"My 5-Month-Old Baby Doesn’t Sleep Through the Night—But I Don’t Want to Sleep Train. What Now?"

Let’s take a deep breath together. If you’re reading this, you’re probably feeling the fog of sleep deprivation and the swirl of questions that come at 3 a.m. when your baby stirs for the third time since bedtime. You might be wondering: Is something wrong? Am I missing a magic solution? Should I be doing more?

Here’s the truth I want to offer you with complete honesty and compassion: sleeping through the night at 5 months old is not a universal milestone, and it doesn’t require formal sleep training to get better. Many babies this age are still waking—some twice, some more—and that's completely normal.

If you’re a parent who doesn’t want to sleep train but wants to better understand your baby’s rhythms and gently guide them toward better rest, this blog is for you.

Understanding Normal Sleep at 5 Months Old

By 5 months, your baby is moving through more mature stages of sleep and developing stronger circadian rhythms. However, they’re still growing rapidly—physically, neurologically, and emotionally. All of this impacts how they sleep.

Here’s what’s common at this stage:

• 3–4 naps during the day

• 2–3 night wakings (some for feeding, some for comfort)

• Bedtime typically between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

• Total sleep: 12–15 hours in a 24-hour period

This stage is transitional. Your baby is more aware of their environment, possibly rolling, and may even start showing signs of separation anxiety. These shifts can cause sleep disruptions—but also present opportunities to create healthy routines without forcing change.

Why You Don’t Have to Sleep Train

Sleep training isn’t the only path to better sleep. Some families choose methods like Ferber, while others say, “I want to follow my baby’s lead.” Both are valid—but if your values align more with connection, intuition, and patience, then a rhythm-based, responsive approach might be the best fit for your family.

This doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means tuning into your baby’s cues and responding in a way that builds long-term sleep skills while respecting their developmental stage.

What Following Your Baby’s Rhythm Actually Looks Like

Here’s what a rhythm-based, no-sleep-training approach might look like at 5 months old:

1. Start the Day at the Same Time Each Morning

Consistency in wake-up time is one of the most powerful tools you can use. Pick a time that works for your family—7:00 a.m. is a great goal—and wake your baby at the same time each day. This sets their internal clock and helps their body regulate day vs. night.

Pro tip: Even if the night was rough, avoid “letting them sleep in.” Think of wake-up time as setting the tempo for the rest of the day.

2. Watch Wake Windows (But Don’t Obsess)

At 5 months, most babies can comfortably stay awake for 2 to 2.5 hours between naps. Instead of rigid schedules, use these windows as a guidepost. If your baby is rubbing eyes, turning their head away, or getting fussy—those are signs they’re ready to rest.

A possible daily rhythm might look like this:

• Wake: 7:00 a.m.

• Nap 1: 9:00 a.m.

• Nap 2: 12:30 p.m.

• Nap 3: 4:00 p.m.

• Bedtime: 7:00–7:30 p.m.

You’re not forcing sleep; you’re offering it when they’re ready.

3. Feed Frequently During the Day

If your baby is still waking to feed at night, that’s OK. But we want to optimize daytime calories so they’re not relying too heavily on night feeds.

Focus on:

• Full, distraction-free feedings every 2.5–3 hours during the day

• Prioritizing calories during daytime rather than night

• Offering a dream feed around 10–11 p.m. if it helps

You’re not “weaning” night feeds; you’re simply meeting their nutritional needs during the most biologically active time of day.

4. Create a Predictable—but Flexible—Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine doesn’t just help babies—it helps you, too. It can be as simple as:

• Bath

• Pajamas

• Feed

• Lullaby

• Cuddle and crib

The goal is to signal: It’s nighttime. We slow down now. Over time, your baby will start to associate these steps with sleep.

You don’t have to put your baby down “drowsy but awake” if it doesn’t work for you. If your baby needs rocking, feeding, or cuddling to drift off right now, that’s OK. These things can evolve with time.

5. Use Gentle Soothing at Night Wakings

If your baby wakes, respond in a way that aligns with your values. You can feed, hold, pat, or rock—whatever works for your family. The key is consistency and calm. You’re teaching your baby that night wakings are manageable and safe.

You’re also building trust—and that’s foundational for future independent sleep.

6. Make the Sleep Environment Work for You

Sleep environment matters, whether or not you sleep train. Here’s how to support your baby’s rhythm:

• Use blackout curtains to block early morning light

• Run a white noise machine to block household sounds

• Keep the room cool (68–72°F is ideal)

• Dress baby appropriately for the season using a breathable sleep sack

What About “Bad Habits”?

I hear this all the time: “Am I creating bad habits by holding or feeding my baby to sleep?”

Let’s reframe that. You’re meeting your baby’s current needs with love. Habits are changeable—especially when a foundation of security is in place.

Babies will grow out of being rocked or fed to sleep. When you’re ready, and your baby is developmentally ready, those transitions can happen gently and gradually. Right now, if it’s working for both of you, it’s not a problem.

When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night?

There’s no universal answer. “Sleeping through the night” is often defined as a 6–8 hour stretch without waking—some babies reach this by 6 months, others by 9–12 months.

Your baby’s temperament, feeding needs, medical history, and environment all play a role. You’re not behind. You’re in a rhythm that’s unique to your baby.

How to Support Yourself While Following Baby’s Rhythm

Let’s be honest: being responsive is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting.

Here are a few tips:

• Nap when your baby naps (yes, really—let the laundry wait)

• Share night duties with a partner or postpartum doula or newborn care specialist

• Don’t compare your journey to others'—especially on social media

• Seek out community—especially parents who don’t sleep train

Remember, you’re doing this the connected way. That doesn’t mean it’s easy—but it can be incredibly meaningful.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process

If your 5-month-old baby doesn’t sleep through the night and you don’t want to sleep train, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re parenting with intention and following your baby’s natural rhythm.

There will be sleep regressions, leaps, and growth spurts. But there will also be progress—peaceful naps, longer stretches, and mornings where you wake up before they do.

Keep holding space. Keep responding. You’re not spoiling your baby—you’re shaping their secure foundation for life.

FAQs

Q: How many times is “normal” for a 5-month-old to wake at night?
A: 1–3 wakings is developmentally appropriate, especially for feeding and comfort.

Q: Should I stop feeding at night?
A: Not necessarily. If your baby is waking hungry, especially if they’re breastfed, night feedings are still very normal.

Q: When will they drop to two naps?
A: Most babies move from three to two naps between 6 and 8 months of age.

Q: Do I need to stop rocking or feeding to sleep?
A: Not unless it’s becoming disruptive for you. These are soothing tools, not bad habits.