Navigating parenthood often comes with a series of sleepless nights, and one of the most common queries among parents is, “When will my child finally sleep through the night?” The truth is, while every child will eventually reach that milestone, there isn’t a specific age when it happens. My 21-month-old still wakes up each night, and yes, it’s as exhausting as it sounds.
Most kids, however, are not like my son. Research from Healthline indicates that many children manage to sleep through the night by six months of age, but this figure is merely an average. As pediatric sleep consultant Sierra Wells explains, “Most children can sleep through the night once they learn to self-soothe, which could happen as early as two months or as late as twelve years.” There’s no definitive timeline here.
Understanding “Sleeping Through the Night”
It’s also essential to clarify what “sleeping through the night” really means. According to lactation consultant Emma Jordan, this term is often misunderstood. For infants and toddlers, it usually refers to a stretch of sleep lasting four to five hours, followed by wake-ups every two to three hours. So, don’t expect your child to sleep from 7 PM to 7 AM right away.
Despite this reality, I still feel the weight of exhaustion as I search for solutions. I’ve spent countless hours trying to establish a bedtime routine, consulted with my child’s pediatrician to rule out any health issues, and have reassured myself that he is perfectly healthy. Most kids who seem to be “sleepless” are just that.
Factors Influencing Sleep Patterns
As parenting expert Lisa Shaw notes, “Children often experience fluctuations in sleep patterns, influenced by growth spurts, developmental milestones, and teething.” Some children may have regular wake-ups, and that’s considered normal. Factors such as whether a baby is breastfed or formula-fed can also affect sleep frequency. For instance, breastfed babies tend to wake more often than their formula-fed counterparts. Additionally, separation anxiety can emerge around nine months or a year, and some kids may suffer from night terrors, like my son, who wakes up screaming in distress.
In certain situations, medical conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could play a role in sleep disruptions. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep habits, it’s wise to consult a sleep training specialist or your pediatrician.
Strategies for Better Sleep
On the brighter side, there are strategies to foster better sleep habits. Psychologist and pediatric sleep specialist Mia Green advises, “Infants and toddlers thrive on a consistent sleep schedule that aligns with their recommended awake windows.” Ensure you create a calming bedtime routine: a bath, dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, and reading a story can be part of the nightly ritual. Consistency is key. If your child wakes up during the night, gently assist them in returning to sleep using your chosen method. The important thing is to maintain a steady environment—dark, quiet rooms with white noise can be beneficial.
Unfortunately, even with careful planning, some children still resist sleep. This can be incredibly frustrating, but know that it’s a common phase. There’s nothing inherently wrong with you or your child. All kids eventually find their sleep rhythm. So, if your little one continues to wake, don’t beat yourself up. Remember, some children are simply late bloomers when it comes to sleep. Most importantly, everything will eventually be okay.
Further Reading
For more insights, be sure to check out one of our other blog posts here, and if you’re interested in fertility options, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. For comprehensive information about insemination techniques, Healthline is an excellent resource.
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Summary
Many parents wonder when their child will start sleeping through the night. While most children may achieve this milestone by six months, it varies widely among individuals. Understanding that “sleeping through the night” often means a few uninterrupted hours followed by wake-ups can help manage expectations. Factors like feeding methods and developmental changes can influence sleep patterns. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine may assist in creating better sleep habits, but some children may still resist sleep. Ultimately, all children will settle into a sleep pattern eventually, so there’s no need for guilt or worry.
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