When Do Babies Start Sleeping All Night: A Parent's Guide

 

As parents, one of the most common questions you’ll find yourself asking during those first few months is, “When do babies start sleeping all night?” It’s no surprise—getting a full night’s sleep can feel like an elusive dream when you're caring for a newborn.

While each baby is unique, there are general milestones and patterns that can help you understand when you might be able to expect longer stretches of sleep. In this guide, we’ll break down what it means for a baby to “sleep through the night,” the typical age range when this milestone occurs, and how you can help your little one (and yourself!) get better rest.

What Is Sleeping Through the Night?

For babies, “sleeping through the night” doesn’t mean a full 10 to 12 hours like we might dream of. It’s usually defined by as about 6 to 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep without feeding or comfort. Babies might still wake briefly during the night—just like us adults—but the difference is they’re learning to self-soothe and settle back to sleep on their own.

Here’s the thing: no one sleeps straight through the night without waking, and babies are no exception. If your little one sleeps 6–8 hours in a stretch, that’s considered a major milestone! However, keep in mind that babies still need 10–12 total hours of nighttime sleep (plus naps) depending on their age. So, even if your baby “sleeps through,” six hours might only take you from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?

So, when can babies start sleeping through the night? While every baby is unique, the ability to sleep longer stretches typically develops as they grow, hit milestones, and adjust to their feeding needs. Some babies begin sleeping for 6–8 hours as early as 4 months, while others take until 8–9 months or longer.

In the early months, frequent night wakings are normal due to feeding, diaper changes, and their developing sleep cycles. By 3–6 months, many babies start consolidating their sleep, going for longer stretches without needing a nighttime feed. By 6–12 months, as they become more active during the day and self-soothe more effectively, consistent “sleeping through the night” often begins.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 70-80% of babies are sleeping through the night by 9 months old. To give you a clearer picture, here’s what you can expect of your baby’s nighttime sleep patterns by age:

Age	Longest Nighttime Sleep Duration	Total Daytime Sleep	Total Sleep (24-Hour Period)
Newborn	2–4 hours (blocks)	8 hours (varied naps)	16–17 hours
1–3 months	3–5 hours	6–8 hours (naps)	14–16 hours
4–5 months	5–7 hours	4–5 hours (2–3 naps)	14–15 hours
6–8 months	6–9 hours	3–4 hours (2 naps)	13–14 hours
9–12 months	8–12 hours	3 hours (2 naps)	12–14 hours

How to Get Your Baby Sleep Through the Night

Helping your baby sleep through the night can feel challenging, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely possible. By creating good sleep habits, setting routines, and understanding their needs, you can guide your little one toward longer, more restful nights. Here’s how to make it happen:

Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment

Creating the right environment can make a big difference in how well your baby sleeps. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should sleep on a firm, flat crib mattress—free of pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding—until at least age 1 to reduce the risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation.

Make sure the room is cool, quiet, and dark. You can use blackout curtains to keep out the light and a white noise machine to drown out background sounds. A gentle, soothing sound can be particularly helpful in calming your baby and helping them settle down for sleep.

One great tool for adding soothing sounds to the environment is the Alilo Bunny baby music player. Preloaded with 76 rich pieces of content, including white noise, nature sounds, nursery rhymes, bedtime stories, and lullabies, this music player can create a relaxing atmosphere that helps lull your little one to sleep. It features adjustable volume, Bluetooth connectivity, and even voice recording, allowing you to easily customize the sound contents or record your own lullabies for a personal touch.

Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Babies thrive on routine, and having a calming, predictable bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. A simple routine, such as a warm bath, gentle rocking, quiet lullabies, or reading a short bedtime story, can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep. Try to keep the routine consistent every night, as this can help your baby feel secure and ready for bed.

Learn Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues

Babies show signs when they’re ready for sleep—rubbing eyes, pulling ears, or becoming fussy. Putting them down during this window (before they’re overtired) helps them fall asleep faster. Pay attention to these cues to avoid missing their natural sleep cycle.

Encourage Self-Soothing

Around 4 to 6 months, your baby may start developing the ability to self-soothe, which means they can fall asleep without needing to be rocked or fed. This is a big milestone, and you can encourage this skill by allowing your baby to settle themselves when they wake up during the night. You might hear some fussing—this is normal—but if they’re not upset, they may simply need a few minutes to fall back asleep on their own.

Feed Wisely

If your baby is still waking up for nighttime feedings, try to ensure that they’re getting enough food during the day to satisfy them overnight. A dream feed (a late-night feeding while your baby is still asleep) can sometimes help extend their sleep, but gradually, your baby will begin to drop nighttime feeds on their own as they get older and their stomachs can hold more milk.

Keep Them Active During the Day

Babies who have had plenty of playtime and interaction during the day are more likely to be tired enough to sleep better and for longer periods at night. Toys that engage their senses and encourage both play and development can be a great way to keep them active. For example, the Alilo Smarty Bunny baby rattle is a perfect toy for newborns.

This adorable bunny-shaped rattle features an easy-to-grasp handle, perfect for tiny hands. As your baby shakes it, they can enjoy 66 different natural sounds, keeping them entertained while also promoting motor skills. It also doubles as a music player, offering soothing nursery rhymes, stories, and lullabies, which can help comfort your baby during fussy moments or when winding down for bedtime.

These comforting sounds can also support early language development. Plus, the bunny’s ears light up in seven vibrant colors, encouraging visual tracking and sensory growth. As an added bonus, the rattle includes a color recognition feature, naming the colors aloud when placed on the included color cards—perfect for introducing your baby to colors while they play.

Be Mindful of Naps

While naps are important for your baby’s growth and development, they can also impact their nighttime sleep. Too much daytime sleep can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep at night. Try to balance your baby’s naps during the day so they’re not too long or too close to bedtime.

Consider Sleep Training

Sleep training methods, like the “cry-it-out” or Ferber approach, can help babies learn to fall asleep independently. However, it’s not for everyone. Talk to your pediatrician to find the method that works for your family. Remember, building better sleep habits takes time, patience, and consistency.

What Prevents Your Babies from Sleeping Through the Night?

Even with the best routines and habits, some nights still feel endless—and that’s completely normal. Understanding why your baby might struggle to sleep can help you address it effectively:

Hunger and Diaper Changes

In the early months, babies wake up frequently because they need a feeding or diaper change. When handling these, keep the lights dim, voices soft, and movements minimal to avoid fully waking them.

Teething Pain

Teething can cause discomfort that makes it difficult for your baby to sleep through the night. If your baby seems fussy, drooly, or chewing on their hands, teething may be the culprit. Using teething rings or offering gentle relief can help ease the discomfort.

Illness or Discomfort

Sickness, like a cold or ear infection, can disrupt your baby’s sleep. If your baby shows signs of illness (fever, congestion, etc.), it may explain the frequent wake-ups. Consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned.

Sleep Associations and Bad Habits

If your baby relies on rocking, holding, or feeding to fall asleep, they may struggle to settle back down when they wake. Teaching self-soothing skills, like putting them to bed drowsy but awake, can help them fall asleep independently.

Overtiredness

While it might seem like keeping your baby up longer will help them sleep better, being overtired can actually make it harder for them to settle. Try putting your baby to bed as soon as they show signs of sleepiness to avoid overstimulation.

Separation Anxiety

Around 6–18 months, babies may experience separation anxiety, leading to night wakings and crying. Gently patting or soothing them in their crib without picking them up can help them settle.

Sleep Disruptors

External factors like room temperature, noise, or light can keep your baby from sleeping soundly. Create an optimal environment—dark, quiet, and cool (68–72°F).

Growth Spurts and Developmental Milestones

As babies reach new milestones like rolling, crawling, or walking, their sleep patterns can temporarily change. These developmental stages can lead to sleep regressions, which usually pass as your baby adjusts.

When to Call a Doctor

Every baby is different, so if your little one isn’t quite sleeping through the night yet, don’t stress—it’s perfectly normal. That said, there are times when it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician. If your baby is 6 months or older and still waking up constantly, or if you’re worried they aren’t getting enough rest, a quick chat with your doctor can help.

Sleep is key for your baby’s growth and your well-being. If exhaustion is starting to hit hard, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your doctor can check for issues like reflux, sleep apnea, or other concerns that might be disrupting their sleep.

It’s easy to feel pressure, but don’t compare. If your little one is healthy, happy, and catching enough Zs overall—whether at night or with daytime naps—you’re doing great. But if something feels off, trust yourself and reach out. You’re not alone, and your doctor is there to help you figure things out.

Conclusion

So, when do babies start sleeping all night? While every baby develops at their own pace, many begin to sleep through the night, or for at least six hours without waking up to eat, around 6 to 9 months. Creating a sleep-friendly environment, establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and encouraging self-soothing are key steps in helping them get there. Remember, setbacks like teething, illness, or developmental milestones are normal and temporary. If you’re ever concerned, trust your instincts and talk to your doctor. With time, patience, and the right approach, restful nights for both you and your baby are absolutely possible.

FAQs

What age do babies sleep through the night without feeding?

Babies typically start sleeping through the night without feeding between 4 to 6 months of age. However, this can vary depending on the baby. Some may sleep longer stretches earlier, while others may take more time to adjust. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.

Can I let my 2 month old sleep through the night?

At 2 months, babies can sleep for up to 4–6 hours at a time, but they still need frequent feeding. It’s safe to let them sleep longer stretches if they’re gaining weight well and your pediatrician has no concerns.

When should all babies sleep through the night?

Most babies start sleeping 6–8 hours straight by 6 to 9 months, though it’s not guaranteed for all. Sleep habits depend on individual development, feeding needs, and self-soothing abilities.