10 months sleep schedule and daily routine
The information in this article is intended for healthy, full-term babies. Always follow advice given by your pediatrician, nurse, or other healthcare professionals. If you are concerned about your child's health, consult your healthcare professional.
At 10 months old, babies are often very active and curious. A sleep routine can help create a good balance between activity and rest. Here, we’ll walk you through how to create a daily routine that suits a 10-month-old baby.
What does a daily routine for a 10-month-old baby Look like?
By this age, most babies have established a routine with two longer naps per day, typically lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each. However, some may have transitioned to one nap per day, while others might still need a third, shorter nap in the late afternoon to stay energized.
Many babies now sleep through the night and can often soothe themselves back to sleep after brief awakenings. However, it is also common for some to wake more frequently and need support to settle back down.
Example sleep routine for a 10-month-old baby
07:00 – Wake up for the day 10:00–11:30 – First nap 15:00–16:00 – Second nap 19:00 – Start the bedtime routine 19:30–20:00 – Bedtime for the night 20:00–07:00 – Possible awakenings
Note: Remember that every baby is unique and develops at their own pace. Some may still need three naps a day, while others might already be transitioning to one longer nap.
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Tips to support your 10-month-old baby’s sleep and development
Balance between day and night
At this age, it’s a good idea to evaluate whether your baby is sleeping so much during the day that bedtime becomes challenging. Too much daytime sleep can lead to difficulties falling asleep and contribute to night awakenings.
Daylight and outdoor play
Try to spend time outdoors every day. Natural light helps your baby regulate their circadian rhythm, making it easier to establish a nighttime sleep routine.
Regular routines
A clear and calming bedtime routine fosters a sense of security. This could include reading a bedtime story, singing a lullaby, or playing soothing music to signal it’s time for sleep.
Toothbrushing as part of the bedtime routine
By 10 months, most babies have a few teeth. Make brushing their teeth part of both the morning and bedtime routines. Use a soft baby toothbrush and turn toothbrushing into a cozy moment together.
Potty training
If you haven’t started potty training yet, now is a great time. Try to incorporate it into the bedtime routine. To make it enjoyable, combine it with reading books, playing games, or singing rhymes.
Play and activities to promote your 10-month-old baby’s development
Tips for play and stimulation
Climbing and balance exercises: Create safe opportunities for your baby to practice balance and mobility. For example, teach them to crawl backward down objects rather than headfirst when they show interest.
Create a safe home environment: Learn about childproofing and consult your pediatrician for advice.
Fine motor skills training: Toys like blocks, shape sorters, and stacking toys are popular and help improve fine motor skills.
Language and communication: Talk, sing, and read books together to develop language comprehension. Babies this age enjoy imitating their parents and repeating activities to learn.
Finger foods: Encourage your baby to self-feed with small pieces of food to enhance fine motor skills and foster independence. Always research safe ways to introduce finger foods before starting.
How much sleep does a 10-month-old baby need?
Most 10-month-old babies need a total of 12–15 hours of sleep per day, with 10–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours during the day, typically divided into two longer naps of around 1–1.5 hours each. However, every baby is unique, so follow your baby’s cues and adjust routines to meet their individual needs.
How long is a 10-month-old baby’s wake window?
At 10 months, babies can usually stay awake for about 3–4 hours before needing sleep again. This can vary depending on activity levels and daily stimulation. Observe your baby’s signals and tiredness cues, and aim to put them to sleep before they become overtired.
What is a good bedtime for a 10-month-old baby?
Many parents find a bedtime between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM works well at this age. Experiment to find a time that suits your family’s routine and your baby’s needs.
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