Babies typically start sleeping through the night—meaning at least six uninterrupted hours—around 6 months of age. However, there is variability; some babies may start as early as 3 months with shorter stretches of 5-6 hours, while others may not sleep through the night until later in infancy or toddlerhood. Around 6 months, many babies no longer require nighttime feedings and develop the physical ability to sleep longer stretches, but sleep patterns can still be affected by developmental changes, teething, or other disruptions. A consistent bedtime routine and the ability to self-soothe contribute significantly to when babies start sleeping through the night.
What is "Sleeping Through the Night"?
For babies, this generally means sleeping for at least six uninterrupted hours without needing parental intervention. Some definitions include up to 10-12 hours of sleep without waking, but six hours is a commonly accepted milestone.
Age Ranges and Variability
- Around 3 months, babies begin developing night-day sleep patterns and might stretch to 4-5 hours at night.
- By 6 months, many babies can sleep 6 hours or longer uninterrupted.
- Some babies may start sleeping through the night as early as 10-12 weeks, but others take longer.
- Around one-third of babies may continue to wake frequently at night up to 12 months old.
- Factors such as growth spurts, teething, developmental milestones, and illness can cause sleep regressions or night waking at any stage.
Supporting Sleep Through the Night
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
- Encourage putting the baby down while sleepy but still awake to promote self-soothing.
- Maintain a calm, dim, and quiet pre-bedtime environment.
- Offer appropriate day naps to avoid overtiredness at night.
In summary, while most babies start sleeping through the night at around 6 months, individual differences are normal, and "sleeping through the night" means at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep, which can begin anytime from about 3 months to much later.
