Getting your baby to sleep through the night is one of the most common goals for parents and the good news is that it’s entirely possible much earlier than you’d expect …if desired.
With the right tools, understanding, and routine, young babies can develop strong sleep habits that benefit the whole family.
In this article, we’ll explore why nighttime sleep can be a challenge, what’s normal at different ages, and practical strategies for helping baby sleep longer stretches. We’ll also explain how the Dr Golly Sleep Program supports families with tailored, expert advice, helping you build a plan that works for your family. Always remember our babies aren’t robots and not every day will be perfect.
Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns
👶 Baby sleep is very different from adult sleep, and understanding these differences is essential to supporting your child’s sleep development. While adults have longer, deeper sleep cycles, newborn babies and very young babies experience shorter sleep cycles (usually around 45min). As babies grow, their internal sleep rhythms begin to stabilise. With the right environment and healthy habits in place, they can start sleeping longer stretches at night—often by the time they’re six months old. But the road there requires patience and consistency.What’s Normal for Baby Sleep at Different Ages
From birth to around 6 weeks, newborn babies typically sleep 16-18 hours across a 24-hour period. However, newborn sleep is broken into short periods due to the need for frequent feeds. These feeds tend to occur every 3-4 hours around the clock.What’s possible when it comes to babies ‘sleeping through the night’?
- From 6 weeks (5-6kg) most babies with the removal of hurdles should be able to sleep from around 11pm to 7am
- From 6 months once they are established on 3 solid meals a day they can go 11-12 hours through the night.
- At 12 months I like all babies to be getting a really solid 12 hours of overnight sleep
Remember, not every night will be perfect:
Consolidating nighttime sleep for longer stretches doesn’t mean every night is perfect. At any age, occasional night wakings are still normal, especially during developmental milestones, illness, teething, or sleep regressions (if you’ve followed me for a while you’ll know I like to see these as progressions!). Understanding these age-related changes can help reduce stress and support realistic expectations about how much sleep your baby needs. Overnight sleep isn’t a goal for all parents - there’s no room for shame or guilt around this topic. If overnight sleep isn’t a priority for your family then it doesn’t have to be. Likewise, no parent should ever be made to feel guilty if this is something they are striving for. I want parents to show up for their kids the best way they know how. Whatever goals are important to you, are important to you.Why Babies Wake Up During the Night
There are many reasons why babies wake overnight, including:
- Hunger (especially babies who aren’t getting enough calories through the day)
- Discomfort (wet nappy, too hot/cold, illness)
- Teething pain or illness
- Changes in environment or routine
- Habitual
Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
Every baby is different, but there are several proven strategies that can help your child get better rest. Below are key tips for helping baby sleep more soundly and independently.Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine
A consistent, soothing bedtime routine is one of the most effective tools for promoting better sleep. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it might include:- A warm bath
- Low lights
- TOG appropriate sleep suits or swaddles
- Feeding
- Reading a calming story or singing a lullaby
Setting a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Babies thrive on routine. Putting your baby to bed at the same time each night helps regulate their circadian rhythm (or body clock), making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. Even daytime naps should be fairly predictable, as overtired babies often struggle more with nighttime sleep. Ensuring they get enough sleep during the day will actually improve their ability to sleep overnight.Remember: sleep breeds sleep!
Optimising the Sleep Environment
Your baby’s sleep space plays a big role in the quality of their rest. Make the environment calm and sleep-friendly by:- Keeping the room dark (use blackout curtains)
- Using white noise to block household and external sounds
- Ensuring the temperature is cool but comfortable and they are dressed appropriately
- Keeping the cot free of toys and pillows (especially for newborn babies, for safety). A small comforter is safe to use from 7 months of age.
Handling Night Wakings Effectively
Night wakings are normal—but how you respond makes a difference. First step is if they are sharing a room with you (which they will be for at least the first six months) put them on the opposite side of the breastfeeding mother - see my blog for where should my baby sleep for more on this. If your baby stirs, try offering quiet reassurance first. A gentle pat, soft “shhh,” or brief soothing can sometimes help them settle without needing to be picked up or fed. Over time, this teaches babies that not every wake-up requires full attention. If they are truly hungry or upset, you can still respond lovingly, but try to avoid bright lights or stimulation that might fully wake them.How Dr Golly’s Sleep Program Supports These Tips
The Dr. Golly Sleep Program is built around the principles outlined above. Developed by Dr. Daniel Golshevsky, a leading Australian paediatrician, the program provides a structured approach to:- Establishing a soothing bedtime routine
- Creating predictable sleep/wake cycles
- Addressing nighttime sleep disruptions
- Troubleshooting common infant sleep challenges that may be driving discomfort
Dr Golly’s Sleep Program: A Solution for Restful Nights
What Dr. Golly’s Sleep Program Offers
The Dr Golly Sleep Program is a step-by-step guide for parents navigating infant sleep. Backed by science and experience, the program helps you understand your baby’s sleep patterns, establish healthy habits, and reduce the stress around bedtime. Key features include:- Age-specific routines for newborn babies, young babies, and toddlers
- Video modules that walk you through techniques
- Support with managing sleep training approaches
- Expert answers to common sleep problems
The goal? More rest for your baby—and for you.
How Dr Golly’s Programs Support Parents to Create Good Sleep Habits
Every child is different, and sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why Dr. Golly’s approach focuses on education and flexibility. Rather than promoting rigid sleep training methods, the program equips parents to make informed choices that suit their family’s values, baby’s temperament, and sleep goals. With guidance on feeding, naps, and responding to night wakings, the program is designed to reduce stress and help your baby learn to sleep independently over time.Safe overnight sleep:
For at least the first 6 months, babies benefit from sleeping in the same room as their parents to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and allow for easier night care.Final Thoughts on Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night
💡 Remember: your baby’s sleep journey is just that—a journey. It takes time, patience, and consistency. But with the right strategies and support, helping baby sleep better is absolutely achievable. Start by learning your baby’s sleep needs, setting up a soothing bedtime routine, and being consistent with sleep cues. If you face setbacks (and most parents do), take a deep breath and start fresh the next night. If you're looking for more guidance, the Dr. Golly Sleep Program is a trusted resource used by thousands of Australian families. Whether you’re navigating newborn night feeds or managing toddler transitions, you’ll find evidence-based advice to support better sleep—for everyone in your home.Ready to start sleeping better?
Explore the Dr. Golly Sleep Program and discover a personalised plan that works for your family.
