When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night? What Is Normal

There is no single age when all babies sleep through the night, and many healthy babies still wake at 12 months. The NHS says some babies soon sleep through the night, while others do not for a long time (NHS). In one study of 388 babies, about 62 percent slept a 6-hour stretch at 6 months, and about 72 percent did at 12 months (McGill summary of Pennestri et al. 2018). That means many families are still waking at night when their baby is a year old, and that is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. This guide explains what the research shows, what is normal and when to ask for help. It is for education only.

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What Does Sleeping Through The Night Mean?

There is no official definition, and studies use different ones. A study of 388 babies tested two cut-offs: 6 hours and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep (Pennestri et al. 2018). Another study followed 75 babies with sleep diaries across the first year and tested three: sleeping from midnight to 5 a.m., sleeping at least 8 hours, and sleeping from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Henderson et al. 2010). The AAP gives no age cut-off. It says a good sleeper wakes up often but can get back to sleep alone (AAP). So your definition matters. A 5-hour stretch counts for some parents and not for others.

When Do Babies Sleep Through The Night? What Studies Found

The McGill summary of the Pennestri study gives these whole-number results (McGill summary):

Age	Slept 6 Hours Straight	Slept 8 Hours Straight
6 months (388 babies)	About 62%	About 43%
12 months (369 babies)	About 72%	About 57%

Put another way, between 28 and 57 percent of 6- and 12-month-olds did not sleep through the night, depending on the age and the cut-off used (Pennestri et al. 2018). I could not verify reliable percentages for 3 or 9 months, so none are given here. The key point from the study is that sleeping through was not linked to a baby’s development or to the mother’s mood, and the authors said expectations for early sleep through could be moderated (Pennestri et al. 2018). The data come from parent reports, so treat them as a guide and not a target. For a rough daily plan by age, see baby sleep schedule by age.

Is It Normal For A Baby To Wake At Night?

Yes. The AAP says it is normal for a 6-month-old to wake up in the night and go back to sleep after a few minutes, and that babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 4 months (AAP). The NHS says newborns invariably wake repeatedly for the first few months. Waking can also come from being too hot or cold, teething, growth spurts or illness (NHS). Each baby has their own pattern. For the changes around 4 months, see baby sleep regressions and newborn sleep.

Why Do Young Babies Wake So Often?

A baby’s body clock is still being built. CHOP says the circadian clock and the sleep hormone melatonin are not ready for long stretches of night sleep until about 3 months of age (CHOP). The NHS suggests helping the clock along: keep days bright and lively, and keep nights dim and quiet, so your baby learns that night-time is for sleeping (NHS). Keeping babies awake a little longer in the day may also help them sleep longer at night, according to the AAP (AAP).

How Many Times Should A Baby Wake At Night?

There is no official number. A review of 34 studies found night waking ranged from 0 to 3.4 wakes a night for babies up to 2 months old, and from 0 to 2.5 a night for children aged 1 to 2 years (Galland et al. 2012). That wide range shows how different healthy babies can be. What matters more is whether your baby settles again and is feeding and growing well.

Baby Still Waking At Night At 12 Months?

This is more common than many parents expect. In the Pennestri study, about 28 percent of 12-month-olds did not sleep 6 hours straight, and about 43 percent did not sleep 8 hours (McGill summary). In the diary study, 11 of 75 babies still did not meet the midnight-to-5 a.m. or 8-hour test at 12 months (Henderson et al. 2010). Night waking in that Pennestri study was linked to breastfeeding status, though the authors do not claim it is the cause (Pennestri et al. 2018). If you want a plan, read sleep training methods, and talk to your child’s doctor first.

Night Feeds: When Can They Stop?

The NHS says night feeds usually lessen as babies grow. Between 3 and 6 months, babies may be able to sleep for longer, and between 6 months and a year, night feeds may no longer be needed for some babies (NHS). The AAP says healthy, growing babies usually do not need to be woken to feed, and advises you to check with your pediatrician about night waking if your baby is not gaining weight steadily or feeding well (AAP). Never put a baby in the crib with a bottle for comfort (AAP).

How To Help Your Baby Settle

Use a calm routine. The NHS suggests a bath, a fresh nappy, dim lights and a story or lullaby (NHS).
Keep nights quiet and dim. Try not to stimulate or wake your baby during night feeds or changes (AAP, NHS).
Offer drowsy, not asleep. The AAP says to put babies to bed when they are drowsy, so they can learn to fall back asleep on their own (AAP).
Know the trade-off. If you rock or hold your baby to sleep, they may struggle to go back to sleep when they wake (AAP).

The AAP applies the advice about not rushing in to soothe to older babies, so follow your baby’s cues in the early weeks. Learn more in children’s sleep by age.

Safe Sleep Always Comes First

Better sleep should never cost safety. The AAP says to place your baby on their back for all naps and at night, use a firm, flat sleep surface, and share a room with your baby for at least the first 6 months. Use a fitted sheet only, with nothing else in the crib (AAP). The CDC and NHS give the same advice, and the NHS adds no pillows, duvets, bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys (CDC, NHS). See safe sleep for babies for more.

When To Check With The Doctor

The AAP says to ask your pediatrician about night waking if your baby is not gaining weight steadily, is not feeding well or has too few wet or dirty diapers (AAP). The NHS suggests talking to your health visitor about sleep problems (NHS). Also mention anything else that worries you, such as loud snoring or breathing that seems to pause.

Quick Takeaways

No age fits every baby, and many healthy babies still wake at 12 months.
In one study, about 62 percent slept 6 hours straight at 6 months, and about 72 percent at 12 months.
Sleeping through was not linked to development in that study.
Safe sleep rules matter more than any sleep milestone.

FAQs About Babies Sleeping Through The Night

Does Sleeping Through Mean My Baby Is Healthier?

Not according to one large study. It found no link between sleeping through and development or maternal mood (Pennestri et al. 2018).

Should I Wake My Baby To Feed At Night?

Usually not. The AAP says healthy, growing babies usually do not need to be woken for feeds. Check with your pediatrician if weight gain is slow (AAP).

Can Teething Or Illness Cause Night Waking?

Yes. The NHS lists teething, growth spurts, illness and being too hot or cold as causes (NHS).

Is Rocking My Baby To Sleep A Problem?

It is a trade-off. Babies rocked to sleep may struggle to settle when they wake at night, says the AAP, but it is fine for comfort (AAP).

At What Age Do Night Feeds Stop?

It varies. The NHS says night feeds may no longer be needed for some babies between 6 months and a year (NHS).

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