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Wake windows are often presented as rules — and for many new moms, they create more stress than sleep.

In this video, I explain what wake windows actually measure, where they come from, and why they work for some babies but completely fall apart for others. If you’ve ever found yourself watching the clock instead of your baby, fighting naps that “should” be working, or wondering why your baby doesn’t fit the chart — this video is for you.

We’ll talk about:

•What wake window charts are based on (and what they’re not)

•Why averages get mistaken for rules

•How infant sleep readiness is influenced by more than just time awake

•The role of regulation, stress, and developing circadian rhythms

•Why variability in baby sleep is normal — not a failure

Wake windows can be a helpful reference for some families. But when they increase anxiety, create constant nap battles, or make you feel like something is wrong with your baby, it’s worth stepping back and re-examining the framework.

Your baby isn’t broken.

And average was never the goal.

00:00 Introduction to Wake Windows

00:06 Personal Experiences with Wake Windows

00:58 Understanding Wake Windows

02:10 The Science Behind Wake Windows

02:55 The Limitations of Wake Windows

04:53 Practical Advice on Using Wake Windows

05:22 Conclusion: Trusting Your Instincts

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Sources & Further Reading

Systematic review of infant sleep–wake behavior (observational data, wide variability):

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29356197/

Normative infant sleep development across the first year (large cohort data):

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720300381

Developmental neuroscience of infant sleep and wake regulation:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4062979/

Development of circadian cortisol rhythms in infancy:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9109407/

Caregiving context and infant cortisol regulation:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4170024/

Sleep quality and stress physiology in early development:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4385227/

Are wake windows evidence-based? (parent-facing synthesis):

https://parentdata.org/are-newborn-wake-windows-real/

Neurodevelopmental perspective on infant sleep and regulation:

https://possumssleepprogram.com/baby-sleep-0-12-months/