Sleeping Through the Night: Why It’s Not Happening Yet and What You Can Do

Sleeping Through the Night: What’s the Holdup?

If your newborn seems to be sleeping all day but still wakes frequently overnight, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong. Newborns can sleep up to 16 hours per day, but they do so in short bursts across both day and night. This fragmented sleep can leave exhausted parents wondering why their baby isn’t giving them a long stretch at night. So, what’s the holdup? Here are the key reasons most healthy newborns don’t sleep through the night just yet:

Why Newborns Wake Frequently

🍼 Small tummies, big needs
Newborns can only hold a small amount of breastmilk or formula at a time. This means they need to feed frequently often every 2 to 4 hours day and night.

👶 The need for connection
Your baby craves your touch. Studies on skin-to-skin contact (also known as kangaroo care) show that babies who are held frequently tend to have better overall outcomes, especially in the early weeks. Your newborn may wake simply to feel your presence.

🌡️ Temperature sensitivity
Newborns haven’t quite mastered temperature regulation. If your baby is too warm or too cold, they may wake as a result. Ensuring your baby’s room is between 20–22°C, and using appropriate sleepwear like a breathable sleep suit or baby sleeping bag, can help.

🌙 Adjusting to life outside the womb
Your baby’s internal clock also known as their circadian rhythm is still developing. In the womb, there was no clear distinction between night and day. It takes time (usually a few months) for their sleep cycles to sync with the outside world.

When Do Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?

According to the Sleep Foundation, many babies begin sleeping through the night around six months of age. That said, every baby is different and some start sooner. With the right foundations in place, I’ve seen babies as young as 6–8 weeks begin to sleep longer stretches overnight. Others take a little longer, and that’s completely normal too. If you’re curious about sleep patterns by age, my infant sleep guides are packed with helpful insights for every stage.

Can a Newborn Sleep Through the Night?

While it’s rare for babies under 4 weeks to sleep six or more hours at a time, some babies start connecting longer sleep cycles between 6–10 weeks. Success often comes down to having the right sleep strategies and being consistent. I’ve worked with families whose babies were just a few months old, as well as toddlers who were struggling to sleep. In many cases, results happened within just a week, once we put a tailored plan in place.

The #1 Game-Changer for Sleep: Teaching Baby to Self-Soothe

This is the big one and no, I don’t mean letting your baby “cry it out.” One of the most effective tools for teaching your baby to sleep longer stretches is helping them learn to fall asleep independently. If your baby always falls asleep in your arms nursing or rocking then wakes up alone in a dark room, it can be disorienting. Imagine dozing off on the couch with a cup of tea… only to wake up in a completely different room, alone and in silence. You’d be startled too!

Put Your Baby Down Drowsy, But Awake

Rather than waiting until your baby is fully asleep in your arms, place them in their cot when they’re drowsy but still slightly awake. This allows them to connect the feeling of falling asleep with their sleep space. Over time, your baby will begin to stir and resettle during the night without needing to call out for you—because they no longer feel lost or startled when they wake. This one habit alone can be transformational.

You Can Get There With the Right Support

Yes, your baby can learn to sleep longer at night—and yes, it can happen sooner than you think. The key is to understand your baby’s needs, work with their natural sleep rhythms, and build healthy sleep habits step-by-step.

If you’re feeling unsure or stuck, you’re not alone. Many families benefit from personalised support tailored to their baby’s temperament, age, and sleep environment. Ready to sleep better soon? My sleep packages are designed to help you create a calm, predictable sleep routine that works for your family.

If you’re unsure where to start, I invite you to explore my sleep support packages. I also offer comprehensive sleep guides covering newborns through to toddlers so you have everything you need for a restful night.

Not sure which option is right for you? Book a free 15-minute call with me, and we’ll find the best fit for your family’s sleep needs.

I’m here to help please don’t hesitate to reach out!