If you're a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself this question countless times: "When will my baby finally sleep through the night?" Trust me, you’re not alone. The good news is it will happen eventually, but no magic formula works for every baby.
Babies are wired to wake up more often than adults, and that's completely normal. However, their sleep patterns evolve as they grow, and they can start sleeping for longer stretches.
So, how do you get to that glorious point where your baby sleeps through the night? With patience, sleep training, and helpful tips, you'll get there sooner than you think.
Let's dive into when babies typically start sleeping through the night, the sleep training methods that can help, and some practical tips for success!
When Can Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?
It may be difficult to define when babies start sleeping through the night, as no one sleeps entirely—not even adults. There will always be moments of wakefulness, then going back to sleep. That is just how our sleep cycles are wired.
Newborns exhibit unique sleep patterns that significantly differ from older infants and adults. Characterising newborns’ sleep patterns is difficult, but they mostly range between 14 and 17 hours a day, with short, fragmented cycles ranging from 50 to 60 minutes. However, during the first few weeks, babies wake every 2 to 4 hours mainly to feed, which is non-negotiable for growth and development.
Sleep patterns evolve as the baby grows. By around 3-6 months, many infants start consolidating their sleep, which causes them to sleep for longer stretches at night. This transition is relevant as it assists the baby and the parents in achieving more restful nights.
Most infants start sleeping through the night between 4 and 6 months old. By around 8 to 9 months, many can rest continuously for at least 6 hours.
Several factors, such as feeding habits, growth spurts, and developmental changes, may influence a baby's ability to sleep throughout the night. By understanding your baby's sleep patterns and cycles, you can easily navigate the challenges of nighttime awakenings and promote healthier sleep habits as they grow.
Sleep Training Methods and How They Work
Sleep training is a structured mechanism designed to assist babies in learning how to self-soothe and become independent enough to fall asleep on their own. The primary goal of sleep training is to establish healthy sleep habits, allowing both the baby and parents to get the very best of their sleep and restful nights.
Here’s a list of the most popular and most effective sleep training methods:
1. Cry-It-Out (CIO) Method
The CIO method is not for the weak. It requires placing the baby in their sleep space while they are still awake, allowing them to cry for some time, and intervening later. This method lets your baby learn self-soothing and fall asleep without parental assistance.
For the parents, there may be concerns such as feelings of guilt or worry about emotional distress. However, cry-it-out has been found to effectively reduce bedtime resistance and night wakings, allowing both parents and the baby to sleep better.
2. Ferber Method
The Ferber method, also known as graduated extinction, involves gradually increasing intervals between check-ins. Parents have to wait for a few minutes, about three minutes, before comforting their baby, then extend the intervals alternately.
The main aim of this method is to try to balance comfort while encouraging the baby to self-soothe. This allows the baby to learn sleep skills while still feeling supported.
3. No Tears Method
This is a gentle approach that involves comforting the baby until they fall asleep without letting them cry. Various techniques are involved, such as rocking or feeding the baby until it gets sleepy but doesn’t get fully asleep. This promotes a nurturing sleep environment that creates a sense of security while at the same time encouraging independent sleeping habits.
4. Chair Method
For this method, parents begin by sitting in a chair next to the baby’s crib and gradually moving further away. This allows the baby to become used to falling asleep without direct parental presence while still providing comfort during the transition process.
How to Choose the Right Sleep Training Method
Since every family is unique, parents must choose a sleep training method that aligns with their parenting style and comfort level. It is important to remember that what works for one family may not work for another. Therefore, it is essential to consider individual needs and circumstances when selecting and deciding on a sleep training approach.
4 Effective Tips for Successful Sleep Training
Successful sleep training requires more than just a training method; it involves creating a nurturing environment and establishing healthy habits.
Here are four practical tips to help your baby transition to better sleep patterns:
1. Establish a Bedtime Routine
A solid bedtime routine is one of the best ways to signal your baby that it's time to wind down for the night. Simple activities like a warm bath, reading a short story, or singing a lullaby can work wonders. By keeping things consistent, you’re helping your baby relax and get comfortable, setting the stage for smoother, longer sleep.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
The space where your baby sleeps matters a lot. Consider incorporating dim lighting, a quiet environment, and ensuring the room’s temperature is cozy—around 68-72°F is ideal. You can also try blackout curtains to block out light or a white noise machine to reduce distractions and create a calming atmosphere for better sleep.
3. Practice Daytime Naps
Believe it or not, good naps during the day lead to better sleep at night. When your baby gets enough rest throughout the day, they’re less likely to be overtired by bedtime, which makes falling asleep much more effortless. Following an age-appropriate nap schedule can help them get the rest they need.
4. Stay Patient and Flexible
Sleep training can test your patience, but sticking with it will pay off. It’s okay to tweak your approach if something isn’t working, but stay consistent overall. Every baby is unique—some might take a little longer to adjust, and that’s perfectly fine. Staying positive and patient through the process will help you and your baby succeed.
Polysleep Takeaway
A comfortable and safe mattress is vital when setting up a sleep-friendly environment. The Polysleep Baby Mattress offers optimal support for your baby’s delicate body, promoting healthy development while ensuring they sleep soundly through the night. Its breathable design helps regulate temperature, keeping your baby comfortable, while its durable, waterproof cover makes cleanup a breeze. A quality mattress like this is all you need to make all the difference when establishing lasting sleep routines for your baby.
