When a child reaches 10 months of age, their sleep patterns move toward more structured and predictable routines. This period is a developmental milestone where infants consolidate their sleep and begin to showcase a more adult-like sleep architecture. Parents should focus on establishing a consistent and restorative schedule as the child’s body and brain mature.
Recommended Total Sleep Hours
A 10-month-old generally requires a total of 12 to 15 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. This recommendation is an average, and individual needs can vary, but it provides a reliable target for parents to track. The overall sleep requirement is typically divided between a substantial night sleep period and two daytime naps.
Nighttime sleep for a child this age should ideally account for 10 to 12 hours of the total daily requirement. Many babies are capable of sleeping through the night without a feeding at this stage, provided they receive sufficient calories during the day. The remaining sleep is covered by daytime naps, which usually total between 2 and 3.5 hours.
This total daytime sleep is commonly split into two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The duration of each nap is often between one and two hours. The key is ensuring the child meets the overall daily sleep need.
Structuring the Sleep Schedule
To successfully achieve the recommended sleep totals, structuring the child’s day around consistent wake windows is highly effective. A wake window is the period a child stays awake between any two sleep periods, and for a 10-month-old, this is typically between 3 and 4 hours. Allowing a child to stay awake for too long can result in them becoming overtired, which paradoxically makes it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Most children at this age have settled into a reliable two-nap schedule, which is best supported by adhering to a consistent “by-the-clock” routine. For instance, the first nap might be offered 2.5 to 3 hours after waking in the morning, and the second nap 3 to 3.5 hours after the first nap ends. Maintaining this rhythm helps align the child’s circadian rhythm, making it easier for them to transition into sleep.
Establishing a predictable bedtime routine signals to the body that it is time to prepare for rest. This routine should be calming, perhaps involving a warm bath, a quiet book, and a final feeding. Consistency helps the child anticipate the approaching sleep period, promoting easier settling at night.
Ensure the child’s feeding schedule supports their sleep goals, especially by moving away from nighttime feeds if the child is healthy and gaining weight appropriately. A child who has received adequate nutrition throughout the day is more likely to sustain a longer sleep stretch overnight.
The final wake window before bedtime is often the longest of the day, typically lasting 3.5 to 4 hours. This longer window helps build enough sleep pressure for a solid night’s rest.
Common Sleep Disturbances at 10 Months
Even with a well-established schedule, sleep disturbances are common at 10 months due to developmental acceleration. This period often coincides with a surge in motor skill development, such as crawling, pulling up to stand, or cruising along furniture. A child may wake up and immediately begin practicing these new skills in the crib, interrupting their sleep cycle.
The cognitive leap around this time can also introduce or intensify separation anxiety, which directly impacts sleep. This anxiety stems from the child understanding that a caregiver still exists when out of sight, leading to distress at bedtime or during night awakenings. This realization can cause resistance to being put down and more frequent crying out during the night.
Teething pain is another cause of sleep disruption, as the eruption of new teeth can lead to discomfort that wakes the child. While the discomfort is temporary, it can derail a previously good sleep pattern. These developmental factors collectively contribute to what is sometimes called a minor “sleep regression,” characterized by sudden changes in sleep habits.
Maintaining the established consistent schedule and routine helps the child navigate these temporary phases. The focus remains on providing comfort and reassurance without introducing new sleep habits that could become long-term dependencies.