Parents often wonder, "What age do babies sleep through the night?" Most infants learn to sleep periods stretching longer than nighttime during their development between 6 and 9 months of age. The time needed to achieve this goal varies among infants, as each baby matures at its own pace.
Understanding your baby's sleep patterns and knowing what to expect at each stage can help you navigate those challenging early months with confidence. This guide covers everything from typical sleep milestones to practical strategies that actually work.
What Is Considered Sleeping Through the Night for a Newborn?
For newborns, "sleeping through the night" means a continuous sleep stretch of five to six hours—not the full 10-12 hours adults enjoy. Newborns have tiny stomachs that require frequent feeding, so they typically wake every 2-4 hours during the first three months.
As babies mature, their sleep stretches naturally lengthen. By 3-6 months, many babies can sleep 6-8 consecutive hours at night, which pediatricians consider "sleeping through the night" for this age group.
When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?
Infants generally develop nighttime sleep abilities up to 6 to 8 hours in duration between their 3-month and 6-month stages. The readiness to sleep through the entire night develops differently in every baby according to their unique timeline.
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By 3 months: Some babies may sleep 4-6 hours continuously
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By 4-6 months: Many babies achieve 6-8 hour stretches
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By 6-9 months: Most babies can sleep through the night without feeding
What are the Nighttime Sleeping Patterns of Infants?
As babies grow, their sleep patterns naturally evolve and nighttime sleep periods extend. The following table provides a helpful overview of what to expect at each developmental stage:
| Age Group |
Total Sleep per Day |
Nighttime Sleep |
Sleep Characteristics |
| Newborns (0-2 months) |
14-17 hours |
2-4 hour stretches |
Frequent waking due to hunger;
No well-established sleep-wake cycle;
Irregular and fragmented sleep.
|
| Infants (2-6 months) |
12-16 hours |
4-6 hour stretches |
Gradual increase in nighttime sleep;
May still wake for feedings;
Developing more consistent sleep-wake cycle.
|
| Older Infants (6-12 months) |
12-14 hours |
6-8 hour stretches |
Can sleep through the night (6-8 hours);
Longer periods of deep sleep;
Occasional waking due to teething, growth spurts, or Separation anxiety.
|
| Toddlers (12+ months) |
10-12 hours |
10-12 hours (with 1-2 daytime naps) |
More consistent sleep schedule;
Usually uninterrupted nighttime sleep;
Occasional disruptions due to nightmares or fear of separation.
|
Total Sleep per Day
14-17 hours
Nighttime Sleep
2-4 hour stretches
💤 Sleep Characteristics
- Frequent waking due to hunger
- No well-established sleep-wake cycle
- Irregular and fragmented sleep
Total Sleep per Day
12-16 hours
Nighttime Sleep
4-6 hour stretches
💤 Sleep Characteristics
- Gradual increase in nighttime sleep
- May still wake for feedings
- Developing more consistent sleep-wake cycle
Total Sleep per Day
12-14 hours
Nighttime Sleep
6-8 hour stretches
💤 Sleep Characteristics
- Can sleep through the night (6-8 hours)
- Longer periods of deep sleep
- Occasional waking due to teething, growth spurts, or separation anxiety
Total Sleep per Day
10-12 hours
Nighttime Sleep
10-12 hours
💤 Sleep Characteristics
- More consistent sleep schedule
- Usually uninterrupted nighttime sleep
- 1-2 daytime naps
- Occasional disruptions due to nightmares or fear of separation
Should You Worry if Your Baby isn't Sleeping at Night?
There should be no cause for concern if your baby under 6 months of age does not sleep normally at night. The short duration of sleep cycles prompts infants to need frequent wake-up times for feeding sessions. Infants aged 3 to 6 months typically establish longer sleep patterns, yet they often wake up during the night.
You should check with your pediatrician regarding your baby's sleep if your child is past six months old and still struggles to sleep or exhibits symptoms of illness, pain, or discomfort. A healthcare professional should verify unusual sleep patterns because proper diagnosis removes all potential medical concerns.
Why Your Baby May Not Be Sleeping Through the Night?
Several factors contribute to why babies do not sleep all night. Knowing the causes behind sleep disruptions allows parents to develop more effective solutions for their babies' issues. Your baby might wake at night because of these usual causes:
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Hunger: Baby stomachs remain small, so newborns, especially during their first few months, require many small feedings each night. Even babies who are 4-6 months old may still require one nighttime feeding before they fully achieve uninterrupted nighttime sleep.
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Growth Spurts: Babies tend to wake up during their growth spurt intervals (typically around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months) because their bodies demand the essential nutrition required for development.
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Teething: Teething complications can lead to disturbed sleep, as babies wake because the emergence causes their faces pain and discomfort. Teething typically begins between 4 and 6 months of age.
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Developmental Milestones: Sleep disturbances occur when babies achieve developmental behavioral milestones, including rolling over, crawling, and reaching the sitting milestone, because these achievements lead to advanced mental functions and alter physical development patterns.
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Separation Anxiety: Infants aged between 6 to 8 months typically develop separation anxiety because they require frequent nighttime awakenings to seek comfort from their parents.
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Illness or Discomfort: Any physical medical condition the baby faces, including ear infections or gastrointestinal discomfort, can lead to increased nighttime disturbances. Check that your child feels no discomfort or pain.
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Sleep Associations: Babies who fall asleep being rocked or held will need the same conditions to fall back asleep after completing their sleep cycles.
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Sleep Environment: The sleep environment will interfere with the baby's sleep due to noise, temperature changes, and physical transfers to a different sleeping space.
How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night
The process of helping your baby sleep through the night becomes easier when parents use suitable techniques. Proper development of healthy sleep patterns requires time for babies, so consistent routines help them transition better. The following strategies will help your baby sleep consistently throughout the night.
Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
The first step should be implementing a peaceful nighttime routine. The combination of a warm bath and gentle rocking motions, or gently sung lullabies, helps your baby recognize it is bedtime. Consistency is key—perform the same activities in the same order each evening.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Establish a sleep-friendly environment by setting the baby's room to have dim lighting and low noise along with a comfortable room temperature (68-72°F). The Momcozy Sound Machine functions excellently in sleep areas because it generates soothing background tones, which promote better rest for your baby. This noise machine works to minimize background noises from the area.
App Remote Control
Sleep-Wake Routine
7 Color LED Light
34 Sounds
Encourage Daytime Sleep and Avoid Late Naps
Make sure your baby takes enough daytime naps, but avoid late naps, as they may interfere with nighttime sleep. A baby who receives proper rest during the day tends to sleep well at night. Aim to have the last nap end by 4-5 PM to protect nighttime sleep quality.
Before bedtime, give your baby warm comfort with a soft Momcozy Baby Pajama. Using soft pajamas provides warmth and comfort, helping your baby achieve better quality nighttime rest for a more peaceful sleep.
Put Your Baby to Bed Drowsy, Not Asleep
To help your baby learn independent sleep, put them in their bed when they become sleepy but remain conscious. Independence in falling asleep is learned by following this technique, which enables babies to settle themselves if they wake at night. This process takes some time, but it will create beneficial sleep patterns for your baby.
Gradually Reduce Sleep Associations
Your baby requires time to learn independent sleep skills when sleep associations such as rocking, holding, or feeding have become essential for sleeping. Gradually reduce the sleep associations so they can learn to self-soothe and feel secure in their crib.
Be Patient and Consistent
Your patience, along with consistency, will guide your child through the process of sleep training, although adaptation time may vary from baby to baby. Consistency, together with patience, marks the key to your success. You should consult your pediatrician about medical causes for your baby's sleep problems, especially when you experience ongoing sleep challenges together with indications of distress.
When to See a Doctor for Your Baby Not Sleeping Through the Night?
While it is normal for infants under six months to wake up at night, you should consult your pediatrician if sleep issues persist after the six-month mark.
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Excessive Crying or Distress: A baby continuously crying beyond their normal range or appearing excessively upset while sleeping might signal an actual medical problem such as reflux, ear infections, or other medical conditions.
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Difficulty Settling After 6 Months: Settling problems in babies after following bedtime procedures and calming methods, especially past six months of age, may indicate issues that require medical evaluation.
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Breathing Problems or Sleep Apnea: Snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing, or other respiratory difficulties during sleep warrant immediate medical attention.
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Poor Weight Gain or Feeding Issues: If sleep problems accompany feeding difficulties or inadequate weight gain, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying health concerns.
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Sudden Unexplained Sleep Regression: A prolonged issue with sleep regression in your baby that obvious reasons cannot explain will need medical assessment, as this might signal developmental or health issues requiring professional guidance.
FAQs About Babies Sleeping Through the Night
Q1: When Do Babies Start Sleeping Longer Stretches?
Infants typically reach the milestone of extended night sleep between three and six months of age. Babies take multiple brief sleeping intervals that usually last between 2-4 hours throughout each day. During their second or third month, they may sleep four to six hours without interruptions. Between 4 and 6 months of age, most infants reach the stage where they require no feedings during the night. On average, babies reach the ability to rest continuously throughout the night between 6 months of age. Sleep patterns differ from one baby to another.
Q2: When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night Without Feeding?
Most infants become able to sleep through night-time without needing feedings at approximately six months of age. The time schedules for nighttime unattended sleep differ between babies.
Q3: Do Babies Naturally Drop Night Feeds?
Yes, babies typically drop night feeds as they grow, and their bodies can go longer between feedings. Infants begin to sleep through the night when they are 4 to 6 months old, as their sleep patterns develop and their capacity for nighttime rest extends. Every baby experiences night feed drop at different times during their growth.
Helping Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
Most babies sleep 6-8 hour stretches between 3-6 months, though timing varies for each child. Growth spurts, teething, and hunger naturally disrupt sleep patterns. Create consistent bedtime routines and a comfortable sleep environment to support better rest. Contact your pediatrician if sleep problems persist past 6 months or if you notice concerning symptoms.
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