Sleepless nights, endless rocking, and hourly feedings. These are some of the things parents go through after the arrival of new family members.

Sleep is crucial for both parents and newborns, but most parents will notice that their baby is not sleeping through the night initially. Babies often wake up in the middle of the night, cry, feed, and go back to sleep. This pattern of waking up at night can be a draining experience for parents.

Hence, one of the most common questions asked is how long until the baby sleeps through the night?.

Newborn sleep patterns

Before discussing a baby’s sleeping pattern, it is essential to understand what a natural sleep pattern is for a newborn. Sleep is essential for growth and development.

According to studies, full-term babies spend most of their time sleeping and can sleep up to 18 hours a day. However, newborns do not sleep in a straight eight-hour stretch. Instead, they will sleep in shorter cycles of two to four hours and wake up during the night hungry and needing to be fed.

What Is Sleeping Through the Night?

Parents often want to know when their baby will start sleeping through the night. Sleeping through the night often refers to a period of time when the baby sleeps for six to eight hours without waking up and needing to be fed.

Most babies start sleeping through the night when they are about six months old. However, every baby is different, and parents should not expect their baby to fit a universal timeline. It is important to remember that every baby is unique and will develop at their own pace.

Baby’s Age and Sleeping Through the Night

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to when a baby can sleep through the night. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. For example, infants aged 2-4 months usually start to sleep longer stretches at night of up to 6 hours.

However, the majority of newborns will not sleep through the night until they’re around six months old.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistent bedtime routines can go a long way in helping a baby develop healthy sleep habits. Establishing a routine can help signal to your baby that it is time to start winding down.

When starting out, the routine can be simple, for instance, give the baby a bath or sing a lullaby to help them relax. The goal is to establish habits that inform baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep. Furthermore, keeping the sleep environment consistent is also key. This means the same temperature, lighting, and bedding every night.

Factors That May Influence Sleeping Through the Night

Various factors can affect how long it takes for a baby to start sleeping through the night. For example, babies who have a comfortable sleeping environment, go to bed at a reasonable time, and are well fed before bedtime may sleep for longer periods.

On the other hand, babies who are experiencing discomfort from teething, fever, or a wet diaper may wake up more frequently at night.

Nighttime Feedings and Sleeping Through the Night

Feeding newborn babies is a critical part of their development. In the first few weeks, babies will wake up every two to four hours to be fed. Eventually, most will start to sleep for more extended periods.

However, it’s important to know that babies need adequate nutrition to support their growth and development, regardless of age. Feeding them when they wake up hungry at night is essential. In short, frequent nighttime feedings are a routine part of parenthood, and babies may not consistently sleep through the night until they’re much older.

Creating a sleep-conducive environment

Creating a comfortable sleep space is one strategy parents can use to encourage their baby to sleep through the night. A comfortable nursery should be quiet, dark, and cool.

Ensure the sleeping surface is firm and remove any objects that could pose a risk of suffocation. Additionally, consider investing in a white noise machine to help soothe your baby to sleep.

Babies’ sleep progression

Between six and nine months, most babies should be capable of sleeping for more extended periods of between 6 to 12 hours. They will experience more extended periods of deep sleep and shorten their naps.

However, every baby is unique, and it may take them a while longer to sleep through the night. As babies approach their first birthday, they may take longer naps during the day and sleep through the night. But even after this age, babies may continue to experience sleep disturbances during times of stress or illness.

Conclusion

The question of when a baby will sleep through the night is one that every parent asks. It’s important to understand that every baby is different, and there is no universal answer.

Some babies may start sleeping through the night at six months, while others may take longer. However, establishing consistent sleep patterns, creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment, and being patient can help soothe your baby to sleep and, over time, develop healthy sleep habits.