When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? Guide to Baby Sleep

As parents, you may be wondering, “When do newborns sleep through the night?” The truth is, every baby is different, and sleep patterns can vary widely. For new parents, it can become very tiring to manage both the child and their work life, especially when sleep is disrupted night after night. Most infants have different sleeping habits, which will start to materialise post-6 months, though some may take longer. A question most parents have is – When will my baby start sleeping without waking up several times through the night? Remember, patience is key as your little one gradually adjusts to a more consistent sleep schedule.

What Does Sleeping Through the Night Mean?

Sleeping through the night means getting complete rest for about six to eight hours without waking up. For newborns sleeping through the night, this usually happens after their night time feeding and it is continuous, without any interruption or discomfort. While some babies can sleep for six to eight hours at a stretch as young as at 3 months, others may take longer, almost up to a year.

Developmental Hurdles Before Your Baby Sleeps All Night

Before your baby can sleep through the night consistently, there are many physical, mental hurdles she needs to surpass. Some of them are

• Increased feeding and weight gain
• Decreased startle or Moro reflex which causes baby’s legs to jerk in response to triggers such as loud noise, change in sleeping position or even a bad dream. It usually disappears after the 4^th month
• Fewer feedings at night time
• Help your child increase her ability of self-soothing by sucking on her finger or pacifier, to help her go back to sleep if she wakes up in the middle of the night

Why Is Your Baby Not Sleeping Through the Night?

Every parent longs for a full night’s sleep, but many babies struggle to sleep through the night. Understanding the reasons behind your baby’s wakefulness can help you find solutions and establish healthier sleep habits (1).

1. Hunger and Feeding Needs

Newborns and young infants have small stomachs, requiring frequent feedings every few hours. Even older babies may wake up if they’re going through a growth spurt and need extra nourishment. Nighttime hunger is a natural reason for interrupted sleep until your baby is ready for longer stretches.

2. Sleep Cycle Differences

Babies have shorter sleep cycles (about 50-60 minutes) compared to adults, meaning they transition between light and deep sleep more often. During these transitions, they may wake up briefly and need help settling back down, especially if they haven’t learned self-soothing techniques.

3. Discomfort or Illness

Teething, gas, reflux, or a stuffy nose can make it hard for babies to sleep soundly. Illnesses like colds or ear infections also disrupt sleep. Checking for physical discomfort and addressing it with pediatrician-approved remedies can improve your baby’s rest.

4. Overstimulation or Lack of Routine

An inconsistent bedtime routine or an overstimulating environment can make it difficult for babies to wind down. Bright lights, loud noises, or too much activity before bed can keep them awake. A calm, predictable routine helps signal that it’s time to sleep.

5. Developmental Milestones

Learning new skills like rolling, crawling, or standing can temporarily disrupt sleep as babies practice these abilities even at night. Sleep regressions around 4 months, 8-10 months, and 18 months are common but usually temporary phases (2).

When Do Most Babies Sleep All Night?

Infants do wake up in the middle a couple of times to yawn and stretch and settle themselves.

Once your infant is tired and sleepy she goes to sleep within 5-10 minutes of putting them to bed. This usually starts happening past the 6-month mark (3).

0-4 Months

When your baby is a newborn, she is new to this world and hence does not have a set pattern of sleeping. Her naps will be on demand and can be for anywhere between 45 minutes to 120 minutes. The main goal at this age is to keep the baby well rested. Your baby must sleep for 12-16 hours in a day.

4-6 Months

When your baby becomes 4 months of age her naps should be reduced from 4 to 3. She will also nap for 30-45 minutes in one cycle. By the time she turns 5-6 months, she can sleep for 2-2 ½ hours but with assistance. Around this time, you can start preparing a schedule for her. Prioritize your baby’s nap and start preparing a nice environment for her to sleep in. The total sleep time during the day should be 3-4 ½ hours and the rest at night.

7-9 Months

During this age period, it is time to further down the number of naps from 3 to 2. During the day your baby needs to sleep a total of 3-4 hours only. Start solidifying her schedule i.e. ensure same time to bed and to wake up. Get your baby to sleep for 2-2 ½ hours during each nap cycle. Start creating a night time routine for her to start following.

10-12 Months

Once your baby reaches close to a year, most of her day will be set into a routine. Feeding time and napping time will stabilize so it is important to maintain the nap schedule to only 2-2 ½ hours during the day. A total of 3-4 hours during the day is required for your baby to be well rested and happy. During the night time, you can start putting the baby to sleep for a longer time and teach her self-soothing techniques. The bedtime timings can be extended to a later time so that your baby goes to sleep as soon as she is put to bed.

When your baby is over a year, the nap time can be reduced to once a day and for a duration of 2+ hours. It may take a while for your baby to adjust to any new sleeping pattern so be patient and consistent. If you are frustrated and cannot get your baby to nap, take a small walk and come back and try again. With time, your baby will be able to adjust to a schedule that is convenient for you and your partner.

Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep All Night

As a parent who might have spent many sleepless nights, you may be wondering when do babies sleep through the night naturally. Here are some tips to make your child sleep well through the night (4).

• Try to be consistent, even on weekends. If you set a time for bedtime, make sure you set your baby down at that time no matter the commitments
• Put your baby to bed when she is feeling drowsy and can go to bed immediately
• Your little one can have sleep cycles of even 40 minutes which means she stirs many times in the night. Don’t assume then that she is hungry an needs to be fed
• Prolong night feeding time as she can go to bed full
• Take it easy when it comes to giving solid foods, you don’t have to rush anything. Start with semi-solids and mashable food
• Pick up cues from your baby and sync yourself to their schedule. If you see your baby yawn and seem tired put her to bed
• Set up a sleeping schedule i.e. put her to bed at the same time every day
• Create a night time routine so that your infant can pick up on those cues and get used to going to bed as soon as the routine starts. Reading a bedtime story, a nice bath before bed can all be good bedtime rituals

Night Weaning Your Baby to Help Her Sleep All Night

If your baby still wakes up frequently for nighttime feedings, night weaning might help her (and you!) sleep more soundly. This gradual process encourages longer stretches of sleep while ensuring your little one gets the nutrition she needs during the day.

1. Is Your Baby Ready for Night Weaning?

Most babies can sleep longer without nighttime feeds by 6-12 months, but readiness depends on weight, health, and daytime eating habits. Consult your pediatrician to confirm if your baby is getting enough calories during the day before reducing night feeds.

2. Gradually Reduce Nighttime Feedings

Instead of stopping abruptly, slowly decrease the amount or duration of nighttime feeds. For breastfeeding, shorten sessions by a few minutes; for bottle-fed babies, offer smaller amounts. Comfort your baby back to sleep with gentle rocking or patting instead of feeding.

3. Establish a Strong Daytime Feeding Routine

Ensure your baby gets full, balanced feedings during the day to reduce nighttime hunger. Offer extra calories in the evening with a “dream feed” (a late-night feeding before you go to bed) to help her sleep longer. Consistency is key for success.

Should You Sleep Train Your Baby or Put Baby on a Sleep Schedule?

Deciding whether to sleep train or put your baby on a sleep schedule depends on your parenting style, your baby’s temperament, and their developmental needs. Sleep training (like the Ferber or cry-it-out method) can help some babies learn to self-soothe and sleep independently, but it may not suit all families—especially if you prefer a gentler approach. Alternatively, a flexible sleep schedule (following age-appropriate wake windows and consistent routines) can guide your baby toward better sleep without formal training. The best choice varies by family; some parents combine both methods, while others follow their baby’s natural rhythms. Consulting your pediatrician and considering your baby’s health, age, and feeding needs can help you make the right decision.

When to Call the Doctor

While most babies eventually sleep through the night on their own, some situations may need a doctor’s attention. If you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns, watch for these signs:

• Frequent night waking after 12 months – If your baby still wakes multiple times nightly past their first birthday.
• Extreme fussiness or crying – Especially if it’s hard to soothe them, which could indicate pain (like reflux or ear infections).
• Trouble breathing or unusual noises – Snoring, gasping, or long pauses in breathing (possible sleep apnea).
• Poor weight gain or feeding issues – If your baby isn’t eating well during the day or isn’t gaining weight as expected.
• No improvement with sleep training or schedule adjustments – If consistent routines don’t help over time.

FAQs

1. Can a baby sleep too deeply?

While parents often worry about frequent wake-ups, some babies sleep so deeply that they miss hunger cues, leading to concerns about weight gain. Newborns, especially, need to wake every few hours to feed—if your baby is excessively hard to rouse, check with your pediatrician.

2. Does room temperature affect baby’s ability to sleep through the night?

Yes! Overheating or being too cold can disrupt sleep. The ideal room temperature for babies is 68–72°F (20–22°C). Over-bundling increases SIDS risk, while a chilly room may cause frequent wake-ups. A sleep sack (instead of blankets) helps regulate temperature safely.

3. Can starting solids too early (or late) impact nighttime sleep?

Introducing solids before 4–6 months can upset a baby’s digestion, causing discomfort and worse sleep. Conversely, waiting too long (past 6–7 months) may leave them hungry at night. Follow your pediatrician’s guidance on when—and how—to start solids for better sleep.

We hope we’ve answered your question – at what age do babies sleep through the night? Putting an infant to sleep can be an overwhelming task; so make sure you get adequate help and support to set a pattern. Work as a team and get help from your partner whenever you are too exhausted to continue. Most importantly, remember it will take time.

References/Resources:

1. Sleep Foundation – When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night

2. Science Direct – A time series analysis of the relation between motor skill acquisition and sleep in infancy

3. Nemours Kids Health – Sleep and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

4. American Academy of Pediatrics – Sleeping Through the Night

Also Read:

Newborn Baby Sleep Basics (0-3 Months)
Baby Sleep Basics (4-6 Months)
Baby Sleep Basics (7-9 Months)
Baby Sleep Basics (10-12 Months)