When will my baby finally figure out sleep?
Great question! If you’ve been wondering when your baby will start sleeping through the night without your help, you’re not alone. Here’s the deal: sleep as we know it—a baby sleeping independently through the night—isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a skill you build over time.
Usually, babies develop the ability to self-soothe around six months of age. That’s why many sleep coaches recommend waiting until then to start working on a sleep training plan. But even before this milestone, you can lay the groundwork for healthy sleep habits that will support your baby as they grow.
Building Independent Sleep Over Time
Baby at 1 Month Old:
Focus on regulating bedtime and wake-up time.
Start building a consistent bedtime routine.
Baby at 2 Months Old:
Begin reinforcing the bedtime routine to establish predictability.
Baby at 3 Months Old:
Your baby’s circadian rhythm is now developed.
Sleep patterns start maturing, and babies produce melatonin.
Aim for an earlier bedtime (between 7:00 and 8:30 PM).
Ensure your baby is sleeping at least 11 hours at night, with a longer stretch of 4 to 6 hours at the beginning of the night.
Practice “drowsy but awake” to encourage independent settling.
Baby at 4 Months Old:
Prepare for the 4-month sleep regression. This phase might feel like a step backward, but it’s completely normal and part of your baby’s development.
Continue practicing “drowsy but awake” to help your baby navigate this transition.
Baby at 5 Months Old:
Keep practicing “drowsy but awake.”
Start building a more structured daytime schedule.
Baby at 6 Months Old:
Talk to your pediatrician about night feedings to determine if your baby is ready to drop them.
Put your baby down awake and ensure you have a plan for how you’ll respond during night wake-ups.
Trust the Process
You can see how all these small habits build upon one another to help your baby figure out sleep. The key is patience and consistency. Every baby is different, and some may take longer than others to achieve independent sleep. But rest assured, it will eventually fall into place when your little one is ready.
Remember, you’re not just helping your baby sleep; you’re teaching them lifelong skills for rest and self-regulation. So hang in there, and celebrate the small wins along the way!
If you need further assistance, let's chat! We can work together on creating the perfect plan for your family. Request a free call here:
Comments