Is Your Baby Not Sleeping Through the Night?

How many times have you Googled “baby not sleeping through the night”?

Did you know – it’s normal for your baby not to sleep through the night!

“In the first few months, infants normally have frequent periods of night-waking as they ascend from quiet sleep to active sleep and back into quiet sleep.” This might come as a surprise to you. But I assure you, it’s very common.

Babies are biologically wired to wake frequently. Waking frequently can help prevent SIDS.

“Does he/she sleep through the night yet?” Everyone asks this question. Your family, friends, and even your pediatrician. Honestly, I’ve even asked this question. It’s just normal to ask.

This question can be really annoying if you’re baby isn’t sleeping through the night.

There are some babies that do sleep through the night! But the reality is most babies don’t.

And guess what? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with your baby if they aren’t sleeping through the night.

I’ve noticed there’s an increase in talk of sleep training.

Many people love to suggest this when you tell them your baby isn’t sleeping through the night. Even pediatricians suggest this. Don’t automatically jump to sleep training if your baby isn’t sleeping through the night (unless of course, you want to).

I specifically remember my son’s pediatrician asking if he slept through the night at 6 months old. I laughed and said no way. Then the pediatrician said I could start sleep training since technically I didn’t need to nurse my son throughout the night and he was doing it more for comfort. I didn’t even bother saying anything because I knew damn well I was not going to sleep train him.

Now, I’m not knocking people who sleep train There are gentle methods to sleep train. Some parents have no option but to sleep train. But I personally couldn’t do it. I was ok with comforting him when he needed it, even if it meant 10 times throughout the night. Did it suck waking up in the morning and not feeling rested, definitely. But I mean, that’s just part of being a new parent.

It’s kinda crazy to me that doctors and adults expect these babies to sleep through the night when we as adults don’t even sleep through the night. Do you know how many times I wake up thirsty or I have to pee? Or I simply can’t get comfy and toss and turn for an hour. Don’t you wake up at least once a night?

So why in the world should we expect our babies to sleep through the night?

Babies can’t self-soothe easily. If a baby is crying, it’s for a reason. They may be hungry, cold, hot, uncomfortable, or need a diaper change. Or they’re possibly getting sick or teething. Maybe they just need their parent to feel safe and comforted. There could be so many reasons why your baby is not sleeping through the night.

There really is no way around your baby not sleeping through the night but there are some things you can try.

Tips to help baby sleep better

1. Have a bedtime routine

We weren’t too big into a schedule throughout the day. But we did have a simple bedtime routine. I’d bath my son, rub some lotion on him, put his pj’s on and I’d read him a book or play for a little bit. You don’t have to have an elaborate bedtime routine. But it is good to stay consistent so baby gets used to it.

2. Shorten nap if it’s too close to bedtime

I definitely don’t suggest skipping a nap but you could shorten the nap. Wake your baby up if you feel it’s too close to their bedtime.

3. Tire baby out

Play with toys, do lots of tummy time, or take your baby outside for some fresh air. Have baby do an age-appropriate sensory activity.

4. White noise machine

Put a white noise machine next to baby while they’re sleeping. Babies are used to noises from being in the womb. This can help relax them and help baby fall and stay asleep.

5. Darkroom

Keep the room dark while you are trying to put baby back to sleep. This will help them know it’s not really time to get up yet.

You can have allll the tips in the world. But just remember, it’s ok if your baby doesn’t sleep through the night. This is just a phase and it will pass. I promise you will get your sleep back! Hugs momma!