SLEEP 6-9 MONTHS

How long should my baby be sleeping? (6–9 Months)

Between 6–9 months, many babies settle into more predictable sleep patterns but it’s still normal for sleep to vary. Your baby is learning new skills (rolling, sitting, crawling), which can temporarily change sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics shares that babies this age generally need 12–16 hours of total sleep in 24 hours.

Total sleep in 24 hours:

Most 6–9 month-olds sleep around:

12–16 hours a day:

This includes nighttime sleep + daytime naps.

Nighttime sleep:

Most babies sleep about 9–12 hours at night, often with:

  • Longer stretches of continuous sleep
  • Some still waking once to feed
  • Occasional wake-ups during teething, illness, or big developmental leaps

Both patterns are normal.

Daytime naps:

Babies this age usually take 2–3 naps, adding up to 2.5–4 hours of daytime sleep.

A common pattern is:

  • 6 months: 3 naps
  • 7–9 months: shifting to 2 longer naps

Nap lengths vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Typical wake windows:

Wake windows widen as babies approach 9 months.
Average ranges:

  • 6 months: ~2–2.5 hours
  • 7 months: ~2.5–3 hours
  • 8–9 months: ~3 hours (sometimes longer before bedtime)

Signs your baby is tired:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Staring or zoning out
  • Losing interest in play
  • Fussiness
  • Slower movements

Following these cues helps naps go more smoothly.

Safe sleep reminder:

Continue following safe sleep practices at every nap and bedtime:

  • Baby sleeps on their back
  • On a firm, flat sleep surface
  • No blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib

Most babies 6–9 months sleep 12–16 hours total, with:

  • 9–12 hours at night, and
  • 2–4 hours during the day across 2–3 naps.

If your baby is growing, alert during play, and generally content, they’re likely getting the sleep they need.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant sleep and routines.

National Sleep Foundation. (2023). Sleep duration recommendations.

World Health Organization. (2023). Infant well-being and sleep patterns.

How do I put my baby to sleep? (6–9 Months)

Babies 6–9 months are more aware of their world rolling, sitting, crawling, teething, and going through big developmental leaps. Because of this, sleep can be wonderful one week and tricky the next. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that sleep changes at this age are normal.

Here’s what can help your baby settle:

Watch for sleepy cues:

Babies this age usually stay awake 2–3 hours at a time.

Look for early signs:

  • Rubbing eyes
  • Slower movements
  • Losing interest in play
  • Staring off or turning away
  • Fussiness that builds quickly

Putting your baby down when cues first appear makes sleep easier.

Keep a simple, predictable routine:

A short routine helps your baby understand “sleep is coming.”

Try:

  • Dim lights
  • Quiet room
  • Fresh sleep sack
  • Short cuddle or rocking
  • Soft singing or white noise

Routine length: 2–5 minutes.

Predictability helps babies feel safe.

Use a sleep sack for safe comfort:

Now that your baby is rolling and moving more, the AAP recommends sleep sacks instead of blankets.

Avoid:

  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Positioners
  • Toys in the crib

This keeps sleep safe and reduces SIDS and suffocation risk.

Add white noise:

Soft white noise helps block outside sounds and calm your baby.
The AAP says white noise can be helpful when used at a safe, low volume.

Good options:

  • Sound machine
  • Fan
  • Gentle “shhh” sounds

Offer comfort as needed:

Babies this age still need reassurance, especially during:

  • Teething
  • Growth spurts
  • Big developmental leaps

Ways to comfort:

  • Rocking
  • Feeding (if showing hunger cues)
  • Pacifier
  • Hand on chest
  • Soft patting or singing

Responding to your baby does not create bad habits.

Place baby down safely

Always put your baby:

  • On their back
  • On a firm, flat sleep surface
  • In a crib, bassinet, or play yard

Safe sleep remains important through the first year:

Expect some night waking

Even good sleepers may wake due to:

  • Hunger
  • Teething discomfort
  • Learning new skills
  • Separation anxiety beginning around 8–9 months

Night waking at this age is normal and temporary.

Putting a 6–9 month-old to sleep is about timing, comfort, and consistency.

Watch for sleepy cues, keep routines gentle, follow safe sleep steps, and know that ups and downs in sleep are a normal part of development.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Baby sleep basics.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Sleep sacks and safe sleep.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). White noise machines and infants

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Back to sleep, tummy to play.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Infant sleep and routines.