TL;DR
Every baby’s sleep journey is different. Most babies don’t truly “sleep through the night” until 6 to 9 months old, and even then, occasional wake-ups are completely normal. Understanding sleep cycles, hunger cues, and developmental leaps helps you set realistic expectations and find peace in the process.
5-Point Summary
- “Sleeping through the night” means a 6–8 hour stretch, not 12 hours.
- Most babies achieve this between 6 and 9 months, not earlier.
- Night waking is part of normal brain and feeding development.
- Consistent bedtime routines help lengthen sleep stretches.
- Comparing your baby’s sleep to others causes unnecessary stress.
The Myth of “Sleeping Through the Night”
Every new parent has heard it: “My baby sleeps through the night.” It sounds like a milestone everyone should hit quickly, but in reality, most babies take months to get there — and even once they do, sleep regressions happen.
The truth is that sleeping through the night doesn’t mean 12 straight hours. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it usually refers to sleeping 6 to 8 hours without needing a feeding. For many babies, this milestone arrives closer to the second half of the first year.
So if your 3-month-old still wakes up twice, that’s not failure — it’s development.
How Baby Sleep Cycles Work
Babies sleep in shorter, lighter cycles than adults. Each cycle lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. At the end of a cycle, they enter a brief period of semi-wakefulness to check their surroundings.
If your baby is hungry, cold, wet, or just startled by the quiet, they may fully wake up. Over time, as their brain matures, they start connecting these cycles and fall back asleep more easily.
The Sleep Foundation notes that newborns spend up to 50 percent of their sleep in active (light) sleep, which is why they move and stir often. By 6 months, that number drops, allowing deeper, longer stretches of rest.
What’s Normal by Age
Newborn to 3 Months
- Sleep in short bursts of 2–4 hours at a time.
- Wake frequently for feeding and comfort.
- Total sleep: about 14–17 hours in 24 hours.
3 to 6 Months
- Begin consolidating night sleep into 4–6 hour stretches.
- Still wake once or twice to feed.
- Total sleep: about 14–15 hours.
6 to 9 Months
- Most babies can sleep 6–8 hours straight if well-fed and comfortable.
- Some may still wake for comfort or teething.
- Consistent routines start making a big difference here.
9 to 12 Months
- Many babies sleep 8–10 hours overnight with 2–3 naps.
- Temporary regressions are common due to crawling, standing, or separation anxiety.
Why Babies Wake Up at Night
Waking up at night doesn’t mean your baby is a poor sleeper. It usually means one of these things:
- Hunger: Younger babies still need calories during the night.
- Growth Spurts: Rapid development temporarily increases night waking.
- Teething: Discomfort makes settling harder.
- Developmental Leaps: Learning new skills like rolling or sitting can disrupt rest.
- Environment: Light, noise, or temperature changes can interrupt cycles.
Night waking is how your baby learns that comfort comes reliably — from you. That trust forms the foundation of healthy sleep independence later on.
How to Encourage Longer Sleep Stretches
-
Establish a Routine
Repetition builds security. Follow a consistent flow each evening: feed, bath, soft light, and quiet soothing before bed. -
Create the Right Sleep Environment
Keep the room cool (20–22°C), dark, and quiet. Avoid overstimulation before bedtime. -
Watch Wake Windows
Overtired babies struggle to fall and stay asleep. Follow age-appropriate wake windows to prevent cortisol spikes. -
Feed Fully Before Bedtime
A complete feed helps babies stay settled for longer stretches. -
Stay Calm During Wake-Ups
Respond gently but keep interaction minimal to signal that nighttime is for rest.
What If Your Baby Still Wakes Often?
If your baby is growing well and otherwise happy, frequent wake-ups are rarely a concern. It may just take longer for their sleep cycles to mature.
If wake-ups are excessive, speak with your pediatrician to rule out reflux, allergies, or other sleep disruptors. But in most cases, it is simply a phase that passes with time, consistency, and gentle reassurance.
The Takeaway
Sleeping through the night is a developmental milestone, not a measure of success. Every baby reaches it on their own timeline, and occasional night waking is part of healthy growth.
Focus less on perfection and more on patterns. Create a calm, consistent bedtime routine, meet your baby’s needs when they wake, and trust that longer stretches will come.
One night soon, you will realize your baby slept longer than usual — and it will keep happening a little more each week. That is progress worth celebrating.