Sleep: 6 Months

The signs of sleepiness in older infants become more subtle since their drive to be social and “part of the action” can briefly over-ride their fatigue, especially in the evening if parents are just returning home from work and the household is more active. Subtle signs of sleepiness include a shorter attention span or needing to be distracted or re-positioned more often. Late signs of sleepiness include rubbing their eyes, batting at their head or ears (which caregivers can worry means an ear infection), pulling their hair or increased fussiness. Infants who are over-tired when they finally do go to sleep will fuss more as they fall asleep and wake more during the night.

6-month-olds usually take 3 naps/day and still need an early bedtime (6-8 pm).