If you’re exhausted and asking “why won’t my 6 month old sleep through the night,” you are not alone. This is one of the most common and frustrating challenges for new parents.
It’s a huge milestone you look forward to, but the reality often doesn’t match the expectation. Your baby might have slept in longer stretches before, or maybe they’ve never slept well. Either way, the constant wake-ups are draining. The good news is that this is almost always a normal phase, and there are clear, practical reasons behind it. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward better sleep for everyone.
Why Won’t My 6 Month Old Sleep Through the Night
First, let’s define what “sleeping through the night” means for a baby. For infants, it typically means a solid 6-8 hour stretch. It does not mean 12 hours without a sound. Even with that realistic definition, many 6-month-olds don’t manage it. Here are the primary culprits.
Developmental Leaps and Brain Growth
Your baby’s brain is developing at an incredible speed. Around 6 months, they are mastering new skills like rolling over, sitting up, and maybe even starting to crawl. This cognitive and physical burst can seriously disrupt sleep.
They might practice these new skills in the crib at 2 a.m. or become so overstimulated from the day’s learning that they can’t settle. This is a positive sign of growth, even if it doesn’t feel like it at night.
Teething Pain
For many babies, the first teeth erupt around the 6-month mark. The discomfort of swollen, tender gums can wake a baby from sleep. They might not cry loudly every time; sometimes it’s just fussing or restlessness.
Signs include increased drooling, chewing on everything, and mild fever. The pain is often worse at night when there are no distractions.
Hunger and Growth Spurts
Six months is a period of rapid physical growth. Your baby may genuinely need more calories. If they are breastfeeding, they might cluster feed in the evenings. Formula-fed babies may want larger bottles.
This growth spurt usually lasts a few days. If the increased night waking persists beyond a week, hunger might not be the only cause.
Establishing Sleep Associations
This is a major reason for fragmented sleep. A sleep association is anything your baby needs to fall asleep at bedtime. If they fall asleep while being rocked, fed, or with a pacifier, they will expect that same help every time they wake between sleep cycles.
Babies naturally wake briefly between sleep cycles (every 45-90 minutes). If they can’t fall back asleep on their own, they’ll call for you.
Separation Anxiety
Around 6-8 months, object permanence develops. Your baby now understands that you exist even when you leave the room. This can lead to anxiety at bedtime and during night wakings.
They cry because they miss you and want your comfort. This phase is a sign of healthy emotional attachment.
Schedule and Routine Issues
Sleep begets sleep. An overtired baby actually has a harder time staying asleep. At 6 months, your baby likely needs 2-3 naps during the day totalling 3-4 hours, and a bedtime between 6-8 p.m.
If naps are too short, too long, or bedtime is too late, it can lead to more night wakings. An inconsistent daily routine also confuses their internal clock.
Common Schedule Mistakes
- Keeping baby up too late, thinking they’ll sleep in.
- Allowing the last nap to end too close to bedtime.
- Not having a clear, calming bedtime routine.
- Ignoring sleepy cues during the day.
The 6-Month Sleep Regression
This is a perfect storm of all the factors above. A “regression” is a period where sleep gets worse due to developmental progress. It’s temporary but can last 2-6 weeks.
Recognizing it as a phase can help you cope. Consistency in your response is key to getting through it.
Practical Strategies for Better Sleep
Now that you know the “why,” here’s the “how to help.” Focus on one or two areas at a time. Changing everything at once is overwhelming for you and your baby.
Optimize the Sleep Environment
Make sure the bedroom is ideal for sleep. It should be dark—consider blackout curtains. Use a white noise machine to mask household sounds. The room should be cool, around 68-72°F.
Ensure the crib is safe: a firm mattress, a tight-fitting sheet, and no loose blankets, pillows, or toys.
Establish a Strong Bedtime Routine
A predictable sequence of events signals to your baby’s brain that sleep is coming. Keep it calm and do it in the same order every night.
Aim for 20-30 minutes. For example: bath, baby massage, pajamas, book, feed (try to end feed before fully asleep), cuddle, into crib drowsy but awake.
Work on Independent Sleep Skills
This is about helping your baby learn to fall asleep without your direct help. The goal is to put them down “drowsy but awake” so the last thing they remember is the crib, not your arms or the bottle.
If they rely on you to fall asleep at bedtime, they’ll need you again at every night waking. There are many gentle methods to encourage this skill, from gradual withdrawal to more structured approaches. Choose what fits your family.
Steps for a Gentle Sleep Learning Approach
- Start with a perfect bedtime routine and timing.
- Place your baby in the crib drowsy but awake after your usual cuddle.
- If they fuss, pat their back and shush them while they are in the crib.
- If crying escalates, pick them up to calm, but put them back down drowsy.
- Repeat consistently. It takes time and patience.
Navigate Night Feedings
At 6 months, many healthy babies can go 6+ hours without a feed. If your pediatrician agrees weight gain is good, you can slowly reduce night feeds.
For formula-fed babies, you can gradually offer less in the bottle. For breastfed babies, you can shorten the duration of the feed. This helps separate feeding from falling asleep completly.
Handle Teething and Discomfort
Offer a teething toy or a cold washcloth to chew on before bed. You can ask your doctor about using infant pain reliever like acetaminophen if the pain seems severe.
Comfort them, but try to keep interactions during the night boring and minimal. This helps them learn that night is for sleep, not play.
Be Consistent with Your Response
How you respond to night wakings matters most. Decide on your approach and stick with it for at least a week. Inconsistent responses (sometimes rocking, sometimes feeding) confuse your baby and prolong the problem.
If you are addressing separation anxiety, extra daytime cuddles and games like peek-a-boo can reinforce that you always come back.
When to Seek Help
Most sleep issues at this age are normal. However, consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- Your baby is not gaining weight appropriately.
- They have trouble breathing, snores loudly, or gasps during sleep.
- You suspect an ear infection or other illness.
- The sleep disruption is causing you severe distress or feelings of depression.
A doctor can rule out medical issues like reflux or sleep apnea. Sometimes, a few sessions with a pediatric sleep consultant can provide a tailored plan.
FAQs: 6 Month Old Sleep
Is it normal for my 6 month old to not sleep through the night?
Yes, it is very common. Many babies do not sleep a full 6-8 hour stretch consistently until later in the first year. Developmental changes are the main cause.
How many times should a 6 month old wake at night?
It varies. Some might wake 1-2 times for a quick feed and resettle. Others may wake more frequently. If they are waking every 1-2 hours, it’s often a sign they need help learning to connect sleep cycles on their own.
Should I sleep train my 6 month old?
“Sleep training” simply means teaching independent sleep skills. You can choose gentle methods that feel right for you. It is considered safe and appropriate at this age if your baby is healthy and gaining weight well. The goal is fewer tears for everyone in the long run.
What is a good bedtime for a 6 month old?
A bedtime between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. is usually ideal. An earlier bedtime often prevents overtiredness, which leads to more night wakings. Watch for sleepy cues like rubbing eyes or zoning out.
Can starting solids help my baby sleep longer?
Sometimes, but not always. A fuller belly might help, but solid food doesn’t replace the calories from milk at this age. Don’t add cereal to a bottle hoping for sleep; it’s a choking hazard and not proven to work. Focus on milk feeds first.
Remember, progress with baby sleep is rarely a straight line. There will be good nights and bad nights, even as things improve. The constant wake-ups are exhausting, but with a clear understanding of the causes and some consistent strategies, you can guide your 6-month-old toward longer, more restful stretches. Be patient with yourself and your baby—this phase will pass.