How to Make Your Baby Sleep Through the Night

Getting your baby to sleep through the night is a common challenge for new parents. As much as we all hope for a restful night, many parents find themselves up multiple times each night to comfort their baby, offer a feed, or change a nappy. This is completely normal in the early stages, as babies’ sleep patterns are still developing.

Below, we’ll cover:

• What “sleeping through the night” really means
• What to expect at different ages
• Key practices to promote good sleep
• When to seek help

For closely related guidance, read our article: How Much Should Baby Eat at 7 Months?.

What Does “Sleeping Through The Night” Mean?

Many families hope their baby will sleep 6 to 8 uninterrupted hours straight, but in reality, the pattern of baby sleep evolves gradually.

• Babies under 3 months old do not yet reliably distinguish between day and night and therefore wake frequently for feed and comfort^[1].
• From around 3 to 6 months, some babies begin longer stretches at night, but feeding, growth and developmental changes still interrupt sleep^[2].
• By about 6 months, many babies are capable of sleeping for longer periods, though “sleeping through the night” doesn’t necessarily mean never waking; rather, they experience fewer awakings and can settle back to sleep more easily.
• Prolonged night waking is not always abnormal. All children learn to sleep longer and eventually through the night when they are developmentally ready^[3].

So, the goal isn’t perfection straight away, it’s gradual improvement by helping your baby learn rhythms, routines and healthy associations.

What’s Happening By Age & How You Can Help

Every baby’s sleep journey is different, and what’s “normal” can vary widely. Understanding the typical sleep patterns by age can help you set realistic expectations and support your baby’s natural development.

Newborn to 3 months

Babies typically sleep a lot, often between 14 to 18 hours within a 24-hour period^[4], but their sleep occurs in short stretches with no consistent day-night rhythm yet.

During this stage, babies wake frequently for feeds, nappy changes, or simply due to discomfort.

What you can do:

• Expose them to natural daylight and normal household sounds during the day; at night, keep things quiet and dim. This helps their biological rhythms begin to distinguish day from night.
• Look out for tired cues (yawning, fussiness, rubbing eyes) and put them down for sleep before they become overtired.
• Be responsive. At this stage, you’re not trying to force “through the night” sleep yet, but to build a foundation for healthy sleep patterns in the months to come.

Around 3-6 months

Many babies start to show longer stretches at night, more wakefulness in the day, and clearer signs of tiredness. This is a good time to introduce consistent routines and healthy sleep cues.

What you can do:

• Spending time outdoors during daylight hours with active play; at night, dim lights, keep voices low, keep feeds brief^[2].
• If naps run too late in the afternoon, try gently adjusting the schedule so they don’t interfere with bedtime.
• Putting your baby down while they are “drowsy but awake”^[2], encourages them to associate their cot with comfort and gradually develop self-settling skills.
• Avoid overly stimulating activities close to bedtime and establish a consistent bedtime routine each night, such as a sequence of a warm bath, gentle massage, feeding, and a short cuddle or story.

>> How to give a gentle baby head massage?

6 months and beyond

Babies have more wake/sleep patterns and may be physically capable of longer stretches at night. At this stage, you can continue building on the routines you’ve already established, supporting your baby’s ability to self-settle and maintaining consistency in their sleep environment and bedtime habits.

However, it’s also normal for sleep to be disrupted occasionally due to factors such as teething, illness, or developmental milestones like crawling, standing, and experiencing separation anxiety^[5].

Extra Practices That Support Better Night Sleep

Patience is crucial when helping a baby sleep

Beyond following age-appropriate sleep strategies, here are some additional practices to keep in mind for supporting better baby nighttime sleep.

Create a calm and safe sleep space

A secure environment promotes better and safer rest. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, their head and face uncovered, on a firm, flat surface^[4].

The safest arrangement is for your baby to sleep in your room for the first 6 to 12 months.

Keep the space smoke-free, ensure proper ventilation, and maintain a comfortable temperature between 22°C and 26°C, not too hot or too cold.

Encourage independent sleep

As babies grow, it becomes helpful for them to learn how to fall asleep on their own. To encourage healthier sleep habits, you can gradually reduce these external cues:

• Feed earlier in the bedtime routine rather than right before sleep.
• Avoid creating sleep associations by allowing your baby to become dependent on being rocked, fed, or carried every time they fall asleep^[6], as this can make it more difficult for them to self-soothe.
• For instance, a baby who always falls asleep while being fed may struggle to settle back down without another feed when they wake in the middle of the night.
• Offer comfort in the cot, such as gentle patting or soft shushing, instead of picking them up each time they cry.

>> What should you know to ensure proper feeding for your baby?

Respond with calm and consistency

When your baby wakes at night, it’s important to remain calm and consistent:

• Keep interactions quiet and brief: Respond to baby’s cries quickly and settle or feed your baby as soon as you can^[2].
• Avoid bright lights, loud voices, or extended playtime.
• A soothing touch or soft whisper reassures your baby without overstimulating them, helping them return to sleep faster.

Note: If sleep disruptions persist or you feel uncertain about your baby’s sleep needs, consult a paediatrician or child health nurse for guidance.

FAQs

How many hours should my baby sleep at night?

Sleep needs vary by age.

• Newborns (0 to 3 months) typically sleep 14 to 18 hours in a 24-hour period.
• Babies aged 4 to 11 months need around 12 to 16 hours, including naps. 

However, every baby is unique; some may sleep for longer stretches at night earlier than others.

When will my baby start sleeping through the night?

Most babies start sleeping for longer stretches (5 to 6 hours at a time) between 4 to 6 months of age. However, factors such as growth spurts, teething, and developmental changes can temporarily disrupt this pattern. Consistent bedtime routines and a calm sleep environment can help your baby gradually adjust.

What are healthy sleep cues or bedtime routines?

A predictable bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. This might include a warm bath, gentle massage, feeding, and a lullaby or story in a calm, dimly lit environment. Keeping this routine consistent each night helps regulate your baby’s internal clock.

>> Click here to learn the principles for a more sleep-friendly bedtime feed.

How do I transition my baby from co-sleeping to their cot?

Start by placing the cot next to your bed, then gradually move it further away once your baby adjusts. Maintain consistent routines and comforting cues for security.

Do naps affect night sleep?

Yes. Day naps that are too long or too close to bedtime can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep at night. However, skipping naps completely can lead to overtiredness, making nighttime settling more difficult.