What to Do When Your Baby Won’t Sleep Through the Night

If your baby isn’t sleeping through the night, you’re definitely not alone! It’s common for little ones to wake up several times during the night, especially in the early months. From growth spurts and teething to environmental factors, there are many reasons behind these nighttime disruptions. But don’t worry—there are several strategies you can try to help your baby (and you) get a better night’s rest. This guide will walk you through why babies wake up at night and what you can do to encourage more restful sleep. 

Why Babies Wake Up at Night

Frequent wake-ups at night are completely normal for babies, especially during the first few months. Babies have shorter sleep cycles compared to adults, which means they tend to wake up more often during the night. Newborns, for example, may sleep for about 16-18 hours a day, but those hours are broken up into multiple sleep sessions. At this stage, your baby is likely waking up for feeds or because they need the comfort of a parent.

Around three to six months, some babies start to sleep for longer stretches at night. However, a variety of factors can disrupt this pattern, such as teething, growth spurts, or developmental milestones. Even if your baby seems to be sleeping through the night at one point, you may find yourself back to square one during periods of growth or change. 

The Impact of Teething and Growth Spurts

Teething can be one of the most common reasons why babies wake up at night. As teeth begin to emerge, it can cause discomfort and pain, which makes it harder for your baby to sleep soundly. If your baby is drooling more than usual, seems irritable during the day, or keeps rubbing their gums, they might be teething. During this time, you need to provide comfort and relief, such as offering a teething ring, gently massaging their gums, or using a cold washcloth to ease discomfort.

Similarly, growth spurts are another reason babies may experience sleep disruptions. Around the 3-4 week, 6-8 week, and 3-4 month marks, many babies go through significant growth spurts. These spurts often lead to more frequent feedings and cause temporary changes in sleep patterns. While these disruptions are typically short-lived, they can lead to exhaustion for both parents and babies.

Creating the Right Sleep Environment

Sometimes, sleep disruptions are not tied to hunger, discomfort, or developmental milestones but to an unsuitable sleep environment. It’s essential to create a calming, soothing atmosphere that encourages restful sleep. A few simple changes can help your baby settle into a peaceful sleep pattern.

Lighting and Temperature

A key part of establishing a healthy sleep routine for your baby is controlling the lighting in their room. Bright lights can make it harder for your baby to fall asleep, while dim lighting creates a calm and restful environment. Consider using a nightlight that provides soft, non-disruptive illumination if you need to check on your baby during the night.

Temperature also plays a crucial role in how well your baby sleeps. Overheating or being too cold can cause discomfort, leading to frequent wake-ups. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (around 68-72°F or 20-22°C), and dress your baby in light, breathable layers to avoid overheating. If your baby is too warm or too cold, they may wake up more often or have trouble falling asleep in the first place. 

White Noise to Block Out Distractions

For many babies, silence is not always conducive to sleep. If your baby is sensitive to every little sound around them, you might want to consider using a sound machine to help drown out environmental noise. White noise machines are particularly effective at creating a soothing background sound that masks sudden noises that could disrupt your baby’s sleep. These machines can provide a consistent, calming hum that mimics the sounds your baby heard in the womb, which may help them feel more secure and relaxed.

In addition to using sound machines, it’s also important to keep the environment relatively quiet during nighttime hours. Avoid loud conversations or activities that could disturb your baby’s sleep, even if they are in a separate room. Babies are more sensitive to sound than adults, so any sudden noises, like a door creaking or a phone ringing, could cause them to wake up.

Developing a Consistent Sleep Routine

One of the best ways to encourage your baby to sleep through the night is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. Babies thrive on predictability, and a regular pre-sleep routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. While every baby is different, here are some steps that may help: 

• Bath Time. A warm bath can be a soothing way to prepare your baby for sleep. The sensation of warm water and the relaxation it induces can calm them, helping to ease any fussiness or discomfort.

• Feeding and Diapering. Ensure your baby is fed and changed before bedtime. A full stomach and a clean diaper can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep without waking up from hunger or discomfort. If your baby is still very young, you may need to feed them before they go to bed and possibly again during the night. 

• Quiet, Calm Activities. After feeding and changing, keep the environment calm. Avoid exciting playtime or stimulating activities before bed. Instead, try reading a soft story, singing a lullaby, or offering a gentle rocking motion to help your baby wind down. 

• Keep Bedtime Consistent. Try to put your baby to bed at the same time each night. Consistency helps reinforce the sleep-wake cycle and can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep independently. 

Comforting Your Baby Without Creating Bad Habits

Sometimes, babies wake up in the middle of the night because they need comfort or reassurance. While it’s natural to want to pick them up and soothe them immediately, it’s important to strike a balance between comforting your baby and allowing them to learn how to self-soothe. If you always rush to pick them up when they cry, it may create a dependence on you for sleep. 

Instead, try offering comfort in a way that allows your baby to gradually learn to settle on their own. You might want to gently pat their back, shush them softly, or offer a comforting object, like a soft blanket or a favorite stuffed toy. Over time, this can help your baby learn to self-soothe without feeling abandoned.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all these strategies and your baby still won’t sleep through the night, or if their sleep disruptions are persistent, it might be time to seek advice from a pediatrician or sleep consultant. There could be underlying medical issues, such as reflux, allergies, or other health concerns, that are affecting your baby’s sleep. 

In some cases, sleep consultants can provide guidance on creating a personalized sleep plan that helps address your baby’s specific needs. These professionals are trained to help parents navigate sleep challenges, whether it’s establishing a sleep schedule, tackling sleep regressions, or addressing night wakings.

Conclusion

While nighttime wake-ups are a normal part of your baby’s development, there are plenty of ways to help them sleep more soundly. Creating the right sleep environment, sticking to a consistent bedtime routine, and offering comfort without creating dependency can all make a difference. If sleep problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician or sleep consultant. With some patience and the right strategies, both you and your baby will be able to enjoy more peaceful nights.

FAQs

How can I help my baby learn the difference between day and night?

Expose your baby to natural daylight during the day and keep things active. At night, keep lights dim, limit noise, and avoid playing or engaging with your baby. This helps your baby learn that daytime is for activity, and night is for sleep.

Where should my baby sleep in the first 6 months?

For the first six months, it’s safest for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, both during the day and at night, to reduce the risk of SIDS. They can sleep in a crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper next to your bed.

Should I let my baby fall asleep in my arms?

It’s okay for your baby to fall asleep in your arms occasionally, but it can help to start putting them down when drowsy but awake. Which can teach them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently over time.

Can I use a baby sling for sleep?

You can use a baby sling for carrying your baby, but make sure to follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents. If your baby falls asleep in the sling, ensure their airway remains clear and they are positioned safely.

How much sleep does a 6-month-old need?

At six months, most babies need about 12-16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. Some may start sleeping for longer stretches at night, while others may still need a night feed.

When can I start a bedtime routine?

You can start a bedtime routine when your baby is around 3 months old. The routine may include a bath, dressing in pajamas, and activities like reading a short story or singing a lullaby to signal that it’s time for sleep. 

What should I do if my baby has trouble sleeping during a growth spurt?

During growth spurts, babies may wake up more often to feed or may be more fussy. Comfort them as needed, and try to stick to your usual sleep routine to help them return to regular sleep patterns after the growth spurt.

What can I do if my baby wakes up every two hours?

Frequent night waking are common in the early months. Try feeding or soothing them back to sleep, and make sure your baby is comfortable. If the pattern persists, consider consulting a pediatrician for further advice. 

Can my baby sleep through noise?

Yes, it’s important to expose your baby to a variety of sounds during the day, including household noises. At night, a bit of noise is usually fine, but it’s helpful to keep the environment calm and soothing with consistent background sounds, like a white noise machine. 

What if my baby needs comfort in the middle of the night?

If your baby wakes up and needs comfort, try offering a gentle touch or soothing sounds without picking them up right away. This can help them learn to self-soothe while still feeling secure.