Many parents worry when their baby is not sleeping through the night, especially when it seems like other babies are doing longer stretches. Baby sleep patterns, however, change rapidly in the first two years of life and "normal" can look very different from family to family.

Understanding what is typical by age can help reduce anxiety and set more realistic expectations for both babies and caregivers.

Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns

Baby sleep patterns differ significantly from adult sleep, particularly in the first months of life. Infants have shorter sleep cycles, spend more time in lighter stages of sleep, and wake more often between cycles compared with adults.

"Sleeping through the night" is also not as straightforward as it sounds. For many experts, this phrase often means a stretch of about 6 to 8 hours without a full waking, rather than a solid 10 to 12 hours that some parents imagine.

What counts as a long stretch of sleep gradually increases with age as the baby's nervous system and circadian rhythm mature.

Is It Normal for a Newborn to Wake Up Every 2 Hours?

For many newborns, waking every 2 hours is a normal pattern, particularly for feeding. Frequent waking supports growth, helps maintain milk supply for breastfeeding parents, and reflects the baby's immature sleep cycles.

As long as the baby is gaining weight appropriately and seems generally well between feeds, this pattern is usually considered part of normal early development.

If a newborn is waking much more frequently than every 2 hours, seems very unsettled, or is very difficult to wake for feeds, a check‑in with a healthcare provider can help rule out medical issues or feeding problems. Otherwise, frequent waking in this stage is not usually a sign of poor sleep habits.

When Do Babies Start to Develop a Sleep Schedule?

Babies typically begin to show the first signs of a loose sleep schedule around 3 to 4 months. Caregivers may notice that naps and bedtimes start to fall into more predictable windows, even if the exact times vary day to day. This is often when a simple, consistent bedtime routine can start to be especially helpful.

However, expecting a strict clock‑based schedule at this age is usually unrealistic. It is often more practical to follow awake windows and sleepy cues, such as eye rubbing or fussiness, rather than aiming for precise timings.

Can a 5‑Month‑Old Baby Sleep Through the Night?

Some 5‑month‑old babies can sleep through the night in the sense of doing a 6‑ to 8‑hour stretch, but others may still wake more often. Factors such as feeding method, growth, temperament, and sleep environment can all influence this. It is common for babies at this age to still need at least one night feed.

Caregivers considering reducing night feeds around this age often benefit from discussing it with a healthcare provider, who can assess growth patterns and overall health before making changes to the newborn sleep schedule that has evolved into an older infant schedule, according to Kids' Health.

Why Is an 8‑Month‑Old Suddenly Waking Up at Night?

A baby who previously slept for long stretches may start waking more around 8 months, often due to a combination of separation anxiety, developmental leaps, and changing nap needs. This is sometimes called the 8‑ to 10‑month regression.

In many cases, this stage passes as the baby adjusts to new skills and as caregivers maintain consistent routines and responses. Providing comfort while still encouraging independent settling can help balance reassurance with healthy sleep habits.

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Should a 1‑Year‑Old Be Sleeping Through the Night?

Many 1‑year‑olds can sleep through the night, but not all do. Some children still wake occasionally for comfort, reassurance, or due to teething discomfort. As long as the child is otherwise healthy, growing well, and generally content during the day, occasional night waking at this age can still fall within the range of normal.

Caregivers who feel that frequent night waking at 12 months is affecting family well‑being may consider gentle strategies to encourage more consolidated sleep, such as consistent routines, predictable responses, and attention to daytime schedule and naps.

Why Is a Toddler Waking Up at Night After Sleeping Fine?

A toddler who suddenly begins waking at night may be experiencing a developmental leap, anxiety, nightmares, or the impact of a big change such as starting daycare or a new sibling. Adjustments in nap timing, overtiredness, or inconsistent bedtime routines can also contribute.

Investigating both emotional and practical factors, such as schedule, screen use before bed, and bedtime expectations, can help identify and address the cause of new night wakings.

Night Waking: What's Normal vs. When to Worry

Some level of night waking is normal in babies and toddlers. Short wakings between sleep cycles occur even in adults, and younger children often need more support to resettle. Normal wakings tend to be brief, with the child settling again once needs are met, as per Little Ones.

Red flags that warrant medical advice include loud snoring, labored breathing, frequent gasping or pauses in breathing, persistent extreme restlessness, or very limited total sleep with clear signs of daytime distress. In these cases, a pediatrician or sleep specialist can help screen for sleep disorders or other health issues.

Gentle Ways to Support Better Sleep at Every Age

Supporting healthy baby sleep patterns involves balancing realistic expectations with simple, consistent routines. A calming bedtime routine, such as dimming lights, quiet play, a bath, and reading, helps signal that sleep is coming. Keeping the sleep environment dark, comfortable, and safe also supports better rest.

Responding to a baby's cues, watching age‑appropriate awake windows, and offering predictable comfort can all encourage more settled nights over time. Adjustments to the newborn sleep schedule and later infant schedules are often gradual rather than sudden, and small changes can add up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can changing bedtime by 30 minutes really affect baby sleep patterns?

A small bedtime shift of 30 to 60 minutes can significantly affect how easily a baby falls asleep and how often they wake at night, especially if they become overtired. When bedtime aligns more closely with the baby's natural sleepy window, night wakings and early morning rising often improve over several days.​

2. Do room temperature and clothing impact how often a baby wakes at night?

If a baby is too hot or too cold, they may wake more frequently or seem unusually restless. A comfortably cool room, breathable sleepwear, and an appropriate sleep sack or blanket can support more settled sleep without overheating, which is also important for safety.​

3. Can daytime screen time affect a baby's ability to sleep through the night?

Even though very young babies may not actively watch screens, bright light and noise from TVs, tablets, or phones can overstimulate and interfere with winding down. Limiting screens in the hour before bedtime for everyone in the room can make it easier for babies to relax and transition into sleep.​

4. Is it okay for a baby's sleep patterns to be different from their siblings' at the same age?

Sleep needs and patterns vary widely between children, even within the same family. A baby may naturally need more or less sleep than an older sibling did at the same age, and this can still be normal as long as growth, mood, and development are on track.​

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