"When will my baby sleep through the night?"
Like most things in parenting, this universal question is difficult to predict. Although you might not know when it will happen, it's important to understand what sleeping through the night means for your baby. This guide will help you better understand your baby's sleep patterns throughout their first year.
What does 'sleeping through the night' mean?
Sleeping through the night typically means your baby remains asleep for a block of six to eight hours. So, even though your baby’s total overnight sleep schedule might be a span of 12 hours, like 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., sleeping through does not mean your baby never wakes in that window. If your baby is hitting six-hour stretches, albeit waking, you can celebrate that as “sleeping through!”
When do babies start sleeping six-hour stretches?
Most babies start to sleep for longer periods around six to nine months old, but there is such a wide range of normal. It’s also helpful to know that if your baby starts sleeping through at six months, they may still go through periods when they wake more frequently again. This commonly happens around teething, developmental spurts, or illness.
Sleep is non-linear
Understanding your baby's sleep patterns can help you anticipate and respond to their needs; however, it's important to remember that every child is unique, and countless factors can influence their sleep patterns.
Here's a general guideline:
0-3 months: multiple sleep blocksNewborns typically sleep most of the day and wake up every few hours for feedings, diaper changes, and interaction. It's normal to have irregular sleep schedules during this period.
4 to 6 months: transitioning to longer sleep stretchesYour baby may begin to sleep for longer blocks of time. Gradually, these blocks will extend to three, four, or even five hours. However, sleep regressions will also surface, so things might feel a bit “one step forward, two steps back.”
6 to 12 months: progressing towards sleeping through the nightBetween six and 12 months, babies often start sleeping for longer periods. Although, the onset of separation anxiety, illness, developmental leaps can all disrupt sleep, which makes these strides non-linear.
Tips for promoting sleep
Differentiate day and night:Keep your home bright and active during the day and quiet and dark at night. Allow active and engaging play during your baby’s wake windows, as well as time each day outdoors.
Establish a bedtime routine:A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Pick steps that you are likely to repeat each night and that you enjoy, too.
While the journey to sleeping through the night can be challenging, it’s often made worse with “milestone pressure.” Rest assured that there is no specific month when all babies “should” be sleeping through, and it’s normal if your baby’s sleep gradually improves but periodically reverts, too.