Baby and Infant Care
One of the biggest milestones parents look forward to is when their baby will finally start sleeping through the night. However, as any new parent quickly learns, each baby has their own sleep patterns, and the journey to a full night’s rest can vary widely. Here’s what to expect and how you can gently encourage longer stretches of sleep as your baby grows.
What “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Means
For a young baby, sleeping through the night typically means about 5-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, which often happens from midnight to early morning. As babies grow, they gradually begin to sleep for longer stretches.
When Do Babies Typically Start Sleeping Longer?
While every baby is unique, here’s a general timeline of what to expect:
0-3 Months: During the newborn stage, babies sleep a lot—up to 16-18 hours a day. However, they wake frequently (every 2-3 hours) to feed. By around 2-3 months, some babies start to develop a more predictable nighttime pattern, but they’re unlikely to sleep through the night just yet.
3-6 Months: Around 3-4 months, babies’ sleep cycles start to lengthen, and some may begin sleeping for longer stretches at night, sometimes up to 6-8 hours. However, many will still wake once or twice to feed.
6-12 Months: By 6 months, some babies are ready to sleep through the night with minimal wake-ups, though many still need a feeding or two. At this stage, babies typically sleep for about 10-12 hours with one or two nighttime interruptions.
12+ Months: By their first birthday, many babies are capable of sleeping for a full night (10-12 hours) without needing to eat. However, occasional wake-ups can still occur due to growth spurts, teething, or developmental changes.
Factors That Influence Sleep
Several factors affect when your baby will start sleeping through the night. Here are a few:
Developmental Stage: Babies’ brains and bodies grow rapidly in the first year, which can disrupt sleep. Milestones like rolling over, crawling, and walking can temporarily interrupt sleep patterns.
Feeding Needs: Newborns have small stomachs and need frequent feedings. As they grow and start eating more solid foods, they’re able to go longer without feeding, which can help with nighttime sleep.
Sleep Environment: A consistent, calming sleep environment can help signal to your baby that it’s time for rest. Try to keep the room dim, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
Routine and Sleep Associations: Babies thrive on routines. A calming bedtime routine—like a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby—can help your baby recognize that it’s time for sleep. Establishing healthy sleep associations, such as falling asleep in their crib instead of being rocked, can help them learn to self-soothe.
Tips to Encourage Better Sleep
Here are some gentle ways to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits:
Establish a Bedtime Routine: A predictable routine can help your baby relax and prepare for sleep. Start with a bath, a story, or a lullaby at the same time each evening to set a calming tone.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make sure your baby’s sleep space is safe, dark, and comfortable. Blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and a cozy (but safe) sleep setup can all contribute to better rest.
Practice Putting Your Baby Down Sleepy but Awake: This helps your baby learn to fall asleep on their own, which can make it easier for them to self-soothe if they wake up in the night.
Be Consistent: Babies are creatures of habit. Try to keep nap times and bedtime consistent each day, which can help regulate their internal clock.
Wait a Moment Before Rushing In: Babies sometimes make noises or stir briefly in their sleep. If they don’t appear distressed, try waiting a few moments before attending to them. They might just settle back down on their own.
When to Be Patient
While some babies sleep through the night relatively early, it’s also normal for many babies to wake up until well into their first year. Factors like teething, growth spurts, or developmental milestones can lead to temporary wake-ups.
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