If you're holding your newborn and thinking, "Why are they already cranky? They just woke up," you're not alone. One of the most surprising things for new parents is just how little time a newborn can stay awake before needing to sleep again. We have families who are waiting to play with them, or their bath time is a long process, and even though you are being mindful, you are struggling to understand your newborn’s sleep, and that’s perfectly ok.
Let’s talk about something simple but powerful that can make a big difference in your baby’s sleep: awake windows.
What Are Awake Windows?
Awake windows are the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between naps. In the first few weeks, this window is very short—usually about 45 to 60 minutes.
While following the awake windows, always ensure your first wake window is the shortest and move to 60 minutes gradually towards bedtime.
Sample Schedule
** Above schedule is just a guideline of how the schedule should look
Yes ! That includes everything: feeding, burping, diaper changes, and even cuddling. By the time you've done all of that, your baby might already be ready for sleep again. It's completely normal for newborns to sleep more than they are awake.
Why Timing Matters (But Don't Stress About It)
Newborns don't follow a predictable schedule yet. Their internal clock is still developing, so sleep patterns can seem all over the place. Let me tell you that’s completely ok, as you understand your baby in the first few weeks.
When you are following the awake windows, you have to ensure that your baby has slept at the awake window time. e.g if you are following a 45-minute awake window, that would mean that your baby has slept 45 minutes after their wake-up. Most often, this is where parents tend to miss the awake window as they begin the process of sleep at 45 minutes, thinking they are following the awake window. This results in the baby getting overtired
Understanding awake windows can help you stay one step ahead of overtiredness, which often leads to fussiness and difficulty settling. Think of it as catching your baby before they hit a wall.
How to Know When Your Baby Is Ready to Sleep
Every baby is different, but some common signs of sleepiness include:
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Gazing off or looking away
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Reddish eyebrows
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Starting to fuss
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Yawning or rubbing eyes (these are usually later signs)
If you notice any of these, start helping your baby wind down. Even if it feels like they just woke up, that short window might already be closing. Timing might feel random at this stage, but what matters most is following your baby's cues.
But They Just Woke Up?!
Yes, this can feel confusing. You’ve just finished feeding, changed a diaper, maybe had a quick cuddle—and now they’re tired again.
This doesn't mean something is wrong. It means your baby is doing exactly what they need to do. Newborns need lots of short naps throughout the day to support rapid growth and brain development.
Be Gentle with Yourself Too
Awake windows are not about being perfect or sticking to a rigid routine. They're just a tool to help you understand your baby’s rhythm and make your days feel a little more manageable.
Instead of watching the clock too closely, try this approach:
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Observe your baby’s cues
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Keep the awake window in mind as a general guide
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Try to get your baby to sleep before they’re overtired
Some days will feel smooth, and others won’t. That’s completely normal.
Lastly Remember
You have just embraced parenting and welcomed your baby , in the early weeks, everything is new—for you and your baby. Learning about awake windows is one way to feel more confident and connected during this time.
If your baby seems sleepy again sooner than expected, trust it. Their little bodies and brains are doing so much growing. Responding to their cues now lays the foundation for healthy sleep habits later.
You’ve got this. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out. You're not meant to figure it all out alone.
Gentle sleep begins with connection and trust—one tiny cue at a time.
Wishing You peaceful nights and joyful days
Bhakti Parikh
Peadiatric Sleep Coach
Founder – Nurturing The Slumber
@nurturingtheslumber
About the author
Bhakti Parikh is a pediatric sleep consultant with over 6 years of experience and a mom who knows what it’s like to survive on little sleep. She’s supported 500+ families globally using gentle, responsive methods to build routines and help babies sleep independently.
