Why Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping and How to Help Them Sleep Through the Night

Introduction

Sometimes your little one’s sleep pattern may seem unpredictable. Despite the late-night rocking and the endless lullabies, your baby just wouldn’t sleep through the night, leaving you stressed and exhausted. You know this is temporary, and you’re living with the hope that soon your child would finally sleep long enough, but the current phase seems endless!  

Well, research shows that sleep patterns in infants and young children vary widely across ages, with newborns sleeping in short stretches and older babies gradually settling into longer, more consolidated sleep¹. For instance,  infants typically sleep about 12 to 16 hours a day, while toddlers average around 11 to 14 hours, but how and when those hours happen can differ greatly from one child to another².

In this article, we will try to answer some common questions related to this topic like why my baby is not sleeping deeply and how to make my baby sleep better. We will also explain how you can recognise early signs before overtiredness sets in, and share some simple, comforting strategies that can help your little one sleep comfortably for longer periods. 

Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Needs

Sleep is one of the most essential functions of life, especially during infancy, when rapid growth and brain development are taking place. From the time a baby is born, sleep plays a vital role in supporting healthy physical, emotional, and cognitive development³.

Newborns and young infants spend much of their day sleeping, though their sleep is often fragmented and occurs in short cycles⁴. In the early weeks of life, babies do not yet have an established circadian rhythm, meaning they are not able to differentiate much between day and night. However, by around 10 to 12 weeks of age, the first signs of a regular sleep–wake cycle begin to appear, and many babies gradually start sleeping for longer stretches at night³. 

Experts like the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommend the following sleep durations as general guidelines⁵:

• Newborn baby sleeping time (0 to 3 months): 14 to 17 hours per day 
• Infants sleeping time (4 to 11 months): 12 to 15 hours per day 
• Toddlers’sleeping time (1 to 2 years): 11 to 14 hours per day 
• Preschoolers’sleeping time (3 to 5 years): 10 to 13 hours per day 

Ultimately, your baby’s sleep needs are unique and evolve quickly during the first few years of life. Therefore, if you are wondering why my baby is not sleeping deeply, understanding these natural changes can help you respond more confidently to your baby’s cues and create gentle, effective sleep routines. 

Why Your Baby Might Not Be Sleeping Well?

Sleep disturbances are a normal part of infancy, and every baby’s sleep pattern is different. Some babies sleep for long stretches, while others wake frequently during the night, and both can be completely normal.  

Here are some of the most common reasons: 

• Hunger or Growth Spurts: In the first few months, babies need to feed often, including at night. During growth spurts (when your child rapidly increases in height and weight), babies may wake more frequently to feed as their bodies demand extra energy⁶. 
• Discomfort: A wet diaper, being too hot or too cold, or even tight clothing can make it hard for your baby to settle⁷. 
• Medical Illness: Medical reasons a baby won’t sleep include issues like teething, gastric reflux, nasal obstruction, or a cough amongst others, which can cause discomfort and lead to frequent night-time waking^7,8.
• Overtiredness: Babies who stay awake for too long become overtired, making it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep⁷.
• Physiologic Conditions: Presence of neonatal reflex like startle reflex can make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep⁹. 
• Overstimulation: Loud noises, bright lights, or too much play before bedtime can make it difficult for your baby to wind down¹⁰.
• Changes in Environment or Routine: Travel, new surroundings, or even a change in caregivers can temporarily disrupt your baby’s sleep¹¹.
• Separation Anxiety: Many babies experience separation anxiety. They may resist sleep or cry when you leave the room because they feel distressed¹².

Note: Remember, occasional sleep struggles are part of normal development. With patience, gentle reassurance, and a consistent routine, most babies eventually learn to sleep for longer stretches as they grow. However, in some cases medical illnesses may be the cause of sleep disturbances. They need to be evaluated thoroughly and managed appropriately. 

Recognising Your Baby’s Tired Signs

Every baby has their own way of showing when they are ready for sleep. Thus, learning to spot these cues can make a big difference in helping your baby settle more easily and avoid becoming overtired. In the first few months, babies tire quickly¹³.

• Newborns (0 to 3 months): May show tired signs after being awake for just 30 minutes. 
• Babies (3 to 6 months): Often start getting tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of wakefulness. 

Common signs of tiredness include^13,14:

• Jerky or restless movements 
• Frowning or looking worried 
• Clenched fists 
• Yawning or fluttering eyelids 
• Staring into space or avoiding eye contact 
• Rubbing eyes or face 
• Sucking on fingers or hands 
• Crying  
• Arching of back 

Note: Sometimes, babies may show similar cues when they are bored (for example, staring or fussing). In those cases, a gentle change of activity or environment can help. But if your baby has been awake for a while and starts showing multiple sleepy cues, it’s best to create a calm environment and help them drift off to sleep before overtiredness sets in^13,14.

Practical Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Better & Quicker

Every baby is different, but most can be gently guided toward better sleep with a mix of routine, comfort, and consistency. So, if you want to know how to make a baby sleep, here are some practical ways to help your little one sleep more peacefully. 

1. Maintain Regular Sleep Patterns

Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits and feel secure¹³.

2. Separate Feeding from Sleep

 After a feed, enjoy brief playtime (like cuddles, floor play, or a short walk) so your baby does not always fall asleep right after feeding. This helps prevent a strong feed–sleep association that can lead to frequent night wakings¹⁵.

3. Watch for Tired Cues

Yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming fussy are early signs that it’s time to sleep. Try settling your baby before they become overtired¹⁴.

4. Encourage Short Naps 

Offer 2 to 3 naps a day, each around 1 to 2 hours. Avoid very long or late-afternoon naps, which can disrupt night-time sleep¹⁴.

5. Maintain Proper Sleeping Posture

 Always place the baby on their back on a firm, flat surface for safe sleep. Neck should be well supported while keeping baby down¹⁶.

6. Swaddle Safely

 If your baby cannot yet roll over, wrapping them snugly can provide comfort. Ensure the swaddle allows free chest and hip movement and stop swaddling once rolling begins¹³.

7. Create a Day-Night Rhythm

Keep the daytime environment bright and interactive. At night, dim lights, lower noise, and keep feeds calm and quiet to signal it’s sleep time¹⁵. 

8. Use Calming Sounds and Cues

 Soft singing, lullabies, or white noise can help some babies relax¹³.

9. Keep Bedtime Predictable

A warm bath, gentle massage, and dim lights can make bedtime calm and reassuring¹³.

10. Promote Self-Settling

While holding or rocking is comforting, gradually letting your baby fall asleep in their own space can support better sleep habits over time¹⁴.

Parenting through sleepless nights can be exhausting, and your well-being matters, too. So, don’t forget to look after yourself¹⁵:

• Rest whenever possible, even during the day. 
• Ask for support from family or friends. 

Safe Sleep Guidelines for Babies

Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your baby. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for safe infant sleep. Here’s how you can help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)¹⁶:

• Always place your baby on their back (Supine position) for all sleep times, for both naps and nighttime. 
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, covered only with a fitted sheet. Avoid inclined or soft surfaces. 
• Share the room, not the bed. Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet in the same room where you sleep, ideally for at least the first 6 months. 
• Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the sleep area. Avoid blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, and soft toys, which can pose suffocation risks. 
• Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and never cover their head during sleep. Signs your baby may be too hot include sweating or a warm chest. 
• Avoid smoking, nicotine exposure, alcohol, and illegal drugs during pregnancy and after birth.  

When to Seek Help for Sleep Issues?

While sleep challenges are common in babies, sometimes persistent problems may need extra attention. You should consider speaking with your paediatrician or a child sleep specialist if^13,15:

• Your baby has trouble falling or staying asleep most nights (even with a consistent routine). 
• Sleep issues are causing excessive fussiness, day-time sleepiness, poor feeding, or developmental concerns. 
• You notice sudden changes in sleep patterns not linked to growth spurts, teething, or illness. 
• You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sleep-deprived and need guidance or support. 

Keep in mind that early intervention can make a big difference, both for your baby’s rest and your own peace of mind. A doctor can help rule out underlying medical issues, provide practical sleep strategies, and support your baby’s healthy development. 

Also Read: Oral Thrush in Babies: Why It Happens and How to Manage It Safely at Home 

Conclusion

Sleep challenges are a normal part of your baby’s growth and development. From recognising tired cues and establishing a calming bedtime routine to creating a safe, nurturing sleep environment, each small step helps your baby learn when and how to rest. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to help your baby sleep; what matters most is finding what works best for your family. Be patient with yourself and your little one as you navigate sleepless nights and ever-changing routines. Over time, consistent habits, gentle reassurance, and a safe sleep space will lead to better rest for everyone.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Galland BC, Taylor BJ, Elder DE, Herbison P. Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: a systematic review of observational studies. Sleep Med Rev. 2012 Jun;16(3):213-22. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21784676/ 

2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How Much Sleep Is Enough? [Internet]. NIH; [cited 2025 Nov 04]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep 

3. Tham EK, Schneider N, Broekman BF. Infant sleep and its relation with cognition and growth: a narrative review. Nat Sci Sleep. 2017 May 15;9:135-149. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5440010/ 

4. De Beritto TV. Newborn Sleep: Patterns, Interventions, and Outcomes. Pediatr Ann. 2020 Feb 1;49(2):e82-e87. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32045487/ 

5. Hirshkowitz M, Whiton K, Albert SM, Alessi C, Bruni O, DonCarlos L, et al. National Sleep Foundation’s updated sleep duration recommendations: final report. Sleep Health. 2015 Dec;1(4):233-243. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073398/ 

6. UNICEF. How often should a newborn feed? [Internet]. UNICEF; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/how-often-should-newborn-feed 

7. National Childbirth Trust. How to survive nights when your toddler keeps waking up [Internet]. NCT; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/caring-for-your-baby-or-toddler/how-survive-nights-when-your-toddler-keeps-waking 

8. Seo WH, Park M, Eun SH, Rhie S, Song DJ, Chae KY. My child cannot breathe while sleeping: a report of three cases and review. BMC Pediatr. 2017 Jul 18;17(1):169. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5516313/ 

9. Pattnaik P, Al Khalili Y. Moro reflex [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; [cited 2025 Nov 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542173/ 

10. National Health Service. Helping your baby to sleep [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep/ 

11. Quante M, McGee GW, Yu X, von Ash T, Luo M, Kaplan ER, et al. Associations of sleep-related behaviors and the sleep environment at infant age one month with sleep patterns in infants five months later. Sleep Med. 2022 Jun;94:31-37. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10315002/ 

12. Scher A. Maternal separation anxiety as a regulator of infants’ sleep. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2008 Jun;49(6):618-25. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18341549/ 

13. Better Health Victoria. Preventing sleep concerns (0–6 months) [Internet]. Better Health Channel; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/preventing-sleep-concerns-babies-0-6-months 

14. MedlinePlus. Bedtime habits for infants and children [Internet]. National Library of Medicine; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002392.htm 

15. HealthyWA. Sleep 3–6 months [Internet]. Western Australia: Department of Health; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Sleep-3-6-months 

16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safe sleep for babies: Reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death [Internet]. CDC; [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/sleep-safely/index.html 

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