Why Isn’t My Baby Sleeping Through the Night? Here’s What You Need to Know
You’re Not Alone—And There’s Nothing Wrong with Your Baby
If you’re wondering, “Why isn’t my baby sleeping through the night?”—you’re not alone. So many parents ask this question, especially when exhaustion kicks in and the pressure to have a "good sleeper" feels overwhelming. The truth is, waking at night is a normal part of infant sleep, but that doesn’t mean you have to just suffer through endless sleepless nights. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s okay, and what you can do to make nights feel more manageable.
Why Babies Wake at Night
Newborns and young babies wake frequently because their sleep cycles are different from adults. Here’s why:
Smaller sleep cycles – Babies have shorter sleep cycles (about 40-60 minutes), which means they naturally wake more often.
Hunger and Growth Spurts – Young babies need frequent feeds, and growth spurts can make them wake even more.
Developmental Milestones – Learning new skills, like rolling or crawling, can disrupt sleep.
Separation Awareness – As babies grow, they become more aware when they’re not near a caregiver, leading to more wake-ups for comfort.
Teething or Discomfort – Emerging teeth, illness, or changes in routine can lead to more night wakings.
When Will My Baby Sleep Through the Night?
Every baby is different, and "sleeping through the night" doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all timeline. Many babies continue to wake for feeds or comfort well into their first year (and beyond). However, sleep does evolve over time, and many families find that their baby’s stretches of sleep naturally lengthen as they grow.
Instead of focusing on an exact age, it can help to focus on gentle ways to encourage more consolidated sleep, while keeping expectations realistic.
What You Can Do to Support Better Sleep
While you can’t force a baby to sleep through the night before they’re ready, you can create an environment that supports more restful sleep:
Optimize Sleep Environment – Keep the room dark, use white noise, and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Establish a Predictable Routine – A simple, calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that sleep is coming.
Support Circadian Rhythms – Expose your baby to natural light during the day and keep nights dark and calm to help their internal clock develop.
Offer Responsive Comfort – Meeting your baby’s needs for food and reassurance builds security and can actually lead to more settled sleep over time.
Adjust Daytime Sleep as Needed – Sometimes tweaking naps or wake windows can help nights feel smoother.
When to Reach Out for Support
If night wake-ups are feeling unsustainable or impacting your well-being, it might be time to reach out for support. Every family’s situation is different, and you deserve a plan that works for both you and your baby. Whether you need reassurance, small adjustments, or a personalized approach to sleep, getting guidance can make a world of difference.
You’re doing an amazing job!! It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong when your baby isn’t sleeping the way you expected. But the truth is, night waking is a normal part of infancy, and you’re meeting your baby’s needs in the best way you can. If you’re ready for some extra support in making nights feel more manageable, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to find a sleep plan that respects your baby’s needs while making sure you’re getting the rest you deserve.
Click here to schedule a free intro call and discover if sleep counseling support is right for you!
