Many parents wonder, “When will my baby start sleeping through the night?” The answer to this depends on several factors, including age, development, and whether your little one has learned how to self-soothe.
This article provides tips on how to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits and avoid common sleep challenges as they grow.
What Does “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Mean?
“Sleeping through the night” typically means a baby sleeps for six to eight consecutive hours.
However, this doesn’t account for the full 10 to 12 hours (or more) of sleep that babies need, which includes both night sleep and naps. So, even if your 3- to 6-month-old sleeps through the night, you might still find yourself up early, as they may start waking after just six hours.
Infants under 6 months old can sleep anywhere from three to eight hours straight at night, depending on their developmental stage. By 4 to 6 months, many babies can sleep through the night without needing a feeding, but that doesn’t mean they always will—babies, like adults, sometimes wake for comfort, not just hunger.
When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?
Your baby’s ability to sleep through the night depends on a variety of factors, including age, weight, and whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Here’s a breakdown of sleep patterns by age:
- Newborns: Newborns need to eat frequently, so don’t expect long stretches of sleep. They typically sleep in two to four-hour intervals, depending on their feeding routine.
- 2 to 3 Months: By this stage, babies might sleep for five to six-hour stretches. However, many still wake up for feedings, especially if they’re nursing.
- 4 Months: Most babies can sleep for seven to eight hours at a time around this age. This is often considered sleeping through the night. Babies who weigh between 11 and 14 pounds typically no longer need nighttime feedings, but they may still wake up out of habit or for comfort.
- 5 to 6 Months: By now, most babies can sleep through the night. If your baby still wakes frequently, they might not be hungry. This is a good time to encourage longer sleep by reducing night feedings gradually.
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
You have more influence over your baby’s sleep habits than you might think. Follow these strategies to help them sleep longer at night:
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A comforting routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Try a soothing bath, a quiet story, and a feeding before bed to help them wind down.
2. Avoid Diaper Changes at Night
If possible, skip nighttime diaper changes to prevent waking your baby. If a change is necessary, keep the room dim and minimize interaction.
3. Consider Moving Baby’s Sleep Space
If your baby is room-sharing, moving their crib a little farther from your bed might reduce night wake-ups. Sometimes, proximity to you can encourage frequent waking.
4. Feed More During the Day
Making sure your baby gets plenty to eat during the day can help them stay fuller at night. Breastfed babies should nurse every two to three hours, while formula-fed babies should get around 4 ounces per feeding until they start solids.
5. Try a Dream Feed
A dream feed—offered just before you go to bed—can give your baby a little extra to keep them satisfied through the night. However, if it causes more night wakings, it may be better to skip it.
Avoid These Common Sleep Mistakes
While helping your baby sleep longer, it’s important to avoid certain practices that may not be helpful:
1. Don’t Add Cereal to the Bottle
Adding cereal to your baby’s bottle won’t help them sleep longer and can pose a choking hazard. Wait until your baby is developmentally ready for solids, around 4 to 6 months.
2. Don’t Rush to Soothe Every Time They Cry
It’s normal for babies to stir or wake briefly during the night. Give your baby a chance to settle back to sleep before you intervene.
Night Weaning: Helping Your Baby Sleep Longer
By the time your baby is around 3 to 4 months old, they might be ready to start cutting back on nighttime feedings. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician first, as every baby’s needs are different. If your doctor gives the go-ahead, here are some tips to begin the process:
1. Stretch Out Feedings
Start by extending the time between night feedings. You can increase the interval by 15 to 30 minutes every few nights to help your baby adjust.
2. Slowly Reduce the Amount of Milk
If your baby is bottle-fed, offer slightly less milk at each night feeding until they no longer expect it. Breastfeeding moms can gradually shorten each feeding session.
3. Delay Feeding When Baby Wakes Up
When your baby wakes, try comforting them with a quiet song or gentle pat instead of immediately offering milk. This helps your baby learn that not every wake-up results in a feeding.
Why Your Baby Might Not Be Sleeping Through the Night
Several factors can interrupt your baby’s sleep, including:
- Teething: This discomfort can wake your baby during the night.
- Too Hot or Too Cold: Keeping your baby’s room between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit can promote better sleep.
- Bad Sleep Habits: Avoid relying on rocking, feeding, or holding your baby to sleep, as this can make it harder for them to learn how to self-soothe.
- Illness: Colds, ear infections, and other illnesses can disrupt sleep but will improve once your baby recovers.
- Developmental Milestones: Learning to roll over, sit, or crawl can excite babies to the point that it affects their sleep.
- Sleep Regression: Temporary sleep disruptions often occur around 3 to 4 months old and again at later stages.
Should You Sleep Train Your Baby?
While you can’t put your baby on a strict schedule right away, starting around 3 to 6 months, you can begin establishing a more predictable sleep routine. Attempting to set a schedule too early can interfere with your baby’s growth and, if you’re breastfeeding, may impact your milk supply.
