Most babies can learn to fall asleep independently around 4 to 6 months of age.
This timeframe is significant because it aligns with key developmental milestones:
- Maturation of Circadian Rhythms: Babies' internal body clocks, known as circadian rhythms, mature during this period. This helps regulate their sleep-wake cycles, making them more predictable.
- Longer Sleep Stretches: Around this age, babies become capable of sleeping for longer durations at night. This increased sleep consolidation is a critical component of independent sleep.
According to research, most babies learn to sleep on their own when they're around 4 to 6 months of age. This timing is crucial as it coincides with the maturation of their circadian rhythms, the natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and their ability to sleep for longer stretches (reference).