Ah, the million-dollar question every sleep-deprived parent asks: “When will my baby finally sleep through the night?” If only I had a crystal ball! So, here’s the honest truth upfront: I don’t know exactly when that magical full night’s sleep will happen. But what I do know is what’s normal and developmentally appropriate—and that’s what we’ll dive into in this blog.

In this post, we’ll explore why night wakings are an important part of your baby’s growth, when you might start seeing longer sleep stretches, and—most importantly—how you can gently support your baby (and yourself!) through this phase.

Why night wakings are completely normal (even if exhausting!)

I get it—being a parent is no joke, especially when you’re running on fumes. No one warns you about the kind of tiredness that turns your brain to mush and makes you forget where you left, well, everything. But here’s the thing: those frequent night wakings are actually normal and a vital part of your baby’s development, even if it doesn’t feel that way at 3 a.m.

Before you start Googling, “How to get my baby to sleep through the night,” let’s take a deep breath and understand why your baby’s night time wake-ups are actually a good thing. Yes, I said good! Read on:

1. Your baby has a tiny stomach and a fast metabolism. They’re going to get hungry—often. So those nighttime feedings? They’re not just a cute (exhausting) bonding moment; they’re helping your baby grow big and strong. Think of it as your little one’s version of a midnight snack—just less pizza and more milk.

2. Babies' brains are busy, even when they're asleep. All those wake-ups are connected to brain development, including memory building and refining those ever-important neural networks. In other words, those wake-ups are helping to turn your baby into a tiny genius.

3. Babies are hardwired to need us, especially at night. Waking up for comfort and reassurance is totally normal. They want to know you’re there and, let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to cuddle their favourite person in the middle of the night?

4. Babies grow in their sleep (you can practically see it happening!), and growth hormone is released during deep sleep. So those multiple sleep cycles, with the night wakings in between, are part of their body’s amazing growth process. It’s not just your imagination—those wake-ups are helping your little one sprout up!

5. Newborns' breathing is still a bit wonky at birth (think of it like learning to ride a bike without training wheels). Those wake-ups help regulate their breathing and are nature’s way of preventing things like sleep apnea and helping to protect against SIDS.

When can you expect more sleep?

Okay, I know what you're thinking: “This is great info, but when do I get some sleep?”The answer? It varies. Some babies sleep longer stretches early on, while others are night-waking champions for a couple of years.

By 6 months, about half of babies might be treating you to a few hours of uninterrupted sleep (5-6 hours). But the other half? Still waking up frequently, and that’s perfectly okay. At 12 months, more than half of babies still wake up during the night, and even 32% of 2-year-olds are still up at least once in the middle of the night. Your baby is unique, and they’ll sleep through the night when they’re developmentally ready.

How you can support your baby’s sleep (and your own sanity)?

So, what can you do while your baby works through their night time wake-ups?

• Create a calm bedtime routine: A consistent routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Keep it soothing and predictable—think bath, stories, and dim lighting.
• Support their sleep environment: A cosy, safe, and calm environment goes a long way. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and make sure they’re comfortable.
• Respond with love and patience: Night wakings aren’t forever (I promise!). Try to respond to your baby with patience and love—remember, they’re not waking up just to mess with you. They truly need you in these moments.
• Check for red flags: While night wakings are totally normal in the first few years, it’s also important to be aware of anything that feels excessive. If your baby is waking up constantly and struggling to settle back to sleep, or if they seem uncomfortable, it’s worth checking with your paediatrician or a trusted healthcare professional. Conditions like reflux, allergies, or sleep disorders can sometimes cause excessive night waking. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Don’t forget to take care of yourself!

It’s easy to focus on your baby’s sleep, but you need some TLC too! Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network—whether that’s a partner, family member, or a friend who’s willing to take a shift. If you can catch a nap during the day or even sneak in a hot cup of coffee, do it! Taking care of yourself is key, so you can keep showing up for your little one (and feel a little more human).

Night wakings are tough—there’s no sugarcoating that. But they’re also part of a healthy developmental process, and your baby will get there eventually. Until then, embrace the snuggles, the late-night feedings, and the fact that you’re doing an amazing job, even on zero sleep.

References

1. Mindell, J. A., Kuhn, B., Lewin, D. S., Meltzer, L. J., & Sadeh, A. (2006). Behavioural treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. Sleep, 29(10), 1263-1276.

2. Hysing, M., Harvey, A. G., Torgersen, L., Ystrom, E., & Sivertsen, B. (2014).Trajectories of sleep problems from infancy to school age: A prospective study in a large Norwegian cohort. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 35(5), 309-316.