7 Month Old Sleep Schedule

Your child has reached the age of 7 months. Your baby is playing more with a more awake duration than in the previous months. You are worried about the proper sleep schedule for your 7 month old baby.

This article is for you to know about the optimal sleep duration and frequency of napping. In addition, we will also discuss the common questions regarding your 7 month old sleep schedule and many other aspects. Let’s dive into the details to cover every possible information relevant to the sleep schedule of a 7-month-old baby.

What is the optimal wake window for a 7 month old?

The wake window changes as the baby steps into the next month of age. For a 7 month old, the wake window ranges from 2 to 3 hours. But, it may range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours as the baby gets closer to the 8th month. In addition, the wake window also depends on the time of day. They tend to start from the shorter end of the range and progress as the day passes on.

Moreover, it is also common for a 7 month old to show signs of dropping a nap. When your baby’s routine changes from 3 to 2 naps, the wake window increases indirectly. Here is a general sample for you to schedule the sleep timings of your 7 month old.

• About 2.5 hours after waking up in the morning – Nap 1
• About 2.5 hours after Nap 1 – Nap 2
• After 2.5 hours after Nap 2 – Nap 3
• After 2.5 to 3 hours after the Nap 3 – bedtime

If your baby skips the naps, the wake window increases up to 3 to 3.5 hours.

What is the 7 month sleep regression?

Sleep regression is the phase when the baby struggles to sleep as he did in early infancy. It is a frustrating but temporary phase for the mothers. If your 7 month old was previously a solid sleeper but now suddenly waking up during sleep, and battling naps, this may indicate a sleep regression phase Sleep regression is common at any age. But, it is most common at 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, and 12 months.

Sleep regression is associated with the developmental phases of life. At 7 months, the baby starts crawling, scooting, and sitting up. These new activities can hinder the normal sleep patterns of your baby. Teething pain can also be a possible cause of sleep regression.

What are the developmental milestones for a 7 month old?

With every month passing on, babies tend to learn different skills. Here are some common milestones for a seven month old.

• Easily transfer an object from one hand to the other
• Can sit independently without any cushion.
• Can maintain a sitting position by herself
• Can hold his body weight in a standing position supported by an adult
• Can express joy or sadness in the form of voices
• Be able to find out the partially hidden objects
• Can babble consonant sounds

Every new thing your baby learns is exciting for the baby and also the parents. Besides this, every baby is different in every aspect of learning. Don’t compare your baby with any other baby in the daycare sitting independently. Keep in mind that every baby learns at a different pace. You can also consult your pediatrician if you have any questions regarding the baby.

How many naps are important for a 7 month old baby?

A seven month old baby usually takes 2 to 3 naps per day with 2.5 to 3 hours of wake window. Usually, the naps last for about one hour and should not exceed two hours. It helps you to maintain the active awake time of the baby. Moreover, maintain an adequate feeding period to avoid any disturbance during sleep.

Usually, the babies skip their third nap at the age of 6.5 to 7 months old. It is quite normal for this age group with a sufficient wake window to stay active. Here are the signs that your baby is dropping the third nap.

• Your baby is having difficulty sleeping or staying active during nap time.
• Your baby’s third nap is getting late and interfering with bedtime.
• Early morning waking up because of enough daytime also indicates the skipping of a third nap.

it takes about two to four to make a complete transition from three to two naps. So keep patience and help your baby to acquire a healthy sleep pattern.

What are the healthy sleeping tips for a 7 month old?

Getting enough sleep is important during the developmental phases of a baby. Here are some tips to follow for a 7 month old sleep schedule.

• Prepare your baby for adequate sleep to ensure healthy sleep. Make sure he is well-fed and has a clean diaper to avoid any disturbance in sleep.
• Adjust your baby’s bedroom. At this age, babies may have some sleep preferences. Make sure his room is noise-free to induce a night of good sleep.
• Your 7 month old may be attracted to your phone. Avoid screen exposure to ensure healthy sleep.
• Your 7 month old bunny is fully packed with energy. Keep him busy in between the naps for a good nap time.

Also read: Ear pain and headache

What can be the common sleep problems for a 7 month old?

Your 7 month old is on the way to learning new skills and enjoying freedom. Here are some common problems for a 7 month old struggling for a better bedtime.

• A seven month old is well aware of the playtime and bedtime. Make a proper sleep schedule for the baby and follow it strictly. Even if he is playing and not feeling tired, follow the bedtime for proper sleep.
• Crying in the middle of the night is common. It may be because of teething. Consult your pediatrician for proper treatment options.
• It is common for a 7 month old to wake up early in the morning. Take a closer look at the daytime sleep pattern and bedtime to ensure enough sleep for your baby.

Conclusion

As the baby grows, the sleep pattern changes. Babies tend to take three naps per day. As they step into the 7th month, they usually skip the third nap with more wake time. Babies at this age play more and stay active during the daytime. Make a proper schedule for the baby to ensure good and healthy sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)