Osteopathy and childhood: what are the benefits to support your child's development?
5 July 2026
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
The baby sleep is one of the major concerns for new parents — and often the primary source of exhaustion. At what age does a baby sleep through the night? How do you establish good habits? What should you do about night waking? This comprehensive guide on the baby sleep answers all your questions, month by month. 🌙
The baby sleep is fundamentally different from adult sleep. A baby has shorter sleep cycles (45-50 minutes compared to 90 minutes for an adult), with a much greater proportion of active sleep (the equivalent of REM sleep). This active sleep is essential for their neurological development — never interrupt it.
What this means in practice: baby wakes up naturally between cycles. Their ability to fall back asleep on their own – what specialists call 'self-soothing» – develops gradually, often between 3 and 6 months. Before then, waking up is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
A newborn sleeps 16 to 20 hours a day in small stretches of 2 to 4 hours, with no day/night distinction. Their biological clock is not yet programmed. Waking up every 2 to 3 hours at night is normal and necessary — the baby needs to feed frequently. No routine is possible before 6 to 8 weeks.
The day/night rhythm is starting to settle in. Baby sleeps 14 to 16 hours, with longer periods of night-time sleep (sometimes 4-6 consecutive hours). This is a good time to start a simple evening routine. The first naps are beginning to stabilise (morning, midday, late afternoon).
Paradoxically, the baby sleep can deteriorate at 6 months even though it was improving. This is the «6-month regression» — linked to a major developmental leap (motor skills, cognition). It lasts 2 to 6 weeks and resolves on its own. Maintain the routine, stay the course.
Many babies (not all) sleep through the night by 9-12 months. 2 naps a day (morning and lunchtime). Total sleep: 13-15 hours. The 9-month sleep regression (linked to separation anxiety and motor development) can temporarily disrupt established habits.
The evening routine is the most effective tool for improving the baby sleep. It signals to baby that night is coming and prepares their brain for sleep. A good routine:
Example of an effective routine: a lukewarm bath → massage → pyjamas → breastfeeding or bottle feed → a song or story → comfort toy → off to bed.
Soft lighting during the evening routine (and turned off or very dim for the night) signals to baby the transition to sleep. Choose a nightlight with a warm light (amber or orange) that does not disrupt melatonin — no blue or white light for the evening.
→ View PetitMaxou baby night lights
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of mortality between 1 and 12 months. Official recommendations for a safe baby sleep :
Self-soothing develops naturally — you cannot force it before a baby's brain is ready (generally, not before 4-6 months). A few approaches:
Put baby down drowsy but awake. If they cry, wait a few minutes before intervening, then gradually increase the interval. Reassure without picking them up. Controversial but effective for some babies from 6 months onwards.
Gradually reduce sleep associations (breast, bottle, arms) by replacing them with other routines. Slower but tear-free. Suitable for families who do not want to let their child cry.
Sharing the parental bed while following strict safety rules (no alcohol, no medication, firm surface, no thick duvet). Makes night-time breastfeeding easier. Not recommended before 3 months and for premature babies.
Sleep regressions are periods when the baby sleep — which was improving — suddenly deteriorates. They systematically correspond to a developmental leap:
Sleep regressions last for 2 to 6 weeks. The most effective strategy: maintain the routine, increase daytime cuddles, and wait it out.
The medical definition of «sleeping through the night» is 5-6 consecutive hours of sleep. Some babies manage this by 3-4 months, while others do not until 12-18 months. The average is around 6-9 months. There is no universal «normal» age — it all depends on the baby, feeding and temperament.
This is a classic sleep association. To change it gradually: start by putting baby down asleep in the cot, then drowsy, then increasingly awake over several weeks. Go at your own pace — there is no rush to change an association that works if you are comfortable with it.
Yes — sucking is soothing, and a dummy is even recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS. If baby falls asleep with the dummy and wakes up when it falls out, you can put several in the cot around 6-8 months so they can find one on their own.
For daytime naps, darkness makes sleep easier but is not essential. For the night, complete darkness (or a very dim amber nightlight) is ideal to encourage melatonin production. Avoid white or blue nightlights, which disrupt falling asleep.
Gentle night lights, cot accessories, safe doudous: PetitMaxou offers everything you need to help your baby sleep soundly. Free delivery throughout the EU, returns within 14 days.
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The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
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