Newborn night kip pressure

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.”