If you’re a new mom running on little sleep, you’ve probably found yourself asking: “When do babies sleep through the night?” The truth is, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions parents have. Every baby has their own timeline, and just because your friend’s baby is sleeping through the night at 3 months doesn’t mean yours should be too. But with a little patience, consistency, and nurturing, your baby will eventually settle into longer sleep patterns. Those long, restless nights can feel endless, but the good news is that this stage doesn’t last forever. Let’s see when babies start sleeping through the night.

What does it mean to sleep through the night?

Before we answer when babies can sleep through the night, it’s important to clarify what that actually means. For adults, “sleeping through the night” usually means a full 7–8 hours of uninterrupted rest. For babies, though, it looks a little different.

In the baby world, sleeping through the night usually means a stretch of 6–8 hours without waking up for feeding. Some babies may still wake briefly but can settle themselves back to sleep. So, if your little one is giving you a good chunk of rest, even if it’s not a perfect 8 hours straight, that’s still considered progress.

When can babies start sleeping through the night?

The big question: “When can babies sleep through the night?” Most babies start developing the ability to sleep for longer stretches between 3 to 6 months of age. Around this time, their tummies can hold more milk, their sleep cycles begin to lengthen, and they don’t need to feed as frequently overnight.

That said, every baby is unique. Some might sleep 6–8 hours as early as 8 weeks, while others may take closer to 9–12 months. Growth spurts, teething, and developmental milestones can also temporarily disrupt sleep, so try not to stress if your little one’s patterns don’t match what you read in books or hear from friends.

While you can’t force a baby to sleep, there are gentle ways to encourage healthy sleep habits. Here are some mom-tested tips on how to get your baby to sleep through the night:

• Set a bedtime routine because babies love consistency. A simple routine like a warm bath, a lullaby, and dim lights can signal it’s time to sleep.

• Try to ensure your baby feeds well during the day so they’re less likely to wake hungry at night.

• A dark, quiet, and cool room can make a big difference. White noise machines can also be helpful.

• This helps them learn to self-soothe, so when they wake briefly at night, they can fall back asleep on their own.

• Yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussing are signs your baby is ready for rest. Putting them to bed before they’re overtired makes sleep easier.

Creating a loving, consistent routine, dressing them in comfy pajamas, and gently encouraging good sleep habits is what matters the most. With time, you’ll not only get your full night’s rest back, but you’ll also cherish these quiet, tender moments with your baby.