Getting your baby to sleep can be one of the biggest challenges for new parents. Between feeding, changing, and soothing, sleep can sometimes feel elusive for both parents and babies. While it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently, there are several common factors that can affect a baby’s sleep.
Understanding Newborn Sleep Patterns
First, it is important to remember that newborns have unique sleep cycles. Newborns (0-3 months) typically sleep in short stretches, averaging 14-17 hours a day. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults, often lasting only 45-60 minutes, and they experience more light sleep stages. This means frequent waking is normal in the early months, as babies cannot sleep through the night.
Why Won’t My Baby Sleep? Common Reasons
If your baby seems particularly fussy or has difficulty settling down, here are some common causes that might be affecting their sleep:
- Hunger: Babies have small stomachs, so they need frequent feedings, especially during the first few months. Hunger is a primary reason babies wake up often, particularly during growth spurts.
- Discomfort: Diapers, clothing, or sleep environments can impact comfort. Babies may wake up if they are too hot, too cold, or have a wet diaper. Also, conditions like acid reflux or colic can make it hard for babies to settle down.
- Overtiredness: Paradoxically, if a baby is overtired, it can be more difficult for them to fall asleep. Overtiredness increases cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”), making it harder to relax and sleep.
- Day-Night Confusion: Some newborns experience “day-night confusion,” where they sleep more during the day and are more awake at night. This can occur because babies aren’t yet able to distinguish day from night.
- Developmental Milestones: Babies go through rapid growth and developmental stages, such as learning to roll over, crawl, or babble. These changes can disrupt sleep as babies try to practice new skills.
- Teething: As early as three months, some babies start teething, causing discomfort that may wake them up more often. Symptoms like gum pain and drooling can contribute to disrupted sleep.
- Illness: Colds, ear infections, and other common illnesses can interfere with sleep, especially if they cause congestion, coughing, or fever.
- Sleep Associations: If your baby associates certain actions with falling asleep—like nursing, rocking, or being held—they may find it hard to stay asleep without those actions.
Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better
If your baby’s sleep seems particularly challenging, here are some strategies to consider:
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: Consistent routines can signal to your baby that it is time to wind down. A simple routine might include a warm bath, gentle rocking, or a lullaby before putting them down to sleep. Repetition helps babies feel secure and can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
- Set a Day-Night Schedule: Help your baby differentiate between day and night by keeping the room bright during the day and dim in the evening. During the day, expose your baby to natural light and keep them active (in age-appropriate ways) to encourage alertness. In the evening, avoid bright lights and loud noises.
- Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure your baby’s sleep area is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature (between 68-72°F is ideal). Use a white noise machine to block out sudden sounds that might wake them up.
- Feed Strategically: Try to establish a feeding schedule that satisfies your baby’s hunger without frequent night feedings. As your baby grows, they may be able to go longer stretches between feedings. Talk to your pediatrician about when and how to extend these intervals.
- Encourage Self-Soothing: Babies naturally wake up several times during the night. Encouraging self-soothing skills can help them learn to fall back asleep on their own. This might involve putting them down when they are drowsy but awake and gradually minimizing hands-on soothing.
- Watch for Sleepy Cues: Learning to spot sleepy cues—such as eye rubbing, fussiness, or yawning—can help you put your baby to sleep before they become overtired. Putting your baby to bed at the right moment can make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Address Teething Discomfort: If teething is affecting your baby’s sleep, consider soothing strategies like a cool teething ring or gentle gum massage. Consult your pediatrician before giving any pain relievers.
- Adjust to Developmental Changes: Be flexible with your approach, as your baby’s needs and sleep patterns will change over time. If your baby is learning a new skill, you may notice temporary disruptions in sleep, which should ease once the milestone is reached.
When to Seek Help
While some sleep disruptions are normal, certain patterns might indicate it is time to speak with a healthcare provider. If your baby:
- Has difficulty gaining weight because they are not feeding well due to frequent waking
- Seems overly irritable, fussy, or inconsolable even after attempts to soothe them
- Experiences prolonged sleep disruptions that impact their well-being or yours
Consulting a pediatrician or sleep specialist can provide personalized guidance and identify if any underlying issues are at play.
Realistic Expectations: Sleep Takes Time
It is important for parents to have realistic expectations about infant sleep. Newborns and young infants need time to develop a natural sleep rhythm, and waking up frequently is normal in the early months. While it can be exhausting, know that this phase will pass, and your baby’s sleep patterns will gradually improve with age and development.
If you have questions about your child when your pediatrician’s office is closed, contact our board-certified Pediatricians.
