Sleep windows are the optimal amount of time your baby should be awake based on his age. That is, between the time he wakes up in the morning and the first nap; between naps; or between the last nap and nighttime sleep.

Sleep windows are a very important part of our philosophy at Mamás Mateas. We believe that a baby should not follow a strict schedule, but should have a flexible routine , and that is possible thanks to sleep windows.

Why are sleep windows so important?

They are very important because if your baby is not tired at all or is over-tired, you may have trouble getting him to sleep or staying asleep. He may then have short naps, resistance to bedtime, more night wakings or sleeplessness.

Remember: overexerted babies simply don't sleep well.

Guide to average sleep window length by age

4 important things about sleep windows

1. Generally, the first sleep window in the morning is the shortest and as time goes by it lengthens. That is why a range is given for each age.

For example, if your baby is 8 weeks old, their first sleep window would be about 60 minutes, and the last 90 minutes. Once they move on to a nap we see the reverse; that is, the first window is longer and the last is shorter.

2. If your baby had a short nap (30 minutes for example), there is no need to shorten his next sleep window, since doing so could reinforce that short nap.

3. Your baby's window (in the newborn stage) starts counting from the moment he or she wakes up and opens his or her eyes, and includes all the activities he or she does during his or her awake time: feeding, diaper changing, etc.

After 5 months, we can count the sleep window from the moment he or she gets out of the crib or bed.

4. As your baby grows, he or she will spend more time awake. That's why you should take this into consideration and review this guide frequently to adapt your baby's routines.

Remember that sleep windows are a guide, and it is also very important to be guided by the signals your baby gives you.