Why Won’t My Baby Sleep Through The Night? she googled desperately after the seventh wake-up… or was it the eighth?! Her friend had said, “He really should be sleeping through by now,” casually adding that all three of hers were “great sleepers” (eye roll). She meant well—but still, it stung.
If you’re here, bleary-eyed and desperate for answers, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you are not failing. There’s nothing wrong with your baby—or with you.
Let’s gently walk through what’s really going on—and what you can do to help your little one (and yourselves) get more sleep.
What Does “Sleeping Through The Night” Actually Mean?
You’d think there’d be a universal definition for “sleeping through the night,” but even among experts, opinions vary. Some define it as sleeping soundly for a stretch of several hours. Most sleep professionals agree that sleeping through the night means 11–12 hours of uninterrupted sleep, once developmentally appropriate.
So if your baby isn’t there yet? That’s okay. It doesn’t mean they’ll never get there. It just means they’re not quite there yet.
When Do Babies Sleep Through The Night?
The truth is, every baby is different. Some newborns begin sleeping for longer stretches within the first few months. Others take a bit more convincing. Applying a “one-size-fits-all” approach can leave parents feeling like they’re failing so please remember: ✨ Your baby’s journey is not a reflection of your parenting. ✨ If your baby needs more support to get there, that’s okay—and entirely fixable.
7 Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night.
If your baby is waking frequently and you’re desperate for longer stretches of rest, here are some expert-backed tips to encourage better sleep habits.
1. Check Developmental Readiness.
Before anything else, make sure your baby is developmentally ready for longer sleep stretches: Were they born at full term? Are there any known medical concerns or signs of discomfort? Is their weight tracking steadily along a growth curve?
✅ If you answered ‘yes’ to the above, they may be ready to sleep for longer. If you’re unsure, reach out to your GP or Health Visitor—a little reassurance can go a long way.
2. Make Each Feed Count.
Babies who feed well in the day are less likely to wake for calories at night. For sleepy feeders, try gentle stimulation (rubbing their feet or tickling their back) to help them stay awake long enough to feed properly. Focus on age-appropriate feed frequency with timings.
Top tip: Don’t obsess over the clock. Flexibility is key—but some structure supports the body’s natural circadian rhythms.
3. Support Daytime Naps.
Daytime sleep can affect night-time sleep – it’s all connected. In the early months, naps can be unpredictable as sleep cycles are shorter and our sleep pressure is lower during the day – but keep going. Sleeping is a transferrable skill so the more they practise it, the sooner they’ll have success! Where the nap happens doesn’t matter – do what works.
If you’ve had a rough night, meet a friend for a walk or pop your baby in the cot and sneak a 20- minute power nap. You’ll feel more human, we promise.
4. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine.
Even tiny babies thrive on predictable routines. It helps them feel safe and cues their brain for sleep. Your routine might look like:
- Warm bath
- Gentle baby massage
- Milk feed
- Bedtime story and cuddle
- Bedtime
This repetition builds comfort, familiarity, and trust.
5. Focus on Sleeping Safely and Sleep Hygiene.
Keep the sleep space calm and safe. Baby should sleep on their back in a clear cot so no loose bedding/toys. Avoid overheating by keeping the temperature cool – light layers are best.
Use blackout blinds to reduce stimulation. Small changes can make a big difference over time.
6. Adjust Your Day and Night Response.
Your baby doesn’t know if it’s 2 a.m. but you can help them learn the difference between day and night. During the day, keep things bright, interactive, and social. At night, keep your response calm, quiet, and brief.
Over time, your baby will begin to understand the rhythm of day and night. You’re gently teaching them, moment by moment.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Sleep deprivation is not a parenting rite of passage you need to endure alone.
✨ We know a little extra support can make a big difference to families. Reach out when you’re ready. We’ll listen, guide, and help you and your baby get the rest you both deserve.
Final Thoughts: It Will Get Better.
You might not feel it right now (especially at 3 a.m.), but this phase won’t last forever. With time, guidance, and the right support, your baby will sleep longer—and you will too.
In the meantime, go easy on yourself. Pour a cup of tea. Close your eyes when you can. Let us help when you’re ready.
You’ve got this.
Looking for One-to-One Support? Sometimes all you need is someone in your corner. We offer personalised sleep support for tired parents just like you. Contact us here—we’re always happy to chat.
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