Once 5 months old, babies should be moving to a solid 3 nap schedule. Continue reading below to learn about:

• Recommendations for feeding and sleep for 5 month old babies

• Suggested total sleep and wake windows for 5 month old babies

• A sample schedule for 5 month olds

Sleep and Feeding Recommendations for 5 Month Old Babies

Sleep

At this age, ideally all 3 naps will last at least one hour. Continue to allow baby to practice falling asleep independently at bedtime and for at least the first morning nap.

Your 5 month old likely still needs one, possibly two, feedings during the night. If your baby is experiencing night wakings beyond that, it may be helpful to consider implementing a sleep training method to encourage returning to sleep without assistance.

Total sleep per day: 14.5 hours

Wake Windows: 2-2.5 hours

Feeding

Offer breastmilk/formula (4-6 oz) every 3-4 hours for a total of 5-7 feedings per day.

Solids can possibly be offered 1-2 times daily. This can include spoon-fed purees, appropriate self-feeding foods (“Baby Led Weaning”), or a combination. Consult your pediatrician to determine your baby’s individual readiness.

Sample Schedule for 5 Month Old

The schedule below are is an example containing averages. It is not meant to be followed exactly as every baby is different, and parents will typically need to make adjustments to balance actual wake times, nap lengths, hunger cues, and sleepy signs.

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