The phrase is misleading
A five- or six-hour stretch may count as sleeping through in some research, even though it does not feel that way to exhausted parents.
Age matters enormously
A newborn, a four-month-old and a one-year-old should not be measured by the same standard.
Progress is still progress
Fewer wakes, faster resettling and a longer first stretch are all meaningful improvements.
Important: baby sleep varies enormously. Avoid one-size-fits-all promises, and always prioritise feeding, growth and safe sleep advice.
Safer sleep reminder. For babies, use a firm, flat sleep surface and follow the latest safer sleep advice from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust.
Want to know what is disturbing your baby's sleep?
The Petit Nuage sleep quiz looks at age, naps, night waking and settling habits to show you what to focus on first.
Take the 2-minute quiz →Frequently asked questions
When do babies sleep through the night?
There is no universal age. Some do it earlier, many do it later.
Is my baby behind if they do not?
No. Sleep varies widely.
What should I focus on instead?
Look at the overall trend: fewer wakes, better naps and calmer bedtimes.
Reference sources: NHS baby sleep guidance · The Lullaby Trust safer sleep information. Last updated: 24 September 2026.