When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? A Month-by-Month Guide for New Parents
- Monica Naidu
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 22
One of the most common questions new parents ask is ? 👉 “When will my baby finally sleep through the night?”
If you're sleep-deprived and searching for answers at 2 a.m., you're not alone. The good news? All babies get there eventually — but it’s a gradual process. In this blog, we'll walk you through month-by-month sleep expectations, developmental milestones, and tips to help your baby (and you!) get better rest.
🐣 Newborns (0–2 Months)
Total sleep: 14–17 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: 2–4 hours at a time
💤 What's Happening:
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat every 2–3 hours.
Their internal clocks (circadian rhythms) aren’t developed yet.
Sleep is erratic — think of it more as a series of naps, day and night.
✅ Tips:
Start to differentiate day and night (lights and activity during the day; dark and quiet at night).
Don’t stress about schedules — just respond to your baby’s cues.
👶 2–3 Months
Total sleep: 14–16 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: 3–6 hours
💤 What's Happening:
Baby may start sleeping in longer stretches at night.
Feeding needs are still frequent, but sleep starts to organize into patterns.
✅ Tips:
Introduce a gentle bedtime routine (bath, story, lullaby).
Begin placing baby down drowsy but awake to encourage self-soothing.
👶 4–5 Months
Total sleep: 12–16 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: 6–8 hours (some babies)
💤 What's Happening:
Circadian rhythms are more developed.
Some babies begin to sleep through the night (defined as 6–8 hours).
✅ Tips:
Sleep training can begin now (if you choose).
Watch for signs of the 4-month sleep regression — a temporary disruption in sleep.
🍼 6–7 Months
Total sleep: 12–15 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: 8–10 hours (often with one feeding)
💤 What's Happening:
Many babies can go 6–8 hours without feeding.
Bedtime routines become more powerful cues for sleep.
✅ Tips:
Try to put your baby to bed at the same time every night.
Be consistent with naps to support nighttime sleep.
🍼 8–9 Months
Total sleep: 12–15 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: Up to 10–12 hours
💤 What's Happening:
Separation anxiety may cause nighttime wakings.
Teething and developmental milestones (like crawling) can temporarily disrupt sleep.
✅ Tips:
Reassure your baby during wakeups but avoid picking them up every time.
Keep the bedtime routine calming and predictable.
👣 10–12 Months
Total sleep: 12–14 hours per dayNighttime sleep stretch: 10–12 hours
💤 What's Happening:
Most babies can sleep through the night without feeding.
Sleep regressions might pop up again around 10 or 12 months.
✅ Tips:
Stick to consistent routines.
Consider sleep training methods if needed (Gentle sleep training Method.)
🎉 12+ Months (Toddlers)
Total sleep: 12–14 hours (1–2 naps + nighttime)
Nighttime sleep stretch: 10–12 hours
💤 What's Happening:
Most toddlers are excellent nighttime sleepers.
One or two daytime naps are common until around 18 months.
✅ Tips:
Keep bedtime rituals short, sweet, and consistent.
Avoid screen time before bed.
💡 Final Thoughts: Every Baby Is Different
While some babies start sleeping through the night as early as 3 months, others take closer to a year. Your baby’s temperament, feeding needs, and environment all play a role. The key is to stay consistent, stay calm, and know that this phase doesn’t last forever.
📌 Quick Reference Chart
Age Range | Night Sleep Stretch | Total Sleep (24 hrs) |
0–2 months | 2–4 hours | 17-19 hrs |
2–3 months | 3–6 hours | 16-18 hrs |
4–5 months | 6–8 hours | 14–16 hrs |
6–7 months | 8–10 hours | 14–15 hrs |
8–9 months | 10–12 hours | 12–15 hrs |
10–12 months | 10–12 hours | 12–15 hrs |
12+ months | 10–12 hours | 12–15 hrs |
🧸 Need More Help?
Check out our other baby sleep guides HERE
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