When Will My Child Sleep Through the Night? A Guide to Sleep Stages

Are you counting down the days until your child finally sleeps through the night? You’re not the only one. For exhausted parents, this question often feels like the holy grail of early childhood. But the truth is, every child develops sleep habits at their own pace—and what’s considered “sleeping through the night” can vary with age, temperament, and sleep environment.

In this article, we’ll break down the stages of sleep development by age, what you can realistically expect, and how you can support your child in reaching longer, more restful nights of sleep.

1. Understand Normal Sleep Patterns by Age

It’s easy to become frustrated when your child isn’t sleeping through the night—but sometimes, they’re doing exactly what’s normal for their stage.

Newborns (0–3 months):
Frequent wakings every 2–3 hours are completely normal. Newborns need regular feeds, and their circadian rhythm isn’t yet developed.

Infants (4–6 months):
Many begin to consolidate sleep into longer blocks, sometimes 5–6 hours at a stretch. Night feedings may still be necessary, but routines are starting to take hold.

Older Infants (6–12 months):
Most babies can sleep 6–8 hours uninterrupted. Some begin to sleep through the night—especially if they’ve learned to fall asleep independently.

Toddlers (1–3 years):
By this age, most children are capable of sleeping 10–12 hours straight. However, things like teething, separation anxiety, or changes in environment can still cause disruptions.

2. Build Healthy Sleep Habits Early

The earlier you lay the foundation for good sleep, the smoother the journey becomes.

Stick to a Consistent Routine:
Routines help regulate the body’s internal clock. A predictable sequence—bath, pajamas, story—tells your child it’s time to rest.

Design a Sleep-Friendly Environment:
A cool, quiet, and dark room encourages deeper sleep. Add a white noise machine if your home has unpredictable noise.

Prevent Overtiredness:
Ironically, an overtired child often has more difficulty falling and staying asleep. Watch wake windows and prioritize naps during the day.

3. Encourage Independent Sleep Skills

Self-soothing is one of the biggest factors in whether a child will sleep through the night.

Put Your Child Down While Drowsy but Awake:
This allows them to practice falling asleep on their own, rather than depending on being rocked, fed, or held.

Avoid Over-Soothing:
Not every cry needs an immediate response. Sometimes a short pause gives your child a chance to settle without intervention.

Be Consistent with Cues:
Whatever bedtime rituals you use—songs, lights off, hugs—repeat them each night. Predictability builds security.

4. Know When to Expect Setbacks

Even children who typically sleep well will hit bumps in the road. These are natural—and temporary.

Growth Spurts and Teething:
Both can cause nighttime discomfort. You can offer comfort, but try to stick to your sleep routine as much as possible.

Separation Anxiety:
Common around 8 to 12 months, this developmental phase may lead to clinginess at night. Reassurance helps—but avoid creating new sleep habits that are hard to break later.

Major Life Changes:
Starting daycare, traveling, or gaining a sibling can all disrupt sleep. Be patient and give your child time to adjust.

5. Celebrate Progress and Be Patient

Sleep development isn’t linear—and it certainly isn’t identical for every child.

Track Improvements, Not Just Setbacks:
Maybe your child used to wake every hour, and now they sleep 4 hours at a time. That’s real progress worth recognizing.

Keep a Calm, Positive Attitude:
Your child can sense stress and tension. Staying calm helps them stay calm, too.

Remember—This is a Phase:
Eventually, your child will sleep through the night. For now, keep building good habits and celebrating small wins.

Sleeping through the night isn’t a magic switch—it’s a process that develops over time. By understanding what’s normal at each age, building strong sleep habits, and encouraging independence, you can support your child on their path to uninterrupted rest. Be patient, stay consistent, and know that better nights are coming. One morning, you’ll realize you all slept through—and it will be worth the wait.