Week 38 of 52 · Month 9
Week 38: Your 38-Week-Old Baby
Waves bye-bye emerging; imitates gestures.
Wake window
3 hours to 4 hours
Total sleep
14–14 hrs / 24h
Naps
2–2 per day
Feeding
4–6 milk feeds + solids meals
Sleep at 38 weeks
At 38 weeks, most babies are awake for 3 hours to 4 hours at a stretch and sleep 14–14 hours across the full day, over 2–2 naps plus nighttime sleep. The first wake window of the day is usually the shortest and the last one before bed the longest — the wake-window calculator spreads them out for you.
Development this week
Waves bye-bye emerging; imitates gestures.
What's normal this week
- Sleep: about 14–14 hours total, in 2 naps plus night sleep. Most sleep happens at night now; early-morning wakes are a common phase.
- Awake time: roughly 3 hours to 4 hours between sleeps. Waves bye-bye emerging; imitates gestures.
- Feeding: 4–6 milk feeds + solids meals a day is typical. Solids are practice and exploration — milk remains the main nutrition source this year.
Week 38 questions
How long should a 38-week-old be awake between naps?
Most 38-week-olds handle about 3 hours to 4 hours awake at a time. Watch for sleepy cues — staring off, jerky movements, fussing — and start the nap routine a few minutes before the top of the window.
How much sleep does a 38-week-old need in 24 hours?
Typical total sleep at 38 weeks is about 14–14 hours in 24 hours, usually split into 2 naps plus nighttime sleep. A day or two outside that range is common and usually not a concern on its own.
How often should a 38-week-old eat?
Most 38-week-olds take about 4–6 milk feeds in 24 hours. Solids, once started, add to milk feeds rather than replacing them at this age. Steady wet diapers and weight gain matter more than hitting an exact number.
Educational information only — not medical advice. Every baby develops and sleeps on their own timeline. If you have any concern about your baby's sleep, feeding, or development, talk to your pediatrician.