The sleepless nights of new parenthood can be exhausting. Between feedings, diaper changes, and midnight soothing, it’s completely understandable to wonder when your baby will sleep through the night.
The answer depends on your baby’s age, feeding needs, development, and temperament. Many babies begin sleeping longer stretches around 3 to 4 months, but sleeping through the night does not always mean 10 to 12 hours without waking. For many babies, it means sleeping at least six hours at a time.1,2,3
Here’s what sleeping through the night really means, when babies may be ready, and what can help support longer stretches of sleep.
Key Takeaways
- Many babies start sleeping longer stretches around 3 to 4 months.
- Sleeping through the night often means 6 hours or more, not necessarily 12 hours.
- Some babies still need overnight feeds, especially in the early months.
- Growth spurts, teething, milestones, sleep regressions, and separation anxiety can cause waking.
- A consistent routine and supportive sleep environment can help your baby sleep longer stretches.
What Does Sleeping Through the Night Mean?
“Sleeping through the night” does not always mean your baby sleeps 10 to 12 hours without waking. For many babies, experts define sleeping through the night as sleeping for at least six hours at a time.3
At birth, babies do not yet have an established circadian rhythm, so they naturally sleep in shorter stretches throughout the day and night. Around 10 to 12 weeks, your baby’s circadian rhythm begins developing, which can help them start sleeping for longer periods at night.1,2
Many parents picture “sleeping through the night” as putting their baby to bed and not hearing from them until morning. In reality, sleeping for a single 12-hour stretch without waking is uncommon. It is also developmentally normal for babies to wake overnight, especially if they still need to feed.3
Every baby develops at their own pace, and sleeping through the night is one milestone that rarely follows the same timeline for every family.
Related: Frequent Night Waking With Your Breastfed Baby: What’s Normal
When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night?
Many babies begin sleeping longer stretches around 3 to 4 months of age. By this age, some babies may sleep at least five hours at a time. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 70% to 80% of babies sleep through the night by 9 months.4
Every baby develops differently. Feeding needs, weight gain, temperament, sleep environment, and developmental milestones can all influence when your baby starts sleeping through the night.
Can a 10-Week-Old Sleep Through the Night?
Some babies sleep through the night as early as 10 weeks, but most are not there yet. Around this age, many babies are beginning to develop a more predictable circadian rhythm and may start sleeping longer stretches at night.1,2 Every baby develops differently, and many still wake to feed overnight.
If your 10-week-old is waking during the night, that does not mean anything is wrong. Likewise, if your baby is already sleeping for longer stretches, it is simply one variation of normal development. Rather than comparing timelines, focus on your baby’s growth, feeding needs, and guidance from your pediatrician.1,2,3,4
Signs Your Baby May Be Ready to Sleep Through the Night
Sleep is a developmental process. As your baby grows, certain signs may suggest they are getting closer to sleeping longer stretches at night:
- Moro (startle) reflex decreases. The startle reflex is a sign of a developing nervous system and can often awaken your baby mid-sleep. This reflex gradually decreases over time and typically resolves around four months.5
- Your baby is gaining weight. Newborns need frequent feeding to support growth and development. As your little one gains weight steadily, their need for nighttime feedings decreases. Growing babies also take in more nutrients at each feeding, helping them stay asleep longer.
- Your baby is learning to self-soothe. It’s normal for babies to wake between sleep cycles. In the first few months, they often need comfort from a caregiver to fall back asleep. Over time, with a consistent routine, they learn to self-soothe and settle independently.
Related: Why Your Baby is Waking Up Early and How You Can Help
Why Babies Wake at Night
Even after your baby starts sleeping longer stretches, night waking can still happen. These are some common reasons babies wake or have trouble staying asleep:
- Growth spurt. If your little one is going through a rapid growth spurt, they may require more nutrients and begin waking again at night for feeds.
- Teething. Your baby’s first teeth can be painful, and it is not uncommon for teething symptoms to cause night waking.
- Milestone developments. When your little one is working on learning a new skill, such as crawling or sitting up, they may find it more challenging to wind down for sleep at night.
- Sleep environment. Your little one needs a dark, distraction-free room to develop healthy sleep habits. In addition, it is essential to consider the bedroom’s temperature and ensure your baby is comfortably dressed for sleep.
- Sleep regressions. Regressions can affect your baby’s behavior and commonly occur at around 4, 6-8, and 10 months, and occasionally at 12 months. They usually last 1-4 weeks.
- Separation anxiety. If your little one is suffering from separation anxiety, they may lack the ability to self-soothe between sleep cycles and cry, seeking your comfort during the night.
Related: Why Your Baby Wakes Up Crying or Screaming
Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer Stretches
There isn’t a perfect timeline for when a baby will sleep through the night, but a few habits can help support healthy sleep as your baby grows:
- Create a simple bedtime routine. A bath, feeding, book, song, or cuddle can help signal that sleep is coming.
- Keep nights calm and low stimulation. During overnight wakes, keep lights low and interaction gentle so your baby learns that nighttime is for sleep.
- Watch wake windows. An overtired baby may have a harder time settling and staying asleep.
- Support daytime feeds. Babies who feed well during the day may be better able to sleep longer stretches at night, depending on their age and needs.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment. A dark, cool, quiet room can help your baby settle more easily.
- Ask for support when you need it. If sleep feels unmanageable, a pediatric sleep consultant or your pediatrician can help you create a plan that fits your baby.
Related: Must-Have Baby Sleep Products (0-6 Months)
When To Ask for Help
If your baby is struggling with sleep or you are feeling exhausted, it is okay to ask for help. You may want to check in with your pediatrician if your baby is not gaining weight well, has feeding concerns, seems uncomfortable, snores, has trouble breathing during sleep, or wakes frequently despite a consistent routine.
You can also reach out to a pediatric sleep consultant for support with age-appropriate sleep habits and routines.
Waiting for your baby to sleep through the night can feel exhausting, especially when you hear about other babies sleeping longer stretches. But baby sleep develops gradually, and waking at night can be normal for many infants.
With time, consistency, and support when you need it, your baby will continue building the skills for longer stretches of sleep. And in the meantime, you do not have to do this alone.
