I am excited to bring you a new series on one of our most asked-about topics: Sleep. This series of sleep questions is a resource for parents because we’ve taken the questions we hear over and over again, and put on our “whole child” lens to look at all areas of development. This is a vantage point that isn’t always considered when asking specific questions like how to help your newborn sleep longer stretches during the night. Let’s dig into that answer, and be sure to stay tuned, because we have answers to other common sleep questions coming your way, very soon!
Many parents find themselves asking this exact question at 2 a.m. as they pace the floor with a fussy baby. Adjusting to a newborn’s sleep schedule is tough, and it’s natural to wonder when will my baby sleep through the night? The truth is, every infant has unique sleep needs, but there are strategies that can help babies consolidate sleep while keeping safe sleep habits in mind.
We wanted to put together a resource on tips from a pediatric occupational therapist to answer the question we hear so often: How do I get my newborn to sleep longer stretches at night?
Question: How do I get my newborn to sleep longer stretches at night?
Parents often ask about strategies to help babies consolidate night sleep, including whether dream-feeding works, how to manage night feeding schedules, and when longer stretches of sleep can be expected. The good news is: while newborn sleep can feel unpredictable, there are gentle ways to support longer stretches of rest as your baby grows.
Why Newborn Sleep is Different
Newborns have much shorter infant sleep cycles than adults (about 45–60 minutes compared to 90 minutes). They wake more often because their bodies need frequent feeding and because their nervous systems are still developing. Understanding that night waking is normal in newborns helps set realistic expectations.
Newborns typically sleep 14-17 hours a day, but those hours are spread out in short bursts. Understanding infant sleep patterns by age helps set realistic expectations. In the early weeks, babies wake often to feed because their tiny stomachs can’t hold much. Over time, with supportive routines and gentle guidance, those nighttime stretches can become longer, giving everyone more rest.
Sleeping Longer Stretches with a Whole Child Perspective
Sleep is tied to growth, feeding, emotional regulation, and family wellness. Different professionals may look at your baby’s sleep through different lenses:
- Pediatrician’s perspective: Checks for medical concerns (reflux, allergies, growth issues) and guides you on feeding schedules, including whether a dream feed for newborns may be helpful.
- Lactation consultant: Helps with feeding efficiency so your baby takes fuller feeds, which may support longer stretches of rest.
- Occupational therapist: Looks at sensory needs (swaddling, soothing, environment) and how to set up nighttime routines for babies.
- Family coach or counselor: Supports parents in building realistic routines, managing stress, and navigating sleep regressions that can feel overwhelming.
If you are one of these experts, here are tips to find sleep training clients.
When Can Babies Sleep Longer Stretches?
Most babies won’t sleep through the night until around 3–6 months, but by about 6–8 weeks some may begin consolidating sleep into longer stretches of 3–5 hours. Keeping an eye on developmental milestones, feeding needs, and growth spurts helps explain why sleep patterns fluctuate.
What Parents Can Try at Home
1. Establish a newborn bedtime routine
Even in the early months, simple cues like dimming lights, swaddling, soft lullabies, or gentle rocking can help signal to your baby that nighttime is for longer rest.
2. Try a dream feed
A dream feed means gently waking your baby for a late-night feeding (often around 10–11 pm) before you go to bed. This can sometimes help babies sleep a longer stretch afterward.
3. Focus on full feeds during the day
Encouraging your newborn to take full feeds during the day (instead of snacking) may help them go longer between feeds at night. Watch for hunger cues and keep daytime feeding intervals consistent.
4. Differentiate day from night
During the day, keep your home bright and active, and at night, keep the environment calm and quiet. This helps regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm so they learn when longer stretches of sleep happen.
5. Create a calm sleep environment
White noise machines, swaddling, or a darkened room may help babies settle more easily and stay asleep longer. For babies with sensory needs, a consistent sensory-friendly environment (gentle rocking, weighted swaddle) can be especially soothing.
Here are a few newborn sleep tips for tired parents:
- Create a predictable nighttime routine for babies (dim lights, quiet voices, swaddle, feed, and soothe).
- Offer full feeds during the day so babies get more calories while awake.
- Try a dream feed before you go to bed (gently waking the baby for one last feeding) to stretch the first block of night sleep.
- Use white noise and a darkened room to mimic the womb environment.
- Stick with safe sleep habits for newborns: place baby on their back, on a firm sleep surface, no loose blankets or pillows.
When to Seek Help
While some night waking is normal, talk with your pediatrician if:
- Your baby struggles to gain weight despite frequent feeding.
- Sleep seems unusually restless or accompanied by excessive crying.
- You feel overly anxious, exhausted, or unable to cope.
- You’re unsure about when your baby will sleep through the night or whether night wakings are typical for their age.
There are many sleep training experts out there. Here is a resource on how to find sleep experts.
Taking the Next Step
Newborn sleep is a journey, not a quick fix. By looking at sleep from a whole child perspective (medical, developmental, and family support), you’ll find the tools to get through these early months. If you’re ready for more personalized help, use the Whole Child Guide directory to connect with pediatricians, occupational therapists, and parent coaches who understand the big picture of child development.
It’s normal for newborns to wake frequently, but small adjustments in routine can help babies gradually extend nighttime sleep. Remember, every baby is different. If you’re concerned about feeding or sleep patterns, consult your pediatrician to make sure your baby’s needs are met.