Why Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule Might Not Go As Planned (And Why That’s Okay)

Lacy Hess • June 23, 2025

Understanding Wake Windows and Why Rigid Schedules Don't Always Work for Your Baby's Sleep 

If you've ever followed a carefully crafted baby sleep schedule only for your little one to throw it completely off track, you're not alone and you're definitely not doing anything wrong.

Take it from me, out of all the families I've worked with, no two babies have ever followed the exact same schedule, even if they’re the same age. Every baby is unique, and that means sleep won't always fit neatly into a preset plan.

Babies Aren’t Robots

Here’s the truth: Our babies are not robots. They’re not programmed to follow a schedule with military precision and expecting them to do so often leads to frustration for everyone. That’s why I encourage parents to focus more on wake windows rather than rigid sleep schedules.

What Are Wake Windows (and Why Do They Matter)?

Wake windows are the amount of time your baby can stay comfortably awake between naps and bedtime. Following them is usually more successful than watching the clock because they’re based on your baby’s biology, not a time slot on your daily planner.

Most babies do well with the wake windows outlined for their age group, but even then, there’s wiggle room. Some little ones may need slightly shorter windows to avoid becoming overtired, while others can stay awake a bit longer without a problem.

Open the Sleep Chart below to view recommended wake windows by age.
Sleep Chart

Sleep Needs Evolve


As your baby grows, their wake windows gradually lengthen and this means their routines will change too. Flexibility is key. Your baby might stick to a pattern for a few weeks and then suddenly start resisting a nap, waking up earlier, or needing longer to fall asleep.


This isn’t failure. It’s growth.


And the good news? If your baby knows how to fall asleep on their own, these transitions become so much smoother.


Independent Sleep: The Game-Changer


Sleep isn't always going to be perfect. There will be regressions, illness, teething, travel, and life events that throw things off. But when your child has the skill of independent sleep, the bumps are usually minor and short-lived.


What do I mean by “independent sleep”?


It means your baby can fall asleep and return to sleep on their own without needing rocking, feeding, bouncing, holding, or you lying next to them every time they wake.


When those sleep associations are removed and your baby learns to self-settle, you give them the tools to adjust to new schedules, wake windows, and routines with more ease.


Long-Term Sleep Success for the Whole Family


A baby who can fall asleep independently doesn’t just sleep better, they also transition better. That means fewer disruptions when sleep needs shift, and less stress on your end trying to figure out how to fix it.


No, sleep won't be perfect 100% of the time. But it can be pretty darn great.


Struggling with your little one’s sleep? I can help!


Set up your free 30-minute consultation today and let’s talk about how I can help bring sleep back to your home.

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Lacy's Lullabies - Pediatric Sleep Consultant

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