Baby not sleeping through the night: causes and solutions
Key Takeaways
- Before 6 months, night wakings are biologically normal — a baby's sleep cycle lasts only about 50 minutes.
- Sleep associations (rocking, feeding, pacifier) are the number one cause of night wakings after 6 months.
- Wake windows vary by age: 1.5-2.5 hours at 4-6 months, up to 2.5-4 hours at 9-12 months.
- See a pediatrician if your baby over 6 months is chronically waking more than 3 times per night.
If you're reading this at 3am with half-closed eyes, know that you're not alone. Night wakings are one of the most common challenges for new parents.
Why does your baby wake up at night?
Before 6 months, night wakings are biologically normal. A baby's sleep cycle lasts about 50 minutes (compared to 90 minutes for adults), and each transition between cycles is an opportunity to wake up.
After 6 months, if the wakings persist, the most common causes are:
Sleep associations
This is the number one cause. If your baby falls asleep while being rocked, fed, or with a pacifier, they'll need the same condition to fall back asleep between each cycle. This isn't a bad habit — it's a reflex.
Sleep regressions
Around 4, 8, and 12 months, your baby's brain goes through intense developmental phases. Result: sleep temporarily gets worse, even for a baby who was sleeping well. These regressions typically last 2 to 4 weeks.
The environment
A room that's too warm (above 20°C/68°F), too much light, or irregular noise can fragment sleep. Babies are more sensitive to these factors than adults.
Teething and discomfort
Teething pain, a full diaper, uncomfortable pajamas — these small details can turn a calm night into a restless one.
What can you do?
1. Establish a consistent bedtime routine
A 20-30 minute routine (bath, pajamas, story, cuddle, sleep) sends a clear signal to the brain: it's time to sleep. The key is consistency. The same routine, every evening, at the same time.
2. Work on independent sleep
The goal is for your baby to fall asleep in their bed, awake, without external help. This doesn't mean letting them cry alone — there are gradual methods that respect your comfort level.
3. Optimize the sleep environment
- Temperature: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
- Total darkness (blackout curtains make a real difference)
- Consistent white noise if your environment is noisy
4. Check wake windows
A baby who's overtired or undertired will struggle to fall asleep. Wake windows vary by age:
- 4-6 months: 1.5-2.5 hours
- 6-9 months: 2-3.5 hours
- 9-12 months: 2.5-4 hours
5. Be patient with regressions
If a regression is happening, maintain your habits without creating new ones. It's temporary.
When to see a doctor
If your baby over 6 months is chronically waking more than 3 times per night, or if you suspect reflux, sleep apnea, or a food allergy, talk to your pediatrician.
A personalized plan can help
Every baby is different. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. DodoCare analyzes your baby's situation every day and generates a plan adapted to their progress. The first 3 days are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a baby sleep through the night?
Most babies are biologically capable of sleeping longer stretches from around 6 months. Before that, night wakings are normal because their sleep cycle lasts only about 50 minutes.
How long do sleep regressions last?
Sleep regressions (around 4, 8, and 12 months) typically last 2 to 4 weeks. Maintain your existing habits without creating new ones during this period.
What is the ideal room temperature for a baby at night?
The ideal temperature is between 18-20°C (64-68°F). Above 20°C, heat can fragment sleep. Blackout curtains and consistent white noise also help optimize the sleep environment.