when do babies start sleeping through the night

Every new parent asks the same question: “When will my baby sleep through the night?” If you’re reading this at 3 AM while rocking your little one back to sleep, you’re not alone. Understanding baby sleep patterns can help set realistic expectations and guide you toward better nights for everyone.

Baby sleep differs dramatically from adult sleep, and what’s “normal” varies widely from one infant to another. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about your baby’s sleep patterns, from newborn through their first year.

Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles

Your baby’s sleep works differently than yours. While adults cycle through sleep stages every 90 minutes, babies complete their sleep cycles in just 40 minutes. This shorter cycle means they naturally wake up more often—it’s not a sign that something’s wrong.

Babies spend much more time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, also called “active sleep.” During this lighter sleep phase, your baby might:

• Breathe irregularly
• Twitch their arms and legs
• Flutter their eyelids
• Make small noises

This active sleep is crucial for brain development and memory formation. As your baby grows, they’ll gradually spend more time in deep sleep, which means longer stretches of uninterrupted rest.

Sleep Patterns by Age

Newborns (0-3 months)

Newborns sleep between 14-19 hours per day, but not all at once. They typically sleep in 2-4 hour stretches around the clock, waking primarily to eat. Their tiny stomachs can’t hold enough milk or formula to sustain them for long periods.

At this stage, your baby doesn’t distinguish between day and night. Their sleep patterns are driven by hunger rather than light cycles. Most newborns wake every 1-3 hours, regardless of the time.

Around 4-8 weeks, you might notice your baby’s sleep starting to respond more to light and darkness. After 8 weeks, some babies begin sleeping for slightly longer stretches at night.

3-6 Months

Your baby’s sleep patterns start maturing during this period. They’ll sleep 10-18 hours total, with longer nighttime stretches becoming more common. Some babies can sleep up to 8 hours at night, though others still wake frequently.

During the day, expect 2-4 naps lasting up to 2 hours each. Your baby will have less active sleep and more deep sleep, making them less likely to wake at every sound.

6-12 Months

This is when many babies start “sleeping through the night”—typically defined as 5-8 hours of continuous sleep. Your baby will sleep 10-16 hours total, with most of this happening at night (up to 12 hours) and 2-4 hours during daytime naps.

However, don’t expect linear progress. Growth spurts, developmental leaps, and separation anxiety can all disrupt sleep patterns. Your baby might sleep well for weeks, then suddenly start waking again—this is completely normal.

Around 8-9 months, most babies develop the ability to self-soothe, meaning they can fall back asleep without your intervention when they wake during the night.

12 Months and Beyond

By their first birthday, most babies sleep 9-15 hours per day, with longer nighttime stretches and fewer daytime naps. Many toddlers still take one afternoon nap, and some continue waking occasionally during the night.

Creating Healthy Sleep Habits

Establish Day and Night Differences

From the beginning, help your baby learn when it’s time to sleep:

During the day:

• Keep the environment bright and active
• Don’t worry about household noises during naps
• Engage in play and interaction

At night:

• Keep lights dim during feedings and diaper changes
• Minimize talking and interaction
• Create a calm, quiet atmosphere

Develop a Bedtime Routine

A consistent routine signals to your baby that sleep time is approaching. Your routine might include:

• A warm bath
• Gentle massage
• Quiet feeding
• Reading a short story
• Singing a lullaby
• Dimming the lights

Keep the routine simple and sustainable. What matters most is consistency rather than complexity.

Encourage Self-Soothing

Put your baby down drowsy but awake. This teaches them to fall asleep independently, which is crucial for sleeping through the night. When they wake during sleep cycles, they’ll be more likely to settle back down without needing you.

If your baby wakes crying, wait a few minutes before responding. They might settle back down on their own. If crying continues, offer comfort with gentle words or a soft pat, but try to avoid picking them up immediately.

Safe Sleep Guidelines

Always follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome):

• Place your baby on their back to sleep
• Use a firm sleep surface with a fitted sheet
• Keep the crib empty—no blankets, pillows, or toys
• Avoid overheating; dress your baby in light sleep clothing
• Room-share without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months
• Keep your baby away from smoke exposure

Common Sleep Challenges

Frequent Night Wakings

If your baby continues waking frequently after 6 months, consider:

• Whether they’re getting enough daytime sleep (overtired babies often sleep worse at night)
• If they’re going through a growth spurt or developmental leap
• Whether they’ve become dependent on specific conditions to fall asleep (like being rocked or fed)

Early Morning Wake-Ups

Babies often wake between 4-6 AM, which can feel exhausting for parents. This is normal and often improves as their sleep patterns mature. Ensure their room is dark and try to avoid stimulating activities during early morning wakings.

Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions commonly occur around 4 months, 8-10 months, and 18 months. These temporary disruptions often coincide with developmental milestones. Maintain consistent routines and be patient—most regressions resolve within 2-4 weeks.

When to Seek Help

Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your baby is 6 months or older and still waking frequently every night
• You’re concerned about your baby’s sleep patterns
• Your baby seems excessively fussy or difficult to console
• You’re experiencing severe sleep deprivation that affects your daily functioning

Remember that every baby is different. Some naturally sleep longer stretches earlier than others, and this doesn’t reflect on your parenting skills.

Supporting Your Own Sleep Needs

While focusing on your baby’s sleep, don’t neglect your own rest:

• Sleep when your baby sleeps, even during the day
• Share nighttime duties with your partner when possible
• Accept help from family and friends
• Remember that this phase is temporary

Your Baby’s Sleep Journey

Understanding that baby sleep patterns are constantly evolving can help you maintain perspective during challenging periods. What works one week might not work the next, and that’s completely normal.

Most babies naturally develop the ability to sleep through the night by 8-9 months, but some take longer. Focus on creating consistent, safe sleep environments and routines rather than comparing your baby to others.

The sleepless nights won’t last forever. With patience, consistency, and realistic expectations, you’ll help your baby develop healthy sleep patterns that benefit the whole family. Trust the process, be gentle with yourself, and remember that every small step forward is progress worth celebrating.