The period when infants begin to sleep for extended durations, often referred to as achieving “sleeping through the night,” is a significant developmental milestone for both the child and their caregivers. This commonly refers to a period of uninterrupted sleep lasting five to six hours or more.
The establishment of longer nighttime sleep periods is crucial for the infant’s physical and cognitive development, facilitating memory consolidation and promoting overall well-being. For parents, the increased sleep can lead to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced ability to care for the infant. Historically, societal expectations and parenting practices have significantly influenced perceptions of appropriate infant sleep patterns, with variations across cultures and generations.