Many parents wonder: When will my baby finally sleep through the night? The answer isn't so simple, because babies' sleep goes through many phases and changes, and each child sleeps differently well (or poorly ;)).
Here's some valuable information and facts about baby sleep and sleeping through the night – compiled by educator and certified family sleep expert Lina Maria Schön.
Newborn sleep 0-4 months:
Many babies can already sleep in longer blocks at a time — but often without a reliable rhythm.
Baby sleep 4-6 months:
Sleep problems are common during this period as babies go through major developmental leaps. The previously diffuse sleep structure transforms into a so-called sleep architecture — sleep becomes cyclical. Sleep cycles for babies and toddlers last about 45-60 minutes. This means many babies briefly wake up every 45 minutes or even fully awaken and then need help falling back asleep.
Baby sleep from approx. one year:
Over time and with a supportive sleep environment, sleep often noticeably improves. As babies approach the one-year mark, many can sleep for longer stretches at a time. Nevertheless: Even at 18 months, it's completely normal for a child to occasionally wake up 1-2 times briefly at night.
But there's no need to panic. Only about 60% of children regularly sleep more than 8 hours straight at one year of age. So, it's completely normal if your baby isn't "sleeping through the night" yet.
💡 Important: If your child still regularly wakes up more than 1-2 times per night at 2 years of age, it may be helpful to seek professional help. Unfortunately, pediatricians often don't have comprehensive training in infant and child sleep — so it can be helpful to contact baby sleep consultants, midwives with specialized sleep training, or sleep physicians.
Here you can find more tips on sleep rhythm and sleep routine for newborns and babies.
O U R E X P E R T
Lina Maria Schön I Educator & cert. Family Sleep Expert
