Updated on
24.2.25
“My baby sleeps through the night.”“My baby is an amazing sleeper.”“My baby has always been great at sleeping.” Maybe you’ve heard parents say things like this, and now you’re wondering, “What am I doing wrong?”
Sleeping through the night? Yeah, right. One look in the mirror—dark circles, messy hair, sheer exhaustion—says it all.
After countless sleepless nights, the longing for a full night’s rest grows stronger. It’s totally understandable. And it’s just as normal to ask yourself, “Why isn’t my baby sleeping through the night? When do babies actually start sleeping longer?”
Here’s the most important thing: You’re not doing anything wrong. Every baby is unique, and that includes their sleep patterns.
When a baby starts sleeping through the night depends on several factors, including development, sleep environment, and individual temperament. Additionally many parents simply don’t know that sleeping through the night is a learned skill. It doesn’t just happen overnight (pun intended). But what does that process look like? And how can you help your baby get there?
We’ve got the answers right here. Just remember, sleep patterns vary with each baby's age, and parents should have realistic expectations based on developmental milestones.
Having a baby changes everything—no doubt about it. When the nights are short, the days feel even longer, and your patience starts to wear thin, it’s only natural to ask: When will my baby finally sleep through the night?
This article will cover:
Remember pregnancy? It’s 3 AM, and you’re suddenly jolted awake by a tiny kick to the ribs. Ouch! Isn’t baby supposed to be asleep? Another kick quickly follows—your little one is practically training for the next Olympics. Why isn’t my baby sleeping? You’ll probably ask yourself this question a lot, but don’t worry—we’ll break it down for you.
Your baby has arrived, and suddenly, your entire sleep schedule is upside down. But why? The reason is simple: Newborns don’t have a built-in day-night rhythm like adults do. For nine months, your baby was snuggled up in a cozy, dark, and warm environment—your belly! Even though babies begin developing sleep-wake cycles around the 36th week of pregnancy, these cycles are still unstable and irregular at birth. Newborn babies typically mix up their day and night sleep and require frequent nighttime feedings. That’s why, in the first three months, your baby’s sleep can feel all over the place.
During this time, newborns typically sleep for 16 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period, waking up every 2 to 4 hours to eat, get changed, or seek comfort. So if your baby only sleeps in short stretches, know that it’s completely normal—and necessary—for their development.Hang in there!
The 4-month sleep regression—dreaded but essential. Around this time, your baby’s sleep patterns start to shift in a big way. Little by little, their sleep rhythm begins to resemble an adult’s. And here’s the best part: longer sleep cycles mean more sleep for you too! Hooray!
Newborns typically cycle through short 30- to 45-minute sleep sessions, but by 4 months, babies can stretch their sleep to 90 to 120 minutes at a time. Over time, they’ll learn to link multiple sleep cycles together, leading to longer, uninterrupted sleep stretches—a game-changer for both baby and you.
But what exactly counts as “sleeping through the night”? Four hours? Six? Maybe even eight? Find out in the next section!
What exactly does “sleeping through the night” mean? Four hours? Six? Eight? With or without a feed? Does it count if Mom or Dad has to step in?
The idea of sleeping through the night can be confusing, and it often means different things to different parents. But according to sleep experts, a baby is considered to be sleeping through the night when they can link multiple sleep cycles together and fall back asleep on their own—without needing help from Mom or Dad. That’s the real milestone!
When your baby will sleep through the night is just as unique as the definition itself. Every child develops their sleep rhythm at their own pace, influenced by factors like sleep routines, self-soothing skills, and sleep associations such as nursing or feeding habits. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer or universal definition of what sleeping through the night looks like.
One of the biggest milestones is when babies learn to fall back asleep on their own without help from Mom or Dad. Some master this around 6 months, while others may not consistently sleep longer stretches until after their first year—and that’s completely normal. It’s developmentally appropriate for babies to wake due to hunger, discomfort, or growth spurts, and needing parental comfort is a natural part of their early sleep journey.
Every baby is different, and that’s okay! With patience and loving support, your little one will eventually learn to sleep through the night when they’re ready. Want to help them get there? We’ll show you how in the next section!
If only it were as simple as saying abracadabra and—poof!—your baby sleeps through the night. If only. Predicting when a baby will sleep through the night is about as tricky as guessing the timing of their next developmental leap.
It’s completely normal—and even necessary—for newborns to wake frequently during the night in those early months. At this stage, babies spend most of their time in light REM sleep, which allows them to wake when they’re hungry, uncomfortable, or too warm or cold.
By around 6 months, some babies are theoretically capable of sleeping for longer stretches without needing a feed and can settle back to sleep on their own. But wait—what does “on their own” actually mean? It refers to self-soothing techniques like rhythmic patting, gentle stroking, singing, or even using a pacifier—any soothing method that helps guide them back to sleep.
That said, these are exceptions, not the rule. Many babies don’t fully learn how to self-soothe or sleep through the night until after their first birthday—or even later. There’s no universal timeline, and every baby develops at their own pace.
Even if your baby has been sleeping through the night for weeks or months, expect some bumps along the way. Sleep regressions, teething, illness, or changes in their sleep environment can all disrupt their usual sleep patterns.
Want to support your baby and better understand their sleep needs? Happy Baby creates a personalized daily sleep schedule tailored to your child’s age and current development.
Two main factors influence when your baby will start sleeping through the night: age and the ability to self-regulate—or in other words, falling back asleep without needing help from Mom or Dad. The good news? With love, patience, and gentle guidance, including consistent bedtime routines, you can support your baby in becoming an independent sleeper. Here’s how:
In the early months, newborns are still adjusting to life outside the womb, experiencing new sensations like hunger, tiredness, and temperature changes. It’s completely normal for newborns to wake frequently—after all, their tiny stomachs are only about the size of a cherry at birth! By around 6 months, some babies can theoretically go several hours—sometimes up to six—without a feed. Others reach this milestone at 8 or 9 months, and some not until after their first birthday.
There’s no set timeline for when babies sleep through the night, and it’s perfectly okay if your little one isn’t there yet at 6 months.
A baby who wakes between sleep cycles and settles back to sleep on their own is considered an independent sleeper. But this is a learned skill, and every baby develops it at their own pace. Early on, babies rely on sucking a pacifier, nursing, or thumb-sucking to soothe themselves. As they gain better head control, roll over, and sit up, you can introduce a safe comfort item, like a stuffed animal or lovey, to help them feel secure and drift off to sleep more independently.
Growth spurts, overtiredness, teething—there’s always a reason why babies go through phases of poor sleep. But here’s the thing: everything is temporary. Your baby’s development doesn’t follow a straight line, and that includes sleep.
Separation anxiety can also lead to sleep challenges such as night awakenings and difficulty falling asleep.
Remember, your baby is growing and changing constantly—and that includes their sleep habits. With patience, consistency, and a little trial and error, better nights are ahead!
Preparing for sleep is an essential part of establishing healthy sleep habits for your baby. Here are some tips to help you prepare your baby for sleep:
Safety is a top priority when it comes to your baby’s sleep. Here are some tips to ensure your baby’s sleep environment is safe:
By following these tips, you can help create a safe and sleep-friendly environment for your baby, and establish healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime.
Looking to help your baby sleep longer stretches at night? Here are some tips to encourage better sleep habits:
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping babies sleep through the night. Every baby is different, and their sleep needs evolve over time. The key? Security, comfort, and routine. Whether it’s through rocking, nursing, or cuddling, your baby will gradually learn to sleep independently—at their own pace—with your loving support.
It’s completely normal for babies and toddlers not to sleep through the night—so don’t panic! However, if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, or if you have concerns about frequent night wakings, early rising, night weaning, or any other sleep-related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your pediatrician or a sleep consultant can provide expert guidance and reassurance to help you and your baby navigate sleep challenges with confidence.
When it comes to babies sleeping through the night, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every baby develops at their own pace with unique sleep needs. In the early months, newborns don’t have a fixed day-night rhythm and wake every two to four hours for feeding, diaper changes, or comfort.
Around four months, many babies begin to adjust their sleep patterns, linking multiple sleep cycles together for longer stretches. However, sleeping through the night doesn’t mean a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Experts typically define it as sleeping for five to six hours at a time.
Even after experiencing good sleep stretches, babies may still go through rough sleep phases, often triggered by growth spurts or teething. Supporting your baby with patience and consistency during these times is key. A calm bedtime routine, a stable sleep environment, and regular sleep times can help promote better sleep habits.
Ultimately, there’s no universal method—each baby will learn to sleep through the night in their own time.
Sleepless nights? Want to support your baby and better understand their sleep needs? Happy Baby creates a personalized daily sleep schedule tailored to your child’s age and current development.
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