Experts put unnecessary pressure on parents by saying newborns should sleep through the night, a study reveals.

Many parental advisers say babies should doze through by 12 weeks but only a quarter do.

Less than two thirds of year-olds go all the way through, while 16 per cent of mums and dads say kids aged two still wake regularly at night.

A quarter of all British children are up by 6:30am meaning many parents don't get adequate rest.

The poll of almost 11,000 found strict bedtime routines are the most popular way to help kids sleep, used by 38 per cent. A fifth drive them round until they doze off.

Britain's favourite bedtime for juniors is between 7pm and 7.30pm, when a third are tucked up. Website Netmums, behind the poll, said: 'Parenting gurus can set unrealistic expectations of babies' sleep patterns. This study shows there is no 'one size fits all' solution.'