When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?

One of the most common — and emotionally loaded — questions I hear as a sleep consultant is:
“When will my baby sleep through the night?”

If you’re running on broken sleep, it's no wonder this feels like the holy grail. And while every baby is different, understanding what’s realistic (and how to gently support better sleep) can make a world of difference.

😴 First, What Does “Sleeping Through” Really Mean?

When people talk about babies “sleeping through the night,” they usually mean a stretch of 6–8 hours without needing help to resettle. But here’s the truth:
Even adults wake during the night — we just usually roll over and go back to sleep.

Babies and toddlers have shorter sleep cycles than adults, and it’s completely normal for them to stir or briefly wake between these cycles. The key difference is whether they can resettle themselves back to sleep — or whether they need your help to do so.

📅 So… When Do Babies Typically Sleep Through?

• Some babies do manage longer stretches by 4–6 months

• Many need night feeds and support for much longer

• It's normal for sleep to fluctuate due to growth, teething, regressions, and separation anxiety

The idea that babies should be sleeping through by a certain age often leads to unrealistic expectations — and a lot of unnecessary guilt or worry.

💡 What Helps Babies Sleep Longer?

If your baby is waking frequently, it’s not a reflection of your parenting — but there may be things gently getting in the way of longer sleep.

Here are some reasons your baby might be fully waking between sleep cycles:

• They're dependent on a certain settling method (like feeding or rocking) and can’t replicate it on their own

• They’re overtired or not getting the right balance of naps in the day

• There's a big developmental leap going on

• They simply haven’t learned how to self-settle yet

The good news? These are things we can work on gently, with a responsive approach that respects your baby’s needs and your parenting style.

🌙 Self-Soothing Is a Skill — and It Can Be Taught Gently

Your baby is not “bad” at sleeping — they’re just still learning. With the right support, you can guide them towards more independent settling and longer stretches of sleep without ever leaving them to cry it out.

💬 Need a Helping Hand?

If you’re feeling exhausted or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. At Care to Dream, I offer gentle, personalised sleep support that gives you a clear plan — and the encouragement to follow it through.

Together, we can help your baby sleep longer, feel safe, and wake up ready for the day (and you too).