Swaddle
Wake up 
Nap until 10:10 am (1 h 5 min) 
Bedtime 5 month old sample schedule
Here is one example day for a 5 month old who wakes at 7:00 am. It uses age-typical wake windows of about 2 h 20 min, a little shorter in the morning and a little longer before bed, and naps of about 1 h 5 min, with a shorter last nap.
| Time | What | Awake before |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Wake up for the day | - |
| 9:05 am - 10:10 am | Nap (1 h 5 min) | 2 h 5 min |
| 12:25 pm - 1:30 pm | Nap (1 h 5 min) | 2 h 20 min |
| 3:45 pm - 4:25 pm | Nap (40 min) | 2 h 20 min |
| 7:10 pm | Bedtime | 2 h 45 min |
That is about 2 h 45 min of day sleep. Wake earlier or later and everything shifts with it: use the schedule maker below to set your own wake-up time.
Most 5 month olds take 3 naps: a morning nap, a midday nap, and a shorter late-afternoon nap. Wake windows are about 2 to 2.5 hours, with the longest one before bed.
Protect the midday nap
The morning and midday naps are usually the most restful. If one of the three has to be on the go, make it the late-afternoon catnap in the stroller or car.
Rolling and practicing
Babies love practicing new skills, including in the crib at night. If your baby rolls onto their tummy on their own and can roll back, it is fine to let them stay that way, as long as they were put down on their back.
Thinking about solids?
Major health bodies recommend starting solid foods around 6 months, when your baby shows signs of readiness such as sitting with support and good head control. Solids do not make babies sleep longer at night. Talk to your pediatrician about timing.
Wake windows at 5 months
A wake window is the time your baby is awake between one sleep and the next. At 5 months it is usually 1 h 15 min to 2 h. Most babies manage the shortest window in the morning and the longest before bedtime, as sleep pressure builds through the day. If your baby fights sleep and only drops off after a long time, the window may be too short. If they melt down before naps, it may be too long. See all ages on our wake windows by age chart.
How much sleep does a 5 month old need?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 12 to 16 hours in 24 hours at this age, including naps. Some healthy babies sleep a bit more or less. Watch your baby rather than the number: a baby who is mostly content when awake, and feeding and growing well, is usually getting enough sleep.
Safe sleep: every sleep on the back, on a firm, flat surface, with no pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys. Share a room, not a bed, for at least the first 6 months.