By what age should most infants be able to fall asleep on their own?

Most infants are typically able to fall asleep on their own by the age of 4 to 6 months. This developmental milestone is significant as it indicates that the infant is beginning to develop self-soothing skills and independence in their sleep patterns. Around this age, many babies start to consolidate their sleep, which means they can transition through sleep cycles without needing external assistance, such as being rocked or fed to sleep. This skill can help improve the overall sleep quality for both the infant and the parents.

Prior to this age, infants often rely heavily on their caregivers to help them fall asleep, as they are still developing their ability to self-soothe. Some may fall asleep in their caregivers' arms or while nursing, so expectations for independent sleep should realistically reflect the infant's developmental stage. Promoting good sleep habits and routines around this time can help facilitate the transition to falling asleep independently as well.