Babies change very fast, including their sleep schedules. To help you stay ahead of the curve, and keep your 10-month-old’s sleep on track, we’ve compiled a handy guide to your 10-month-old’s sleep schedule.
Here we’ll answer some of the most common questions parents ask us, including “What is a 10-month-old’s sleep schedule?” and “What is a 10-month-old’s nap schedule?”
{{table_of_contents}}
If you’re struggling with your baby’s sleep, check out the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™.
Designed alongside with pediatric sleep experts, this incredible app helps you teach your baby how to fall asleep independently and sleep for longer stretches. And, yes, it really works: most users see results in as little as a week!
A 10-Month-Old Sleep Schedule Example
Here’s a suggested sleep schedule for a 10-month-old baby. Typically, a 10-month-old takes two naps a day and stays awake between 3-3.5 hours at a time. Remember, all babies are different, so your little one's sleep schedule might vary from this example.
That said, when reading this 10-month-old’s sleep schedule, focus less on the specific clock times and more on wake windows – the amount of time your baby is awake between naps or their last nap and bedtime.
Wake windows are a fundamental driver of sleep because it’s how your baby sleeps during the day that sets them up for overnight sleep success.
Get your personalized sleep plan by downloading the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™.
Not only does it provide a schedule tailored to your baby, it also automatically updates every time you enter a sleep to help you keep the best schedule for robust overnight sleep.
Tip: While this schedule is just a sample, the wake window times are accurate for a 10-month-old – using them as a guide for your baby will help keep their sleep schedule on track.
Sample Sleep Schedule for 10-Month-Olds with 2 Naps:
Can a 10-month-old baby sleep through the night?
Yes, by 10-months most babies can sleep for long stretches at night. Some breastfed babies may still be night feeding at this age, which is completely normal.
If your baby isn’t sleeping for long stretches yet, it may be time to consider sleep training. In addition to consolidating your baby’s sleep at night, when you sleep coach, you teach your baby how to self-soothe themselves if they wake up at night. The result: your baby falls asleep faster and sleeps for longer periods – and so do you!
To start sleep coaching your baby tonight, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™. It guides you every step of the way and provides a personalized plan to help get your baby’s (and your) sleep on track!
How many hours should a 10-month-old sleep each day?
A 10-month-old should sleep about 13.5-15 hours over a 24-hour period, split between night sleeps and naps.
How much nighttime sleep for a 10-month-old?
In terms of how much should a 10-month-old sleep at night, aim for 11-12 hours of overnight sleep for 10-month-olds. Keeping age-appropriate sleep schedules like this is key to ensuring your baby hits all of their developmental milestones.
Some of your 10-month-old’s developmental milestones include pointing, learning new words, mimicking actions they see, and potentially cruising – that is, using furniture (and you) to “walk” around.
(For more on your 10-month-old’s development progress, read our article on 10-month-old developmental milestones.)
How much should a 10-month-old sleep during the day?
A 10-month-old should take 2 naps a day totaling about 2-3 hours. This will provide them with the sleep they need without cutting into their nighttime sleep.
Should a 10-month-old nap transition?
No. A 10-month-old should stay on 2 naps; maintain this schedule through your baby’s 1st birthday. If your baby resists their 2nd nap or that nap is naturally shortening itself, extend your baby’s mid-day wake window to build up their sleep drive. Naps are very important to your baby’s development.
Why are naps so important for babies?
There are two “types” of sleep: REM Sleep and NREM Sleep.
REM Sleep is an “active sleep” that helps grow cognitive skills, while NREM Sleep is a “restorative sleep” that helps your baby’s memory consolidation.
Both REM and NREM sleep appear in your baby’s sleep cycle, but NREM appears earlier, including during naps. Since naps are shorter, they’re chock full of memory nourishing NREM. That’s why we usually recommend parents and caretakers continue a 2 nap-a-day schedule for as long as possible.
For more on nap transitions, check out our articles on when and how to nap transition.
And for more insights into your baby’s sleep cycles and the science behind baby sleep, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™. It has mini-articles that explain all you need to know about how sleep coaching works alongside your baby’s circadian rhythm and sleep cycles.
What is a 10-month-old’s wake window?
Typically, the wake window for 10-month-olds is about 3-4 hours. (Isn’t it amazing how far your baby has come in such little time?)
Is there a 10-month sleep regression?
We’re happy to report that there is not a traditional sleep regression at 10-months. However, some babies may still experience residual disruptions from their 8-month sleep regression.
If your baby is experiencing a sleep regression, maintain your baby’s sleep schedule, involve them in their bedtime routine, and, of course, have patience.
We understand sleep regressions can be frustrating but remember: they’re brief! These little speed bumps are part of the journey, and you will be stronger for them!
For more on sleep regressions, please read our dedicated blog post on when to expect and how to deal with sleep regressions.
Are 10-Month-Old’s Teething?
Yes, many 10-month-olds are teething. Teething typically starts at 6 months but can start as late as 12 months. And, yes, teething can disrupt your baby’s sleep. Luckily, there are some easy ways to help alleviate your baby’s teething pain.
Gentle Gum Massages: Tenderly massaging your baby’s gums with your clean finger can help soothe your baby’s teething discomfort. The pressure alleviates the pain.
Give a Teething Ring: Teething rings use the same “pressure-as-comfort” method as a gum massage but allows your baby to target the area that hurts the most. As a bonus, manipulating the teething ring gives your baby some motor skill practice!
Chilled Fruit, Washcloth, or Spoon Work, Too: Letting your baby bite on cold objects also helps calm teething pain before bed. Be sure to keep a watchful eye if using this method, though.
Drool Be-Gone: You may have noticed or heard that actively teething babies drool more than when they’re not teething. Though the drool itself doesn’t hurt your baby, excessive drool can lead to drool rash – an itchy, red rash on your baby’s cheeks or chin. This can disrupt your baby’s sleep, so be sure to prevent drool rash by regularly wiping drool with a soft, dry cloth. If the rash persists or itching is uncontrollable, please see your pediatrician.
For more tips and insights on how to help your baby sleep through teething and any other milestone, download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™.
The step-by-step sleep coaching methods will help you teach your baby how to fall asleep independently, lay down a strong sleep foundation that will benefit your baby for years to come. Plus, the Smart Sleep Coach has incredible mini-articles explaining everything you need to know about shaping your baby’s sleep, from how to nap transition to when to move your baby to a crib.
One Final Note:
You’re doing great! Honestly – the fact that you are reading up on your baby’s sleep shows how caring and loving you are. We understand parenthood, especially sleep training, can be confusing at times, but the challenges you overcome today will make you a stronger parent – and person – tomorrow!
