Sleep deprivation with babies is one of the toughest challenges of parenthood – so why are they still not sleeping through the night?
Welcoming your little one into the world is one of the best experiences, but like most amazing things, they come with their challenges and in this case, it’s often sleep and the lack of it.
You’ll find yourself constantly searching for the answers to questions like ‘when will my baby sleep through the night?’ or ‘why aren’t they sleeping through the night yet?’ and sadly, there is no miracle answer or top tip for success.
However, there are a few things you can do and be aware of to be more understanding of your tot’s sleep patterns and when you can expect them to achieve a multiple-hour stretch.
When do babies sleep through the night?
Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this. Every baby is different and they all experience different sleep needs, meaning it’s no use comparing or worrying.
Generally speaking, little ones tend to begin longer stretches overnight (it can take a while for a baby to achieve a full 12 hours so don’t be disheartened) from six months onwards as their overnight needs – such as feeds and changes – become less.
It’s also good to keep in mind that in their first year of life, a baby’s sleep pattern can vary hugely. You can find them sleeping amazingly one week, to them being up every hour the next.
The key is to remember everything is a passing phase and to ask for as much help as you can to help you catch up on your own sleep.
Why is my baby still not sleeping through the night?
With sleep needs and requirements being so different from baby to baby, it can be quite hard to achieve those golden stretches of rest.
However, there are a few reasons your baby may not, or no longer, be sleeping through the night.
Here are a few explanations to help you along with your little one’s sleep journey:
Learning the difference between day and night
The first big sleep challenge for babies and parents is helping your little one understand the difference between day and night – something that can become quite difficult in the summer months.
Keep things active and bright during awake hours, and dark and calm during the nighttime.
It might be worth purchasing some blackout blinds to keep out the summer sunshine.
Room conditions
It is recommended babies sleep in the same room as their parents until at least six months old before you can put them in their own nursery.
As a baby’s sleep cycle can be short, it is important to make sure there are no little niggles that can cause disturbance in the night.
This includes the ideal baby sleep temperature and bedding, the right amount of darkness, keeping the decor calm and non-stimulating, and making sure there are no sudden noises such as the heating clicking on.
Separation anxiety
It is very common for babies to experience separation anxiety, and this can definitely affect sleep as they wake up to find you, the person they know they are extremely dependant on, are there.
This can also become present during the day when you find your baby crying if you leave the room.
Like most things, this is often just a phase and demonstrates their bond to you – keep comforting and reassuring them.
Naps
A child’s sleep routine and nap schedule can vary hugely within the first 12 months of their life, so it’s important to react to their changing sleep needs.
For example, it is generally recommended that a baby up to the age of seven months should have three naps a day.
However, this varies hugely between child to child so it’s advised you speak to your health visitor for more personalised advice.
Bedtime routine
Never underestimate the power of a bedtime routine with babies.
Activities such as a calming bath, baby massage, reading books or a little sing-song done regularly can signal to your baby that it’s bedtime so they have some predictability over their day.
Teething and illnesses
Like us adults, illnesses can really disrupt a baby’s sleep as they will need extra attention and comfort. The same applies for teething.
If you are worried about your baby at all, ensure you ring the doctor or call NHS 111. And if you need any extra support with teething then please talk to your health visitor.
Developmental leaps
Your baby will learn a lot in the first 12 months of their life from crawling, to speaking, to walking which can all have an impact on their sleep as their brain processes the new skills.
When you see your baby start to master a new skill, try to do lots of practice during the day to help combat night wakings.
Baby sleep regressions
Regression – the word no parent likes to hear but are a keen part of your sleep journey with your tot.
There is a lot of debate on how many there are, but the most common one is the four-month sleep regression. This is usually a period of time from two to four weeks when you’ll notice your baby become fussier around bedtime and through the night.
Sleep regressions are linked to growth spurts, new milestones, and development.
What to do if you’re struggling with baby sleep?
Attending to all of your baby’s sleep needs can be exhausting and leave you forgetting all about your own.
If you are struggling, ensure you call on family for extra help so you can get in plenty of rest. Also, make sure you speak to a doctor or health visitor if you need any extra support or advice.
MORE : What is the 15 minute sleep rule?
MORE : What is gentle parenting – everything you need to know
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