How to help baby sleep through the night?

It's the big question every parent asks: when will my baby sleep through the night? We won't sugarcoat it — a newborn means broken nights and dark circles. Yes, your baby has their own rhythm, which differs from that of adults. Arm yourself with courage to survive these first months and dive into all our tips to start preparing your child's nights right now.
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At what age does a baby sleep through the night? 

Here is the much-awaited question… Our main advice is to be realistic about your expectations. From 3–4 months, some little ones sleep 5 hours in a row. That is a very good average! Before 8 months, it is rare for a baby to sleep full 12-hour nights. We explain the different stages of children's sleep in more detail below.

Sleep phases in newborns

In your womb, your baby was warm. All their needs were met automatically. When they are born, your baby discovers a new world. They discover cold, hunger, pain, tiredness… As a result, they wake up several times a night, particularly to eat. Hunger is not the only reason for their night wakings. Baby does not yet distinguish between day and night — this is known as the circadian rhythm. 

Newborns need many hours of sleep, between 16 and 20 hours per day. From 0 to 2 months, babies need 16 to 20 hours of sleep per 24-hour day, spread between day and night. Their sleep cycle lasts from 50 minutes to one hour, with a longer active phase and a shorter quiet phase. During active sleep phases, one might think baby has finished sleeping. They stir, grunt, move… but they are still asleep. A little tip: do not rush to your child if you think they have woken up. First, watch to see if they are still drowsy. In short, avoid waking a sleeping baby (even if you miss them terribly).

Some babies link their sleep cycles, while others find it harder. The same goes for falling asleep. Your baby seeks your arms or your presence… and that is perfectly normal. Ideally, alternate falling asleep in your arms (if they need it) during naps, then sleeping in their cot in a suitable environment. This approach is particularly beneficial for learning the distinction between day and night.

Not sure? The good news is that when a baby is very small, you cannot give them bad habits. As Maëlys Le Levreur would say, you are responding to their needs. From 4–6 months, it is advisable to let your child learn to fall back asleep on their own (easier said than done, we know!). 

Now for some tips, and if you encounter real difficulties, consider consulting a sleep specialist.

Baby's sleep from 3 months

Generally, it is from around 3–4 months that your child begins what are considered full nights relative to their baby rhythm. That's 5 to 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. A note to parents who worry when comparing their child to others: this figure is an average, not a norm. 

Signs to look out for when putting baby to bed

To help babies sleep well, observe your baby. Learn to spot these unmistakable signs of tiredness: 

  • Baby yawns,
  • They rub their eyes,
  • Their gaze is distant or vacant,
  • Baby sucks their thumb or fingers, they touch their face,
  • Baby cries, they are very calm or on the contrary grumpy…

As soon as you notice one of these signs, offer your child sleep within 15 minutes. Do not wait until they are already asleep before placing them in their cot.

The importance of the evening routine for babies

In the evening, establish a routine that will be practically always the same. There is no need to try different techniques every evening — in principle, baby needs consistency… This little sequence will be the signal that it is time to wind down. This reassuring routine should be put in place from 6 to 8 weeks. Your baby will gradually learn to recognise the cues for night-time thanks to the environment you create. 

When it's almost time to drift off to the land of dreams: 

  • Put your child to bed at the same time every day, between 6:30pm and 8pm.
  • Put your child to bed in the same place, their room or the one you share.
  • Reduce noise in the house.
  • Dim the lights in their room: draw the curtains or close the shutters if it is still light outside to set the mood for baby.
  • Turn on a night light.
  • Put baby in their sleeping bag.
  • Sing them a lullaby or read them a short story.
  • After a cuddle, place your baby in their baby cot.
  • Move away gradually, without making the floorboards creak…
  • Close the door gently... and pray to the sleep gods!

More tips for a good night's sleep

Night-time sleep is also prepared during the day with naps: 

  • Respect their daytime nap needs. Ideally, your baby will sleep during the day at least once in their crib or their Moses basket.
  • Do not skip naps or push back the evening bedtime. Baby will not shift their schedule just because you put them to bed later. They risk being even grumpier… and so will you!

We wish you a smooth journey towards full, restful nights!

 

The Charlie Crane team

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