"Is baby sleeping through the night? This is THE question you'll be asked again and again, often right after a "hello", and sometimes despite your 10-kilometer dark circles, which have already answered for you.
By the way, what does "sleeping through the night" mean? Can we help baby sleep better? And if sleep becomes really complicated, when should you start worrying and who should you turn to?
We explain it all!
When does baby sleep through the night?
We generally consider that a baby sleeps through the night when he sleeps for about 5 to 6 hours at a stretch, often between midnight and 5-6am. So no, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll sleep from 8pm to 8am in one go... but it's a good start!
Before 6 to 8 weeks, it's perfectly normal for baby to wake up often. His little body has just left his mother's womb and has to adapt to this new world:
- He doesn't yet know night from day, and his circadian rhythm will take shape between 2 and 6 months,
- Above all, his stomach is tiny: he needs to eat often and is awakened by hunger.
And then... there are the sleep regressions
Just when you're starting to take a breather, bang: baby starts waking up at night again...
It's not (necessarily) a step backwards, but perhaps a regression in sleep, an almost obligatory stage in his development.
These regressions often occur :
- around 4 months (change in sleep cycle),
- then around 8/9 months (separation anxiety, motor development),
- and also around 12 months (autonomy, first fears...).
These phases can last an average of 5 days (except for the longer 12-month phase), the time it takes for baby to assimilate all his new acquisitions.
How can I help my baby sleep?
There's no magic wand, but a few simple, gentle gestures can really help to create a reassuring climate that's more conducive to a good night's sleep:
Designing a small bedroom :
- Nestle his bed in a corner, so that he feels contained and safe.
- Create a dark atmosphere at night, with blackout shutters or a soft nightlight.
- Keep the room between 18 and 20°C
- Choose soft, soothing colors, without overloading walls or shelves.
Establish an evening routine:
The famous bedtime ritual, repetitive and reassuring, helps baby understand that the day is coming to an end.
For example : a small meal → a warm bath → a cuddle → a sweet story → a kiss on the doudou → and hop, dodo.
It's like a little pathway to sleep, and baby loves landmarks!
What if, despite all this... baby still wakes up a lot?
When to be alert
Sometimes, despite all your care and attention, sleep remains chaotic. It's hard, it's exhausting, but above all, don't forget: it's not your fault.
Here are a few warning signs:
- After 6 months, baby wakes up more than 4-5 times a night every night
- He can't fall asleep on his own, and needs to be carried or nursed every time.
- It takes more than 45 minutes to fall asleep, despite a regular routine
In this case, it may be a good idea to talk to your paediatrician, to check that everything is going well in terms of health (reflux, pain, ENT problems, etc.).
And if everything is medically okay, don't hesitate to call in a baby and childsleep consultant. Sometimes, a little readjustment in rhythms, environment or habits is enough to change everything. And above all: you're not alone.
Call on the "Fée dodo" support service
Founded in 2019 by Caroline Ferriol, relationship psychopedagogue and humanities researcher, Fée dodo is the most recognized sleep support network in France for babies and young children. It offers a gentle, caring approach, with no "let them cry it out" methods.
- Online videos: understand the basics of sleep at every stage of your baby's life, at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for laying a solid foundation without pressure.
- Individual consultations: if you need a personalized helping hand, a Fée Dodo consultant will take the time to listen to your situation, analyze your child's rhythms and suggest concrete solutions adapted to your daily routine.
- Books "Le grand guide du sommeil de mon bébé"and "Mon bébé pleure beaucoup"two real little bibles to have on your bedside table. Accessible, complete and full of practical advice and clear explanations, they will help you better understand your little one's sleep... and help you get a good night's sleep.
