Sleep: baby wakes up at night, what to do?

What is a full night's sleep for a baby?

Contrary to what one might think, a full night's sleep for a very young child does not correspond to 7 or 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, as it does for an adult. For an infant, a "full night" is defined as 5 to 6 consecutive hours of sleep. This may seem short, but for a baby who, in their first months, wakes very frequently to be fed or changed, these 5 to 6 hours are already a real achievement. Infant sleep rhythms are indeed very different from those of adults. Sleep cycles are shorter, around 50 minutes, with more frequent light sleep phases. So, even if your baby starts sleeping a little longer, they may still wake up several times during the night.

When should you be concerned?

While most babies start sleeping better around 6 months, it is perfectly normal for there to be fluctuations. However, certain signs may lead parents to consult a paediatrician or a sleep specialist.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• If your baby keeps waking up for no apparent reason (they are well fed, have no fever, no illness, and their environment is soothing).
• If, despite your efforts to establish a routine or a conducive environment, your baby is still unable to sleep longer stretches from 9 or 12 months onwards.
• If the disrupted nights are accompanied by difficulty falling asleep, significant irritability, or behavioural issues during the day.

In these cases, a paediatrician can help you identify the causes of frequent night wakings and suggest appropriate solutions. However, it is essential not to feel guilty: every baby has their own rhythm, and this is not a reflection of your parenting skills. So, repeat after us: "I am a good parent".

Helping your baby sleep through the night is often a top priority for new parents. The famous expression "sleeping through the night" is synonymous with an important milestone in a baby's development, but when that long-awaited moment is slow to arrive, or is interrupted, it can become a source of worry. What should you do if your baby wakes up at night? Let's decode what "sleeping through the night" really means, at what age you can hope for it, when to be concerned, and above all, how to help your child sleep better.

At what age does a baby start sleeping through the night?

Even though there is no universal rule for the age at which a baby starts sleeping through the
night, let's look at what science and research have to say.

• Between 3 and 6 months: We observe that half of babies are able to sleep at least 5 to 6 consecutive hours.
• From 6 months: a 2018 study published in Pediatrics showed that approximately 38% of babies sleep 8 hours straight through the night. This means that 57% of babies of this age still wake up at least once during the night.
• From 12 months: it is estimated that 72% of babies sleep through the night… with variations. Factors such as diet, the baby's temperament, or external events (teething, illness) can affect their sleep. This leaves 28% of babies who have difficulty sleeping through the night in one stretch.
  
  As you will have gathered, full nights are not automatic for babies. It is important to remember that each child has their own developmental rhythm. While some sleep for several hours at a stretch from as early as 3 months, others may still wake during the night at 8 or 9 months, or even later. This does not mean there is a problem.

Practical tips to help baby fall back asleep

If your baby is not yet sleeping through the night, a few simple adjustments can make a big difference to their sleep. Here are some practical tips to improve your child's nights and, by extension, your own:

Creating a bedtime routine

Babies, like older children, are sensitive to rituals. Repeat the same routine every evening, preferably at the same time, with a fixed bedtime. A soothing bath, a clean nappy, a short story, gentle cuddles, and a calm environment help your baby understand that bedtime is approaching. The more regular and consistent the routine, the more your child will associate it with sleep.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment

Choosing the right baby bed is essential. It should be comfortable, suited to your child's age, and placed in a soothing environment. Until they are 4–6 months old, opt for a cradle or a Moses basket. Maintain a pleasant temperature in the room (between 18 and 20°C), create darkness conducive to sleep that will help them tell the difference between day and night. Likewise, no screens before bedtime. Light disrupts the sleep cycle (for adults too, for that matter — take note…).
Identifying signs of tiredness
A point highlighted by many specialists: you need to spot the signs of sleepiness. A tired baby shows it's time to sleep: they rub their eyes, yawn, become fussy. If you notice these signs, put them to bed quickly before they become overtired, as this can make falling asleep more difficult.

What to do if baby wakes up at night?

We have selected a few ideas to try at home if your baby wakes up at night. The fear of creating bad habits. First of all, trust yourself. Many parents are afraid of creating bad habits — "Just let them cry, you'll get them used to it…" says Auntie Janine. In truth, by responding to their needs, you are building their emotional security. The very security that will allow them to be more independent later on. Trust your instincts and don't feel guilty about cuddling or reassuring them.

Identify the cause of the waking

Understand why your baby woke up. Are they hungry, too hot, in pain, or in need of a change? Also note that, around 4 months, babies sometimes experience a sleep regression, linked to a natural transition to a new sleep cycle.

Finally, from a certain age (around 18 months), babies no longer physiologically need to feed during the night. In that case, reassure them with words. Yes, they will manage to do without a bottle or a night feed. Another important question: is waking up like this a habit? Observe and take notes to understand and act more effectively.

Encouraging independent sleep

If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, try giving them a few minutes to attempt to fall back asleep on their own before rushing in. If they can't manage to fall asleep by themselves, go and reassure them. First without entering the room, but by talking to them through the door, for example: "I'm here, I can hear you, and everything is going to be fine".
That doesn't work? Move on to plan B. Enter their room, bring their comfort toy
close to them, place your hand on their face, their tummy… If you feel they really need it (in case of crying, for example), pick them up and rock them.
After soothing them, try to put baby back in their bed so they can fall asleep without your arms. The goal: encourage independent sleep. Even better if you have a cradle like the KUMI. You can leave your child in their bed while still rocking them.

What about a dummy to help with sleep?

Some babies feel a strong need to suck, which soothes them. In these cases, a dummy can be a real asset. Of course, be careful not to overuse it so as not to create a real dependency (in short, it is advisable to keep the dummy for certain moments only).
Other babies will take their thumb. Breastfeeding mothers sometimes worry about creating a "bad habit" by nursing their baby to sleep. Again, trust your instincts and talk to your paediatrician, your midwife, or a sleep specialist whose approach resonates with you.

Communicate with your little one

Another piece of advice we would offer is to reassure your baby. Don't hesitate to accompany them with your words. If they are old enough, you can talk about it during the day to help them understand, guide them, and move forward.
If your baby is not yet sleeping through the night, know that you are not alone. It is perfectly normal for this to take time, and every child develops at their own pace. The important thing is to remain patient, respect your baby's specific needs, and not hesitate to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. With patience, a reassuring routine, and an environment conducive to sleep, you will help create more peaceful nights for your child… and for yourself.