So, you’re wondering when do babies sleep through the night? It’s a question nearly every new parent asks—usually around 3 a.m. You dream of those blissful, uninterrupted nights of sleep, but the reality for most parents of newborns looks very different.

Let’s break down what “sleeping through the night” really means, when you can expect it to happen, and how you can support your baby’s natural sleep development safely and gently.

Key Takeaways

• For babies, “sleeping through the night” usually means sleeping for about six to eight hours without waking for a feed.
  

• Most babies begin longer stretches of sleep between 4–6 months, but every baby’s timeline is unique.
  

• Newborns need to eat often—expect frequent wakeups every 2–4 hours during the first few months.
  

• A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to rest.
  

If you’re concerned about sleep patterns, always consult your pediatrician for guidance.

Introduction: The Myth of “Sleeping Through the Night”

Every new parent dreams of the day their baby “sleeps through the night.” But here’s the truth: for babies, that doesn’t mean a full 8–10 hours of uninterrupted rest. In reality, it refers to a stretch of around six hours without needing a feeding or intervention.

Newborns simply aren’t wired for long stretches yet. Their tiny stomachs can only hold small amounts of milk, so they wake often to refuel. On top of that, their circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles) are still developing, meaning their sleep is lighter and more fragmented.

This is all completely normal—and temporary. Understanding these rhythms can help parents set realistic expectations and focus on creating a safe, soothing sleep environment instead of chasing perfection.

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023; Sleep Foundation, 2022)

What Does “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Mean?

Everyone has a different definition of what “sleeping through the night” means for them. In the early months of a baby’s life, it typically means a six- to eight-hour stretch of uninterrupted sleep—not an entire night without waking. Babies may still stir briefly but can often resettle without needing a parent’s help.

Here’s a quick look at what’s typical by age:

Remember—this isn’t a race. Sleep maturity develops gradually, and even babies who sleep longer may have temporary regressions due to teething, illness, or growth spurts.

Typical Baby Sleep Patterns by Age

Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable. Babies need a lot of rest—typically 14–17 hours in a 24 hour period—but it comes in short, inconsistent bursts. They may have a 30 minute nap followed by a 2 hour nap, which is typical. Newborns have not yet distinguished between day and night, so you may experience some long wake periods overnight when you would all prefer to be snoozing. 

By around 3 months, most babies start consolidating sleep and begin to establish their circadian rhythm, with longer stretches at night and more consistent nap patterns during the day. At this point, parents can gently introduce bedtime routines that encourage longer nighttime sleep.

(Source: National Sleep Foundation, 2022)

At What Age Do Babies Sleep Through the Night Without Feeding?

There’s no single magic age, but most babies are developmentally ready between 4–6 months to sleep longer without needing to eat. Around this stage:

• Many babies reach the weight and maturity (around 11–14 lbs) to sustain longer stretches without hunger.
  

• They’re learning to self-soothe, an important step in independent sleep.
  

• However, some babies—especially breastfed infants—may still wake for comfort or smaller feeds.
  

Here’s a general breakdown:

Always confirm with your pediatrician before dropping nighttime feeds

What Is the Hardest Month for Baby Sleep?

For most families, the 4-month mark is the most challenging month for sleep. That’s when babies experience their first major sleep regression—a completely normal developmental phase.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Sleep cycle shifts: Babies start to develop more adult-like sleep cycles and become more aware of their surroundings during cycle transitions, which can lead to more frequent wakings.
  

• Heightened awareness: They’re more alert to sounds and lights.
  

• Milestones: Rolling, babbling, and other new skills can make it harder to wind down. They also want to practice these skills ALL night long.
  

• Growth spurts: Increased hunger may briefly disrupt sleep, for about 2-3 days.
  

This phase is temporary, lasts for about 1-2 weeks, and usually improves once your baby adjusts to their new rhythms. Consistency, gentle reassurance, and safe-sleep habits help smooth the transition.

Is It OK to Let a Newborn Sleep Through the Night If They Can?

In most cases, no—not yet. Newborns need frequent feedings to stay nourished and hydrated. Their stomachs are small and can’t hold enough milk for long stretches.

Waking your newborn for feeds every 2–4 hours is important until:

• They’ve reached the appropriate weight and feeding milestones.
  

• Your pediatrician confirms it’s safe to let them sleep longer.
  

Skipping feeds too early can affect your baby’s weight gain or your milk supply if you’re breastfeeding. Remember—those frequent wake-ups are temporary and serve an important purpose in your baby’s early development.

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2023)

What Is the 2-3-4 Rule for Babies?

The 2-3-4 rule is a loose framework some parents use to structure their baby’s sleep schedule once daytime naps are more predictable (often around 6-8 months).

It suggests:

• 2 hours of wake time before the first nap
  

• 3 hours between the first and second nap
  

• 4 hours between the second nap and bedtime
  

This rhythm helps balance stimulation and rest throughout the day, supporting longer nighttime sleep. It’s not a strict rule—just a starting point to observe your baby’s natural patterns. Always prioritize your baby’s cues over the clock.

How Parents Can Encourage Longer Sleep Stretches

While every baby’s sleep journey is unique, these gentle habits can help:

• Create a bedtime routine: A warm bath, lullaby, or story helps signal it’s time for rest.
  

• Watch sleepy cues: Red eyebrows, rubbing eyes, or zoning out means it’s time to wind down.
  

• Keep nights calm: Dim lights and quiet voices during feedings reinforce nighttime cues. Use red nightlights for overnight feedings and diaper changes to help differentiate daytime and nighttime.
  

• Swaddle or use a HALO® SleepSack®: HALO’s wearable blankets provide comfort and safety—helping babies feel secure without loose bedding.
  

• Ensure safe sleep: Always place baby on their back, on a firm surface, in their own crib or bassinet, free of soft bedding or pillows.
  

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines, 2023)

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

If your baby’s sleep feels unusually disrupted or you’re concerned about frequent night wakings, check in with your pediatrician. Call if:

• Your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain during their waking period.
  

• They aren’t gaining weight as expected.
  

• Sleep regressions persist beyond a few weeks.
  

Keeping a short sleep log can help your pediatrician identify patterns and offer tailored advice.

So, When Can You Expect “Sleeping Through the Night”?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Many babies start sleeping six- to eight-hour stretches around 4–6 months, but that doesn’t mean they’ll do it consistently right away.

Sleep is developmental, and every baby progresses at their own pace. The key is to focus on creating a safe, soothing sleep environment—and to give yourself grace through the process. You’re both learning together.

And when those longer nights finally arrive, you’ll appreciate them even more.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need? (2023). HealthyChildren.org

2.  National Sleep Foundation. Baby Sleep Patterns by Age. (2022). SleepFoundation.org