Why Moms on Call Does Not Follow Wake Windows
Confused about wake windows? Learn what wake windows are, why Moms on Call does not follow them, and how the Typical Day Routines take a different approach to awake times.
“Wake Windows” has become increasingly popular in recent years, and we understand that it can be a topic of interest. Many of you have asked why Moms on Call does not follow them. Let’s dive into what Wake Windows are and how Moms on Call addresses awake times in our Typical Day Routines, ensuring a helpful and reassuring approach to your baby’s schedule.
What is a Wake Window?
Wake Windows refer to specific periods determining how long babies can comfortably stay awake between naps. A Wake Window is determined by your baby’s age. The goal of a Wake Window is to keep babies up long enough so they are tired for the following sleep time but not over-tired. This means the next “sleep” time is dictated by how long they were awake. This results in every day being different, which makes it challenging to create a consistent routine.
We partner with families daily who are experiencing confusion and finding their days chaotic when trying to follow the Wake Window approach.
Moms on Call is more about consistency.
Our little one’s body tells time by doing the same thing at the same time every day. Focusing on a routine allows us to have some predictability with built-in flexibility to account for an early wake-up or those crazy short naps. With the Moms on Call Schedules, you have a 15-minute grace period on either side of the times listed. We also provide a few critical points in the day, called “Crazy Day” times, that will help you get an “off” day back on track.
Let’s look at a realistic example using both methods:
Below, we break down two partial days using each method with a 9-week-old baby. “C” times stand for our “Crazy Day” times, for the days thrown off by an early wake-up or short nap. The “C” times are the times that we want to keep solid in the schedule when nothing is going our way. If we can hit these times, even if nothing else that day happens on schedule, we’ll still be able to salvage nighttime sleep!
At 9 weeks old:
- Beginning to handle about 1 hour and 15 mins to 1 ½ hours of awake time
- Feeding about every 3 hours
Wake Windows (60-90 minutes)
Monday
6:30 am: Feeds
7:30 am: Dozes, put down for a nap
8:30 am: Wakes, but isn’t time for Feed
9 am: Feeds
9:45 am: Nap (because they have been up for 1hr 15 mins)
11:15 am: Wakes, but isn’t time for Feed
12pm: Feeds
12:30/12:45: Nap (No playtime after feed due to being awake for 60-90 minutes)
2 pm: Wakes (very fussy)
2:30 pm: Feeds early
3:30 pm: Nap
…and so on!
Tuesday
7 am: Feeds
8:30 am: Nap (90 minutes after waking)
9:30 am: Wakes
10 am: Feeds
11 am: Nap (90 minutes after waking)
11:45 am/12 pm: Wakes
12:30 pm: Feeds
1 pm: Nap
2 pm: Wakes
3 pm: Feed
3:30 pm: Nap
…and so on!
Every day is different following the Wake Window approach. Some Wake Windows may be 60 minutes, and some may be 90 minutes. This results in not having a predictable routine from day to day. If you choose to use Wake Windows, do your best to keep as many of the “Feed” times as consistent as possible daily.
Moms on Call
(Recognizing “C” Times and the 15-minute grace period)
Monday
6:45/7 am (C*): Feed (regardless of when they last fed)
7:30 am: Playtime (They may doze occasionally, but every 5-10 minutes, move or shift to another activity or snuggle position.)
8:15/8:30 am: Pre-nap routine and then down for a nap
9 am: Wake (It is normal to wake after 30-45 minutes, fuss for 10-20 minutes, then doze for 20-30 minutes. Go in and soothe, but keep low-key with minimal interaction.)
9:45 am/10 am: Feed
10:30 am: Playtime (May doze for 5-10 minutes during awake time. Keep changing location or activity.)
11:15/11:30 am: Pre-nap routine and down for a nap
12:30 pm: Wakes, fusses, talks, dozes
12:45/1 pm: Feed
1:30 pm: Playtime (Dozed for 10 minutes while out in the stroller)
2:30 pm: Nap
4 pm (C*): Feed (no matter what time they last fed)
Continue with the schedule as listed in Moms on Call’s Resources.
Tuesday
6:45/7 am (C*): Feed (regardless of when they last fed)
7:30 am: Playtime (They may doze occasionally, but every 5-10 minutes, move or shift to another activity or snuggle position.)
8:15/8:30 am: Pre-nap routine and then down for a nap
9:45 am (Awesome nap!) Feed
10:30 am: Playtime
11:15/11:30 am: Pre-nap routine and down for a nap
12:30 pm: Wakes, fusses, talks, dozes
1 pm: Feed
1:30 pm: Playtime
2:30 pm: Nap
4 pm (C*): Feed (no matter what time they last fed)
Continue with the schedule as listed in Moms on Call’s Resources
Staying consistent with the schedule helps baby learn their routine.
Their bodies learn the times that they eat, sleep, and play each day. Using Moms on Call’s Typical Day Routines to keep sleep times and feed times at consistent times each day allows us to have the flexibility to get through the day (even when they wake early and nothing else goes as planned)!
Remember that no matter what you choose to do, YOU are doing great!
We offer personalized, one-on-one support to ensure your family’s routine is tailored to your needs. Reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with a certified MOC consultant who will be there every step of the way, helping you navigate this journey. They will provide answers and create a customized plan to address your specific situations. We’re here to support you!
