What the Latest Science Says About Baby Sleep

By Dr. Leo Bennett, Child Development Advisor | Expert Advice Column | Childcare Standards Council

Sleep is one of the most talked about topics in early parenthood and for good reason. A baby’s sleep (or lack thereof) can affect the entire household’s wellbeing. Yet with conflicting advice from books, forums, and well meaning relatives, it can be hard to know what’s normal or evidence based. Fortunately, the science around infant sleep is evolving, and in 2025, we have more clarity than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore what the latest research says about baby sleep from sleep patterns and safe sleep to self settling and routines and offer practical, science backed guidance to help families make informed decisions that suit their baby’s unique needs.

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Why Sleep Is So Important in Infancy

Sleep plays a vital role in a baby’s growth, brain development, immune function, and emotional regulation. Newborns spend as much as 16 to 18 hours a day sleeping, albeit in short bursts, and by 12 months, many babies sleep for around 12 to 14 hours in a 24 hour period.

Beyond the biological need, sleep also supports secure attachment, as babies learn to associate comfort and safety with caregiving routines especially at bedtime.

What’s New in Baby Sleep Science (as of 2025)

1. Infant Sleep Is Highly Individual

Current research reaffirms that there is no universal sleep schedule that suits every baby. Genetics, temperament, feeding method, and family environment all influence when and how a baby sleeps. While some babies sleep through the night by six months, many do not and that’s perfectly normal.

Sleep variability in the first year is not a disorder; it’s developmentally typical.

2. Safe Sleep Guidelines Remain Critical

Despite advances in technology and parenting approaches, the core safe sleep advice from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust remains unchanged:

• Always place babies on their back to sleep.

• Use a firm, flat mattress with no loose bedding, pillows, or soft toys.

• Keep the sleep environment smoke free and maintain a comfortable room temperature.

• Babies should sleep in the same room as a parent for the first six months, ideally in a separate cot or Moses basket.

  
  

These practices reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which, while rare, remains a concern.

3. Sleep Training Approaches Are Under Review

Recent studies suggest that responsive sleep strategies where parents gradually support babies to sleep independently while maintaining emotional connection can promote longer sleep without increasing stress.

Techniques such as “camping out” or “gradual withdrawal” have gained favour over rigid "cry it out" methods, particularly for babies under 12 months. The latest findings emphasise that babies thrive when they feel safe and soothed, even during sleep training.

How Baby Sleep Develops: A Quick Overview

0 to 3 Months:

Newborns have no established circadian rhythm. They wake frequently to feed, day and night. Sleep may occur in stretches of 1 to 3 hours.

Tips:

• Follow your baby’s lead.

• Focus on responsive care rather than routine.

• Day/night confusion is normal and resolves over time.

  
  

3 to 6 Months:

Babies begin to develop more regular sleep patterns and can sleep longer at night, though night feeds are often still needed.

Tips:

• Begin to establish gentle bedtime cues.

• Start calming activities like baths or lullabies before sleep.

• Avoid overstimulation in the evening.

  
  

6 to 12 Months:

Many babies consolidate sleep into longer nighttime stretches and two or three daytime naps. Some may still wake overnight for feeds or comfort.

Tips:

• Consistency helps with bedtime routines.

• Offer comfort if baby wakes, but give opportunities to self settle.

• Night waking is still developmentally normal at this age.

  
  

The Role of Parental Wellbeing

Parental sleep deprivation is real and can impact physical health, mood, and mental wellbeing. In 2025, more emphasis is being placed on family centred sleep solutions, where both baby’s needs and parental rest are taken into account.

Partners, co parents, or family support can make a big difference. If sleep challenges persist, health visitors and sleep consultants can provide individualised guidance without pushing a one size fits all model.

Technology and Sleep Aids: What’s Worthwhile?

The baby product market is full of sleep aids from white noise machines to smart bassinets and wearable monitors. While some families find these helpful, the evidence remains mixed.

What the science says:

• White noise can help mask household sounds and support sleep onset.

• Motion based sleep products may reduce parental burden but should always be used under safe sleep guidelines.

• Breathing or movement monitors can cause unnecessary anxiety if used as a safety measure without medical need.

  
  

Ultimately, no gadget replaces responsive care and a consistent sleep environment.

Common Sleep Myths: Debunked

• “Babies should sleep through the night by six months.”False. Many healthy babies continue to wake for feeds or reassurance well into toddlerhood.

• “Holding or feeding to sleep creates bad habits.”Not true. Comforting your baby to sleep fosters security and doesn’t “spoil” them.

• “You must sleep train to have a good sleeper.”Not necessarily. Many babies develop solid sleep patterns naturally over time with gentle support.

  
  

When to Seek Support

If your baby’s sleep is significantly affecting their wellbeing or your family’s health or if you're unsure what’s normal it’s worth reaching out. A health visitor, GP, or infant sleep specialist can help rule out medical causes (like reflux or allergies) and offer tailored support.

Signs to watch for:

• Ongoing difficulties settling to sleep after 12 months

• Extremely short naps and frequent night wakings that persist beyond 6 to 9 months

• Sleep issues linked to feeding challenges or distress

• Impact on your mental health or bonding with your baby

  
  

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach to Baby Sleep

Science continues to tell us what parents have long known: sleep is not just about how long your baby rests, but how supported they feel when doing so. There is no single "right" approach to baby sleep. What matters is tuning into your baby’s needs, staying flexible, and looking after your own wellbeing too.

As we move further into 2025, the best baby sleep strategies are the ones that balance evidence with empathy. Listen to your instincts, seek help when you need it, and remember broken nights won’t last forever.