to light at designated wake time: Open curtains, turn on lights, speak in a normal voice. This helps set circadian rhythms.
- Be patient: It takes several weeks of consistency for circadian rhythms to form. Don't expect immediate results.
Reality check: At 1 month, you cannot truly control early wakings because your baby's internal clock isn't set yet. Your goal is simply to create consistent environmental cues (light/dark, activity level) that help support their circadian rhythm development over the next 4-8 weeks.
What are safe sleep guidelines for a 1 month old?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following safe sleep practices for all infants under 12 months:
Critical Safe Sleep Rules
- Always place baby on their back for every sleep (naps and nighttime)
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface (crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets safety standards)
- Nothing in the crib except baby: no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, or positioners
- Room-share without bed-sharing for at least 6 months (ideally 12 months)
- Avoid overheating: Dress baby in light layers, keep room temperature comfortable (68-72°F)
- Offer a pacifier at sleep (after breastfeeding is established, around 3-4 weeks)
- No smoking around baby (before or after birth)
- Avoid sleep positioners, inclined sleepers, and car seats for routine sleep
Swaddling note: Swaddling is safe for 1 month olds who cannot roll. Always place swaddled babies on their back. Stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling (typically 8-12 weeks).
Learn more: Visit the AAP website or talk to your pediatrician for complete safe sleep guidance. Safe sleep practices significantly reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Should I start sleep training at 1 month old?
No, 1 month old is far too young for sleep training.
At this age, your baby benefits from full responsive care and support to fall asleep. They are not developmentally ready for independent sleep skills.
Here's what to focus on at 1 month instead of sleep training:
- Responsive caregiving: Meet your baby's needs promptly. You cannot spoil a newborn.
- Feed on demand: Every 2-3 hours around the clock.
- Safe sleep environment: Back to sleep, firm surface, nothing in crib.
- Gentle routines: Start a simple bedtime routine to lay foundations.
- Watch wake windows and sleep cues: This helps prevent overtiredness.
- Use soothing tools: Swaddle, white noise, rocking, pacifier—whatever helps baby sleep!
When can I sleep train? Most experts recommend waiting until at least 4-6 months (some say 6 months minimum). By that time, baby's sleep cycles have matured, circadian rhythms are established, and they may be ready for more independent sleep skills. Always consult your pediatrician before starting.
What is the difference between 1 month and newborn sleep?
While 1 month olds are technically still newborns, there are some subtle differences compared to 0-4 week olds:
| Aspect | Newborn (0-3 weeks) | 1 Month (4-7 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Windows | 40-60 minutes | 50-90 minutes |
| Sleep Pattern | Very fragmented, day/night often confused | Still fragmented, but circadian rhythm starting to emerge around 6-8 weeks |
| Naps | 8-10+ per day | 5-8 per day |
| Social Engagement | Limited; sleepy most of the time | More alert; social smiles begin around 6 weeks |
| Feeding | Every 1.5-3 hours, often cluster feeding | Every 2-3 hours, slightly more predictable |
| Predictability | Almost none; survival mode | Very slight improvement; still mostly unpredictable |
Bottom line: The changes from 0 to 4 weeks to 4-7 weeks are subtle. You're still firmly in the "fourth trimester" where baby needs intensive care and support. The biggest leap happens around 8-12 weeks when circadian rhythms truly solidify and sleep becomes noticeably more predictable.
Related Sleep Guides
Newborn Sleep Schedule (0-4 Weeks)
Complete guide for brand new babies: wake windows, survival tips, and what to expect in the early weeks.
2 Month Old Sleep Schedule
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3 Month Old Sleep Schedule
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Wake Windows by Age Guide
Complete wake windows chart from newborn to toddler, plus how to use them effectively.