5-Month-Old Sleep Schedule: Routine for Bedtime and Naps

By the time the baby reaches five months old, you'll observe that the first two naps during the day are probably to stretch out, referring to a shift towards a three-nap routine for those babies still having four naps regularly.

As your baby transitions to three naps, their sleep pattern becomes much more predictable.

Sleep Patterns of a 5-Month-Old Baby

Regarding sleep span, at five months old, it's suggested that infants goal for about 14.5 hours of total sleep over 24-hour period, with 11 - 12 hours at night and 2.5 - 3.5 hours during the daytime spread out over 3-4 naps.

However, it's crucial to consider that there's no worldwide formula for baby sleep, and it's always reasonable to observe a baby's mood and energy levels intimately.

Babies who take four naps a day commonly stay awake for an average of 1.5 - 2.5 hours between sleep duration. Once they change to three naps, anticipate wake times for a 5-month-old to be slightly better, usually around 2 - 3 hours.

It's typical for babies to encounter a change in duration where they may take three naps one day and four naps the next.

Although it might be difficult to plan your day during these changes, recognize that they are momentary. Changing between three- and four-nap days can help babies remain well-rested as they prepare to stay awake for a longer length of time. 

5-Month-Old Sleep Training Methods

If the infant is having problems falling asleep alone, sleep training might offer a solution.

While it's not required to engage in sleep training methods, they can help babies learn to self-soothe without depending on rocking or feeding to sleep. Commonly, pediatricians agree to start sleep training between 4 and 6 months of age.

There are various sleep training techniques available, and the most suitable one for your family will depend on your preferences and comfort level.

Some methods advocate for no parental intervention, while others, such as the Ferber and chair methods, involve gradually reducing soothing over time.

Research indicates that sleep training effectively resolves sleep issues in many babies, though not all.

The long-term benefits, such as having a contented baby who settles easily at bedtime, can significantly improve parental well-being.

Read Also: When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? Simple Tips on How To Help Them Sleep Longer

If baby emerges to be deteriorating in their sleep habits, they may be encountering sleep deterioration. Sleep deterioration commonly happens around 4 to 6 months of age. Signs involving resistant bedtime or naptime, regular night awakenings, early morning waking, or disinclination to sleep at night.

Although sleep regressions can be challenging for parents and exhausting, they are temporary and normal. Encouraging healthy sleep habits can assist your baby in overcoming this regression within a few weeks.

Tips for Managing Sleep at 5 Months

1. Understand signs of sleep preparedness, such as eye rubbing or fussiness, to put babies down for sleep when they're ready.
2. Build a regular bedtime routine, incorporating activities like reading and bathing, to prepare the baby for sleep.
3. Aim for naps in the crib whenever possible to build a regular sleep surrounding.
4. Allow baby ample time during the day to practice new skills, such as rolling or crawling, to minimize bedtime disruptions.
5. Address common sleep issues like crankiness, night waking, and shifting nap schedules with appropriate strategies such as offering teething relief, encouraging self-settling, and adjusting bedtime routines.

As your 5-month-old undergoes various changes, maintaining healthy sleep habits can support the entire family in navigating these transitions.

Related Article: How Much Sleep Does a 4-Month-Old Need? Expert Guidelines for Parents