One of the most common questions parents search for is, “When will my baby finally sleep through the night?” or more specifically, “How can I encourage my baby to sleep through the night?” The reason behind this inquiry is clear—newborns can be exhausting, and sleep deprivation is no joke. However, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might hope. While every child does eventually learn to sleep through the night, there isn’t a specific age when this happens. My 21-month-old still wakes up every night. Yes, you read that right.
On the bright side, most children follow a different pattern than mine. According to Healthline, many kids manage to sleep through the night by around six months of age, but this is just an average. Kids can fall anywhere on the spectrum of sleep habits. “Most children learn to sleep through the night once they can soothe themselves to sleep,” says Laura Johnson, a pediatric sleep expert. “This can occur as early as two months or as late as twelve years.” She emphasizes that there’s no definitive answer or “ideal” age for this milestone.
Furthermore, the phrase “sleeping through the night” can be misleading. “It varies from person to person,” explains Amanda Lee, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. “For infants and young children, it generally means one stretch of four to five hours of sleep followed by frequent awakenings every two to three hours.” In other words, it doesn’t necessarily mean your child will sleep soundly from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Naturally, this doesn’t make my exhaustion any less unbearable. I’ve spent countless hours trying to help my son fall asleep. I’ve also consulted his pediatrician to confirm that his sleep patterns are normal, which they are. Many children go through phases of better and worse sleep, often linked to growth spurts, developmental milestones, or teething. Amanda notes that while some children may wake regularly, it’s simply part of their routine.
Various factors can influence the sleep of newborns, infants, and toddlers. For instance, breastfed babies typically wake more frequently than those who are formula-fed. Additionally, separation anxiety often becomes an issue around nine months or a year, and some kids experience night terrors. I suspect this happens with my son, who often wakes up in a panic, screaming and crying.
In some instances, underlying medical conditions might be at play. Sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can disrupt sleep, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to discomfort and frequent awakenings. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep habits, it’s wise to consult a sleep specialist or your pediatrician.
The good news is there are strategies to promote healthier sleep habits. “Children thrive on a consistent sleep schedule that aligns with recommended ‘awake windows,’” says Michelle Thompson, a psychologist and certified pediatric sleep specialist. “If a child is overtired or not tired enough, they will struggle to fall asleep.”
Establishing a sleep routine is essential. For example, create a nightly ritual that includes bathing, dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, and reading a story before bed. Consistency is key. If your child wakes during the night, gently assist them in returning to sleep using whatever method works for you. The focus is on being persistent while setting the right environment. Children sleep best in dark, quiet spaces, possibly with white noise.
Sadly, despite your best efforts, some children like mine may continue to resist sleep. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s normal. There is nothing wrong with you or your child, and this phase won’t last forever. Every child will eventually settle into a better sleep pattern. So, don’t be hard on yourself if your little one still wakes up frequently. There’s no need for guilt; you’re not doing anything wrong. Some kids simply take a bit longer to adjust to a sleep routine. Above all, stay calm; barring any medical issues, things will improve.
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- How can I get my toddler to sleep through the night?
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In summary, while many parents wonder when their child will sleep through the night, the answer varies widely. Each child is unique, and several factors influence their sleep patterns. Establishing a consistent routine and understanding the normalcy of sleep disruptions can help ease parental worries. Remember, this phase won’t last forever.
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