How do I calculate my baby's bedtime?

Take the time the last nap ended and add your baby's age-based wake window. For example, a 5 to 7 month old has a wake window of about 2 to 3 hours, so if the last nap ended at 4:30 p.m., a typical bedtime window is roughly 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The stretch before bed often runs to the longer end of the window. Adjust for your baby's tired signs.

Why does an overtired baby fight bedtime?

When a baby stays awake past their window, the body releases stress hormones that make it harder to settle. An overtired baby can seem wired, cry harder at bedtime, and wake more overnight. If bedtime is a fight, the fix is usually an earlier bedtime or a shorter last wake window, not a later one.

Is there a perfect bedtime for babies?

No. There is no single perfect bedtime, and the right time shifts with age, nap timing, and how the day went. Use the age's typical bedtime range and the last wake window as a starting point, then settle your baby at the first sleepy cues. For ongoing sleep concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Baby Bedtime Calculator

What time should my baby go to bed?

Pick your baby's age and when the last nap ended. You'll see a typical bedtime window, built from the last wake window of the day for that age, plus the bedtime range that's common at this stage. Bedtime is a guide, so your baby's sleepy cues come first.

Free tool Sleep Updated June 2026

Baby's age

Last nap ended at

Typical bedtime by age

These are the bedtime ranges most often seen in pediatric sleep guidance. They're typical, not rules — the right time depends on the last nap and your baby's tired signs.

Age	Typical bedtime
Newborn (0–3 months)	No set bedtime — sleep spread across 24 hr
3–6 months	about 7:00–8:30 p.m.
6–12 months	about 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Toddler (1–3 years)	about 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Wake windows by age

The calculator uses the last wake window of the day, which often runs toward the longer end of each range. See the full wake window calculator for daytime nap timing.

Age	Typical wake window	Naps per day
Newborn (0–1 month)	35–60 min	5–7+
1–2 months	45–90 min	4–6
2–3 months	1–1.75 hr	4–5
3–4 months	1.25–2 hr	4
4–5 months	1.5–2.5 hr	3–4
5–7 months	2–3 hr	2–3
7–10 months	2.5–3.5 hr	2
10–12 months	3–4 hr	2
12–18 months	3.5–5.5 hr	1–2
18–36 months	5–6 hr	1

Watch for these sleepy cues at bedtime

Looking away, staring into space, or going quiet and still
Rubbing eyes, pulling at ears, or scratching the face
Yawning and slower, droopier movements
Fussing, whining, or losing interest in play and faces
A wired, cranky second wind — often a sign bedtime is already late

If bedtime is a nightly fight, your baby wakes soon after going down, or they seem wired rather than drowsy, try an earlier bedtime or a shorter last wake window — not a later one. Overtiredness raises stress hormones that make settling harder. For ongoing sleep concerns, your pediatrician is the right next step.

Build the rest of the day

Bedtime sits at the end of a chain of naps and wake windows. To lay out the full day, see the sleep schedule by age and the baby sleep planner, or browse every free calculator. If your nights feel off and you want to talk it through, ask Flo a sleep question.

Quick answers

What time should my baby go to bed?: Newborns don't have a set bedtime; sleep is spread across the 24-hour day. From about 3 to 4 months, a bedtime in the 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. range is common, and by 6 months and older many babies do well between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Toddlers usually land around 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. These are typical ranges, not rules. The clearest guide is the last wake window of the day and your baby's sleepy cues.
How do I calculate my baby's bedtime?: Take the time the last nap ended and add your baby's age-based wake window. For example, a 5 to 7 month old has a wake window of about 2 to 3 hours, so if the last nap ended at 4:30 p.m., a typical bedtime window is roughly 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The stretch before bed often runs to the longer end of the window. Adjust for your baby's tired signs.
Why does an overtired baby fight bedtime?: When a baby stays awake past their window, the body releases stress hormones that make it harder to settle. An overtired baby can seem wired, cry harder at bedtime, and wake more overnight. If bedtime is a fight, the fix is usually an earlier bedtime or a shorter last wake window, not a later one.
Is there a perfect bedtime for babies?: No. There is no single perfect bedtime, and the right time shifts with age, nap timing, and how the day went. Use the age's typical bedtime range and the last wake window as a starting point, then settle your baby at the first sleepy cues. For ongoing sleep concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Sources & further reading

Stop guessing at bedtime.

ParentFlow logs each nap and wake, then shows the next likely bedtime window for your baby — so you settle them before the overtired second wind hits.

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This tool reflects typical wake-window and bedtime ranges compiled from pediatric sleep guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any sleep or health concern, contact your healthcare provider.