Why Won’t My Baby Sleep Through the Night Yet? What’s Normal at 4-12 Months

If you’ve ever whispered at 3 a.m., “Why are you still waking up?” You’re not alone.

Parents are told everywhere that babies “should” sleep through the night by a certain age. But here’s the truth: frequent night waking between 4 and 12 months is not only common, it’s a sign of healthy development.

What “Sleeping Through the Night” Really Means

Most sleep experts define “sleeping through the night” as a stretch of 6–8 hours without signaling for help. That doesn’t mean a baby never wakes. All humans, infants, children, and adults, cycle through lighter and deeper stages of sleep. We often stir, reposition, or briefly wake without remembering it the next morning. Babies do the same, but unlike adults, they often call out because they still need help with feeding, comfort, or regulation.

The Science of Infant Sleep Development

A large Finnish birth cohort study found that infant sleep is highly variable in the first two years. By around six months, babies begin to show clearer day–night rhythms, but night waking remains common well into toddlerhood.

• At 3–6 months, many babies still wake multiple times for feeding and connection.

• By 8–12 months, some infants consolidate longer stretches, but night waking persists for many often tied to teething, separation anxiety, or developmental leaps.

• Even at 18–24 months, waking once or twice overnight can fall within the normal range.

So if your baby still needs you at night, it’s not necessarily a “problem” it’s biology.

Why Babies Wake Between 4–12 Months

There are several reasons your baby may continue to wake overnight during this age range:

• Feeding needs: Breastfed babies in particular may still need night feeds for growth and milk supply regulation.

• Developmental milestones: Rolling, crawling, standing, or babbling in the dark can all lead to disrupted nights.

• Attachment needs: Separation anxiety often peaks around 8–10 months, and night waking can reflect a need for reassurance.

• Teething or illness: Discomfort can temporarily increase night wakings.

What’s Normal and When to Ask for Support

• Waking every 2–4 hours at 4–6 months is common.

• By 9–12 months, many babies sleep for longer stretches but may still wake once or twice.

• Consistently waking every hour, seeming uncomfortable, or struggling to breathe during sleep may warrant checking in with your pediatrician.

Remember: variation is expected. “Normal” covers a wide range.

Gentle Ways to Support Your Baby (and Yourself)

• Follow rhythms, not rigid schedules: Instead of forcing naps or bedtimes, look for sleepy cues and natural patterns.

• Offer comfort consistently: Babies learn trust when they know someone will respond.

• Create calming routines: Repetition (bath, song, dim lights) signals safety and predictability.

• Care for yourself too: Tag-team with a partner, nap when you can, and lean on community support.

A Note of Hope

If your baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet, you haven’t failed. Your baby is simply being a baby. With time, their sleep will consolidate. In the meantime, you can nurture both their development and your own well-being by responding with connection and realistic expectations.

You don’t have to walk this road alone. If nights feel endless and you’re longing for clarity, encouragement, or a gentle plan forward, support is available. Together, we can honor your baby’s biology and your need for rest.

Every baby’s path to longer stretches looks different. If you’d like personalized support to ease the nights while honoring your baby’s biology, you can book a consultation here.