TL;DR
Sleeping through the night does not mean eight uninterrupted hours for most babies. True “night sleep” develops gradually as their brains mature and feeding needs change. Most babies begin linking longer stretches between 4 and 9 months, but patterns vary widely. The key is routine, environment, and gentle, consistent soothing.
5-Point Summary
- “Sleeping through the night” usually means 6–8 hours, not a full adult night’s sleep.
- Newborns need to feed often; longer stretches come as calorie intake improves.
- Most babies achieve longer nighttime sleep between 4 and 9 months.
- Consistent bedtime routines and safe sleep setups encourage longer rest.
- Gentle motion or rhythmic touch, such as Lullabear™, can help babies link sleep cycles safely.
What “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Means
Parents often hear stories of babies who sleep all night by eight weeks old and wonder what they are doing wrong. In reality, the phrase “sleeping through the night” simply means sleeping for one continuous stretch of about 6–8 hours without needing a full feed.
The Sleep Foundation notes that most infants do not reach this stage until at least 4–6 months of age, when their sleep cycles mature and they can consume enough milk during the day to sustain longer rest at night.
Why Babies Wake Frequently
Babies are biologically wired to wake often. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults’, usually lasting 40–60 minutes, with frequent transitions between light and deep sleep. These brief wakings serve an important survival purpose in early life.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, night waking is normal throughout infancy and often linked to hunger, growth spurts, or developmental leaps.
The Typical Timeline for Night Sleep
| Age | Average Longest Night Stretch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 months | 2–4 hours | Frequent feeds needed; irregular rhythm. |
| 3–4 months | 4–6 hours | Circadian rhythm developing; 4-month regression may appear. |
| 5–6 months | 6–8 hours | Many babies can go one full stretch without feeding. |
| 7–9 months | 8–10 hours | Sleep becomes more consistent if naps and bedtime are regular. |
| 10–12 months | 10–12 hours | Most babies consolidate night sleep but may still wake briefly. |
Every baby moves at their own pace. Genetics, feeding method, temperament, and environment all influence progress.
How to Encourage Longer Night Sleep
1. Keep a Predictable Bedtime Routine
Babies feel safe when events happen in the same order each night. A bath, feed, cuddle, and gentle soothing cue teach them that it is time to rest.
Research from the National Institutes of Health found that consistent bedtime routines reduce crying and help infants fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
2. Focus on Daytime Feeding
Ensure your baby gets enough calories during the day so they do not need frequent night feeds. Many babies naturally sleep longer once daytime intake increases.
3. Create a Calm, Safe Sleep Environment
Use a firm, flat mattress with no pillows, blankets, or toys. Keep lights dim and temperature comfortable (20–22°C or 68–72°F). The AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines emphasize simplicity as the foundation of better sleep.
4. Use Gentle, Predictable Soothing
When babies wake lightly between cycles, a calm rhythmic cue helps them resettle without full stimulation. The gentle patting motion of Lullabear™ mimics a parent’s reassuring touch and can help babies feel secure enough to drift back into the next sleep cycle safely.
5. Stay Realistic and Patient
Even at a year old, occasional night waking is normal. Illness, teething, or travel can temporarily interrupt routines. What matters most is consistency and calm — not perfection.
When to Seek Advice
If your baby wakes extremely often (every hour or two past 6 months) or shows signs of breathing difficulty, discomfort, or poor growth, speak with your pediatrician. Sometimes reflux, allergies, or feeding issues can affect sleep quality, and professional guidance helps rule out underlying causes.
Takeaway
Sleeping through the night is a developmental milestone, not a competition. Most babies reach it naturally once their bodies and routines align. Your role is to provide structure, comfort, and safety, not to rush the process.
Whether you soothe with your touch, gentle rocking, or Lullabear™ beside them, what matters is calm consistency. Over time, those short nighttime stretches lengthen, and both you and your baby begin to enjoy the deep, peaceful rest you have been waiting for.