Most parents dream of getting a full night’s sleep as their baby sleeps through the night. While most babies will need to feed at some point throughout the night, you may be able to get a six to eight hour stretch of sleep once your baby is a few months old. 

“Although it may seem impossible, there are many ways to help your baby get a good night's sleep and help you get the overnight sleep you need,” says Stacey Elkhatib Smidt, M.D., MSTR, pediatric sleep neurologist.

“Just keep in mind that the age and size of your baby will determine whether sleeping through the night is possible – babies younger than three months and under 12 pounds will need to feed through the night. Always talk to your pediatrician about any concerns for your child’s weight gain or feeding habits,” Dr. Smidt says.

Dr. Smidt shares 10 tips to help your baby sleep through the night: 

1. Establish a regular nighttime routine

Having a consistent nighttime routine can help your baby to sleep better and longer, with less frequent wake-ups throughout the night.

A regular bedtime routine can consist of numerous activities to help soothe your baby and get them ready to sleep:

• Lullaby songs and music
• A warm bath
• Massages and cuddling
  
  

2. Consistent bedtime 

Going to sleep at around the same time every night can help your baby learn when to slow down and get ready to go to bed.

• Create a set bedtime for your baby to get used to and they can naturally learn to follow it 
  
  

3. Teach your baby to go to sleep without help

Self-soothing can help your baby to learn to sleep comfortably on their own. If they are constantly waking up during the night or crying, it is likely because they do not know how to soothe themselves.

Two goals for your baby to learn in order to improve their sleep are:

• Learning to fall asleep on their own
• Learning to go back to sleep on their own once awake
  

Babies often wake up for no reason on their own throughout the night, so learning to distinguish between them needing something or just simply waking up can help them to learn to sleep overnight comfortably.

4. Put your baby down when they are about to go to sleep – don’t wait until they are sleeping

Your baby may wake up and notice that things are not the same as they were when they fell asleep in your arms, causing them to feel upset or confused. 

5. Don’t always assume your baby is hungry

If your baby wakes up and is fussy in the middle of the night, they might just need some comforting. Before reaching for the bottle or beginning to breastfeed, try other methods of soothing: 

• Gently massage them 
• Rub their belly
• Sing softly

Your baby might just need something to give them the comfort they need to fall back asleep. If they are still uneasy after trying to soothe them, then it might be time to try feeding them.

6. Wait to try feeding your baby solid foods

A common misconception for parents is that their baby will sleep better after eating solid foods because they will feel more full and satisfied. However, if you give your baby solid foods too soon, stomach issues, allergies or other negative reactions might cause your baby to wake up more through the night.

Talk to your health care provider to determine the best age for you to start incorporating solid foods into your baby’s diet.

7. Have your baby sleep in your room, if possible

Your baby should sleep in their own crib or bassinet, but having them sleep in your room with you can be helpful in creating a comfortable sleep environment for them to sleep through the night. 

Avoid putting your baby in your bed to sleep next to you, there are many risks associated with this that could put your baby at harm 

8. If your baby is younger than four months old, try swaddling them

Some babies can fall asleep easier when swaddled, or wrapped in a blanket or swaddling-specific sleep sack. 

• Don’t make your baby’s swaddle too tight
• Make sure your baby is able to bend their legs
• Once your baby is starting to roll over, it is time to stop swaddling them 
  
  

9. Be strategic with night feedings

Feed your baby right before you plan to go to sleep so that they are full and comfortable enough to fall asleep when you are. Feed them before they have fallen asleep then move them to their crib or bassinet so they do not associate feeding with being able to fall asleep.

• Talk to your doctor about how to slow down your baby’s feedings during the night
• Trying to feed your baby every time they wake up during the night can teach them to expect or want food when they wake up
• Try to avoid this by only feeding them when they need to be fed, rather than just as a way to get them to go back to sleep

10. Create a cozy sleep environment

Your baby wants to be calm and relaxed when they are sleeping, just like you. 

• Cut down on light as much as possible and make sure that the temperature of the room is not too hot or cold for your baby
• If you are worried that there are outside noises that are disrupting your baby’s sleep, try some noise-making devices or white noise for your baby to listen to when sleeping that can help to drown out distracting noises 

It is normal for babies to wake up throughout the night. If you feel that something may be wrong or are worried about the frequency of your baby’s wake-ups, talk to your health care provider about why they might be waking up so often. 

These methods can help to teach your baby to sleep through the night, but there may be times when they wake up for other reasons. It is important to get to know your baby’s cries and different ways of communicating their needs and wants with you.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Our source: Stacey Elkhatib Smidt, M.D., MSTR
• To make an appointment with Dr. Smidt or a physician near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.