In the United States, short sleep duration affects between 25.2% to 52.5% of children and, therefore, parents too! We know you’re wondering about that magical moment when your little one starts sleeping through the night. Trust us; we get it! In today’s blog post, we’ll explore when kids typically start sleeping through the night and offer tips to help make bedtime a dream come true.
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Typical Age Kids Start Sleeping Through the Night
When do kids start sleeping through the night? It’s a question all parents ask. Usually, it happens between 3 to 6 months old. But remember, that’s just an average. No two kids are alike. Some might sleep through the night sooner or later than others. That’s okay! Factors like genetics and temperament play a role.
As your child grows, their sleep needs change too. Babies need more sleep than toddlers or preschoolers do—so don’t worry if they’re not snoozing all night just yet!
What is Sleeping Through the Night?
So when we say “sleeping through the night,” what does that mean? For most little ones, it means sleeping for at least six hours straight without waking up. Sleep isn’t just one long stretch of zzzs—it has cycles! Your child goes from light to deep sleep throughout the night, making it easier (or harder) to wake up during certain stages.
Ever wonder why rest matters so much? Quality sleep helps with physical growth, brain development, and emotional well-being—all essential parts of growing up happy and healthy!
Read ore: Does ADHD Affect Sleep?
What Prevents Kids from Sleeping Through The Night?
Ever heard of sleep regressions? They’re periods when your child suddenly wakes up more often at night. Typically, they happen around 4 months, 9 months, and 18 months old—but it varies!
Teething or a cold can make sleeping tough too. It’s hard to snooze when you’re in pain or feeling sick! So give your little one extra love and patience during these times. When do kids with ADHD or Autism start sleeping through the night? It might be different for them due to sensory sensitivities or other factors. Keep this in mind as you support their unique needs.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
If your child is consistently waking up multiple times every night for weeks on end, it could signal an issue beyond typical growth stages. Don’t hesitate to chat with a professional! They’ll help you figure out if there’s an underlying problem affecting your child’s sleep—and how to fix it.
Remember—you know your kiddo best! Trust those parental instincts but also listen to experts. Together, you’ll find the right path toward restful nights for everyone involved.
Read more: Night Routine for Kids
Tips for Parents to Help Their Kids Sleep Through The Night
- Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits & Routines – When do kids start sleeping through the night? It might happen sooner if you set a solid bedtime routine! Try bath, story, and cuddles—whatever works best for your family.
- The Benefits of Consistent Bedtime Rituals – Sticking to a ritual helps signal it’s time for sleep. This consistency makes it easier for your child to relax and drift off into dreamland.
- Adapting Strategies Specifically for Children With ADHD or Autism – For kiddos with ADHD or Autism, consider tweaking routines to meet their needs. Maybe add sensory tools like weighted blankets or calming sounds. Experiment and find what works best!
Goally | Apps To Structure Your Kiddo’s Routine
Does your child struggle with their bedtime routine? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has a routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. Watch a tour of our apps below to learn how Goally can set your child up for success!
Try Goally’s suite of therapy apps on any device you have at home for just $15. We also have a dedicated tablet (which ONLY has Goally on it) for $149.
Sweet dreams are made of these helpful tips! With patience and understanding, you can guide your little one towards peaceful nights ahead—for both them and you! Remember that every child is unique; trust yourself as their loving parent to find what works best in supporting their journey towards restful slumber. Stay tuned to Goally’s blog, where we keep sharing valuable insights on parenting neurodiverse children like yours – because growing in independence should be fun and rewarding for everyone!
This post was originally published on 04/04/2023. It was updated on 10/20/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
