9 month old sleep schedule and daily routine

What does the daily routine for a 9-month-old baby look like?

At 9 months, most babies have established a routine with two longer naps during the day, often lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours each. However, some babies may still need a shorter nap at the end of the day to make it through.

At this age, some babies sleep through the night without parents needing to wake up to comfort or feed them. However, it’s still common to wake up once or twice during the night.

Between 8 and 9 months, many babies experience an intense period of development, which can sometimes lead to changes in sleep patterns. For instance, some babies might start waking up more often or taking shorter naps during the day for a period.

Example sleep routine for a 9-month-old baby

07:00: Wake up for the day 10:00–11:30: First nap 14:30–16:00: Second nap 19:00: Evening routine begins 19:30–20:00: Bedtime 20:00–07:00: Possible night wakings

Note: Tailor your sleep routine to your baby’s unique sleep patterns and signals.

Create an optimal sleep routine with Napper

Finding a sleep routine that works can be challenging. With Napper, you can create a sleep schedule tailored to your baby’s unique sleep patterns and needs. You also get an easy-to-follow overview and can track your baby’s sleep progress with helpful statistics.

Try Napper free for 7 days here.

Tips to support your 9-month-old baby’s sleep and development

Find the balance between day and night sleep

At 9 months, it’s important to find a rhythm where daytime sleep doesn’t interfere with nighttime sleep. Consider shortening the last nap if bedtime becomes difficult. Use Napper to track your baby’s sleep patterns, get recommendations, and tips.

Spend time outdoors in daylight

Try to spend a longer period outside in natural daylight every day. This supports your baby’s internal clock for night and day and can promote better nighttime sleep. Avoid direct sunlight to protect your baby’s sensitive skin.

Have a regular sleep routine

Regular routines for naps and bedtime provide security and stability. If you haven’t already, introduce a recurring evening routine. A bedtime routine could include reading a book, singing a lullaby, or listening to calm music. Get more tips for your evening routine here.

Brush teeth together

By 9 months, most babies have a few teeth, both upper and lower. Make toothbrushing part of your morning and evening routine. Show your baby that you’re brushing your teeth too. Use a soft baby toothbrush with a little water, and try to make it an enjoyable moment.

Let your baby practice movement and balance

Babies at 9 months are often curious about standing and climbing up against furniture. Create a safe environment where they can explore and move freely.

Offer toys that encourage fine motor skills

Provide toys that stimulate fine motor skills, such as stacking toys, blocks, and sorting boxes. These are usually popular and help develop hand-eye coordination.

Talk, sing, and read

At 9 months, many babies start imitating sounds and reacting to words. Talk, sing, and read picture books to help develop language understanding. Remember to allow plenty of room for your baby’s own sounds and reactions.

Introduce finger foods

At 9 months, many babies enjoy exploring food on their own by picking up small, soft pieces they can grasp. It’s both fun and a great way to practice fine motor skills. However, make sure to learn how to safely introduce finger foods before starting.

How much sleep does a 9-month-old baby need?

Most 9-month-old babies need around 12–15 hours of sleep per day, with 10–12 hours at night and 2–3 hours during the day, typically split into two longer naps of 1–1.5 hours each. However, all babies are different, and it’s also common for some to need three naps to manage the day, while others might take more frequent but shorter naps.

How often and how long should a 9-month-old baby nap during the day?

At this age, babies typically take two naps lasting about 1–1.5 hours each. The first nap in the morning is often slightly shorter, while the second in the afternoon might be longer.

If your baby is particularly active during the day or going through a developmental phase, they might need to nap more often or for longer. Watch for signs of tiredness and adjust nap times based on your baby’s signals and needs.

What is the wake window for a 9-month-old baby?

The time a baby can stay awake before needing to sleep again is usually between 3 and 4 hours at this age. In the morning, babies often stay awake longer, while in the later part of the day, they might stay awake for shorter periods.

Pay attention to signs of tiredness, such as yawning or rubbing their eyes, and try to put your baby down before they become overtired.

Read more about signs of tiredness here.

When is a good bedtime for a 9-month-old baby?

What’s a good bedtime for your baby depends on their individual sleep patterns and your family’s routines.

At 9 months, many parents choose to put their baby to bed between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. The most important thing is to try and keep bedtime consistent every evening.