Wake windows may begin stretching slightly

Around week six, you might notice your baby staying awake a little longer between sleeps. These small changes are often the first hints that daily rhythms are starting to organise.

What is happening

Your baby's brain is becoming better at staying alert and processing what is going on around them. Awake times are still short, but they are gradually lengthening. At the same time, sleep cycles are beginning to mature.

Is this normal

Yes. There is a wide range of what is normal at this age. Some babies have wake windows of around an hour, others closer to ninety minutes. Both are fine. What matters more than the exact length is that your baby still has plenty of sleep across the day.

What you may notice

• Slightly longer alert stretches after feeds
• More eye contact and looking around
• A baby who fights sleep a little if kept up too long
• Clearer signs of tiredness, like staring or turning away

What helps right now

• Watching your baby for tired cues rather than the clock
• Keeping awake times calm and not overly stimulating
• Settling for sleep at the first signs of tiredness
• Letting the day stay flexible

What to expect next

Over the coming weeks, awake windows will keep stretching gently and naps may start to organise into a looser pattern. Nothing needs forcing. Your baby's body is doing this work on its own, and your role is simply to follow what they show you.