What is the typical age when infants start sleeping soundly throughout the night?
New parents often find themselves navigating the uncharted territory of their baby's sleep patterns. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the typical sleep patterns of infants and what to expect as your little one grows.
Infants typically start sleeping through the night—a stretch of about 6 to 8 hours without waking—around 6 months of age, although some babies can take longer to reach this milestone. Before 6 months, newborns often wake multiple times at night due to hunger and immature sleep cycles. While longer nighttime stretches can begin as early as 6 to 8 weeks, consistent "sleeping through the night" is uncommon before 6 months[1][4].
As your baby grows, their total sleep needs gradually decrease. Newborn babies need around 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, while infants aged 4 to 11 months require roughly 12 to 15 hours per day[1]. By the age of 9 months, most infants can sleep for 11 to 12 hours without a feed.
Establishing consistent bedtime routines supports longer, more stable sleep patterns. Routines might include a warm bath, a bedtime story, and a lullaby. It is also recommended to feed an infant, then put them to bed - sleepy but awake - soon after, to help them learn to fall asleep without a feed[5].
It's important to note that every infant is different, and many things can prevent them from sleeping through the night. For instance, infants aged 3 to 6 months may associate a feed with sleep, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep on their own and prevent them from sleeping through the night.
One common challenge is sleep regression, where infants who have been sleeping through the night suddenly start waking again. This phenomenon can last for days or weeks and can occur due to developmental changes or changes in sleep needs[3]. Slowly reducing nighttime feeds can help the infant sleep for longer periods at night.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 14 to 17 hours of sleep for 0 to 3-month-old infants, 12 to 15 hours for 4 to 12-month-old infants, and 11 to 14 hours for 1 to 2-year-old infants in a 24-hour period[2]. When an infant reaches 3 to 4 months of age, they may sleep less during the day and longer at night.
It is crucial for infants to sleep in the same room as a parent or caregiver until they are at least 6 months old, on their back, and able to move freely. This co-sleeping arrangement can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)[6].
Lack of sleep can be very challenging for parents and caregivers. It is important to set good habits early, but be flexible and make changes to routines if needed. Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
[1] National Sleep Foundation (2021). Infant Sleep: 0-3 Months. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/infants-and-children/infant-sleep-0-3-months [2] National Sleep Foundation (2021). Infant Sleep: 4-12 Months. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/infants-and-children/infant-sleep-4-12-months [3] National Sleep Foundation (2021). Sleep Regression: What It Is and How to Help Your Baby Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/infants-and-children/sleep-regression [4] National Sleep Foundation (2021). Sleep Training: When and How to Start. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/infants-and-children/sleep-training [5] National Sleep Foundation (2021). Sleep Training: When and How to Start. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/infants-and-children/sleep-training [6] American Academy of Pediatrics (2016). Safe Sleep: Reducing the Risk of SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Causes of Infant Death. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/4/e20162938
- Science suggests that predictive analysis of sleep patterns can aid new parents in understanding the typical sleep patterns of their infants as they grow, thereby promoting better health-and-wellness for both parents and babies.
- Depression among new parents may be influenced by inconsistent sleep patterns, making it imperative to follow sleep-related recommendations and guidelines-such as establishing consistent bedtime routines-to support overall sleep health and well-being.
- The application of advanced sensor technology, like Air Quality (AQ) monitoring systems, can provide valuable insights into how ambient conditions impact infant sleep patterns, potentially leading to more restful slumber and enhanced development in infants.
