A new baby often comes with one question that haunts every exhausted parent: "When is he finally going to sleep through the night?" Here's what I tell families, drawing on my experience with many households across Greater Montreal, plus a few concrete things you can try starting today.
At what age do babies sleep through the night?
Most babies start sleeping through the night between 4 and 6 months, often around the 12-13 lb mark. But be careful with the phrase itself: "sleeping through the night" doesn't mean 12 hours straight. It usually means 5 to 6 consecutive hours of sleep without waking to feed.
And above all: every baby has their own pace. Some get there by 2-3 months, others not until 8-10 months, and both are perfectly normal. Before 3-4 months, a baby's digestive system and circadian rhythm are still developing; there's nothing to "force" at this age, only to support.
How to help baby sleep better
- A stable evening routine: bath, story, feeding, bed, always in the same order. Repetition helps baby understand that night is coming.
- A cool, calm room: ideally between 18°C and 20°C (64-68°F), with no bright light or loud noise. An uncluttered sleep space, free of unnecessary items in the crib, is also safer.
- Watch for tiredness cues: rubbing eyes, yawning, fussiness: put baby down as soon as you see these signs rather than waiting until they're overtired, which makes falling asleep harder, not easier.
- Tell day and night apart: natural light and activity during the day, dim and calm at night, even for nighttime feeds and diaper changes.
And you, how do you cope?
It's the question we too often forget to ask parents. Chronic sleep deprivation isn't just an inconvenience: it's a real source of stress, irritability and emotional exhaustion, one that can strain a couple, affect work, and sometimes contribute to postpartum depression.
A few things that help:
- If there are two of you, take turns with nights or wake-ups: one well-rested parent every other night beats two exhausted parents all the time.
- Talk to people around you. Parental fatigue isn't a failure. It's a universal reality we don't share nearly enough.
- If exhaustion starts seriously affecting your daily life, asking for outside help is a completely legitimate option, not a last resort.
Do you just need one real night of sleep?
That's exactly why Parenthèse Maternelle exists. I take over during the night (feeds, diaper changes, soothing) following your instructions and baby's routine, so you can sleep with peace of mind. One-time or recurring, whatever you need.
Book my free discovery consultation →Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my baby still isn't sleeping through the night at 6 months?
Nothing to worry about on its own: the normal range extends to 8-10 months for many healthy babies. First check the basics (hunger, comfort, temperature), keep a stable routine, and talk to your pediatrician if you have any doubt about your child's growth or health.
How do I know if my baby has a real sleep problem?
A baby who sleeps irregularly is most often nothing to worry about. If you notice unusual signs (trouble breathing during sleep, no sleep at all over several days, weight loss), talk to your pediatrician or local clinic right away.
How much does overnight newborn care cost?
At Parenthèse Maternelle, the overnight package (10-hour block) is $310, travel included within a 10 km radius of Saint-Constant (QC). You can see the full pricing on the rates page.
Can overnight childcare really help my baby sleep better?
Overnight care doesn't replace baby's natural rhythm, but it lets you recover while a certified professional watches over them according to your instructions, often the real trigger for finding the energy to get through this stage with more peace of mind.
Rolande Soukpo · Parenthèse Maternelle
Certified in first aid and pediatric CPR/AED, Rolande supports families across Greater Montreal (North Shore, South Shore) with overnight care, evening care and daytime rest blocks. Learn more about her background →
Also worth reading: Preparing your return from maternity leave (currently available in French)