You finally get your baby to bed, but before you know it, they’re up again demanding your attention. It sounds like you’re in the throes of a false start bedtime.
In this article, we’ll tell you what a false start bedtime is and what causes it. We’ll also give you tips on how to help your little one fall asleep and stay asleep.
Key Takeaways
What is a false start bedtime?
Before we dive in, it’s important to know what a false start bedtime is. It’s when your baby falls asleep but then awakens soon after, typically within 30 to 40 minutes.
This sort of sleep disruption makes bedtime a struggle because you have to go through the routine of getting your little one back to sleep all over again, and you’re probably ready for some shuteye yourself.
Causes of a false start bedtime
There are a host of reasons your baby may be experiencing false start bedtimes. Let’s take a look.
Discomfort
First of all, your little one may be waking up because they’re uncomfortable. This could be thanks to gas, teething, or even a stuffy nose.
Hunger
Did your baby fall asleep before the last feeding? If they went to bed on an empty tummy, it may be hunger that stirred them from sleep.
Overtiredness
If your little one doesn’t get enough sleep during the day, by the time bedtime rolls around, they may become overtired. Similarly, overtiredness can happen if the last wake window before bed was too short.
Undertiredness
Being undertired is another reason your baby may have a false start bedtime. For instance, if they had too much sleep during the day, their sleep cycle may be thrown off, making it harder for them to settle down.
This can also happen if the last wake window before bed went on too long or if their naps didn’t reduce their fatigue or relax them.
Early bedtime
Are you putting your baby down before they’re sufficiently tired? If your baby’s natural bedtime is later than when you’re saying goodnight, this could be why they’re awakening so quickly.
Early wake time
On the other hand, if you’re waking your baby up from their naps before their full sleep cycle is done, this disruption can cause false start bedtimes.
It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s sleep noises to understand if they’re truly ready to wake up or if they’re just transitioning sleep cycles.
Overstimulation
Sometimes your baby will wake up again after they were put to bed because they were overstimulated by extra noise, light, or activity. This often happens when you change their diaper or feed them at night.
Sleep tips for baby
If you want to avoid a false start bedtime, there are things you can do to improve your little one’s sleep. Here are a few ideas to try.
Don’t wake your baby up before they’re ready.
Let your baby’s natural sleep rhythms take over. Watch for their sleep signs, and try not to wake them up prematurely (unless there’s a reason, such as for a feeding). It’s important that they get through their full sleep cycle.
Allow your baby to go to sleep at their natural bedtime.
Similarly, you’ll want your little one to go to sleep when they’re ready. Again, you should watch for cues and avoid putting them to bed or keeping them up just for the sake of a schedule.
Avoid overstimulating your baby.
Be careful not to overstimulate your baby during nighttime feedings or diaper changes. Keep lights low and your voice quiet as you address your baby’s needs.
Pay attention to your baby’s wake windows.
If you pay attention to your little one’s wake windows, then they’re less likely to become overtired or undertired. Wake windows correspond with your baby’s age: As your baby gets older, wake windows increase and daytime naps decrease.
Put your baby in their crib drowsy but awake.
Your baby will be a better sleeper if they’re put to bed in their crib while they’re drowsy but awake. If they fall asleep in other places and are moved to their crib, they don’t learn to self-soothe, something that’s helpful for their overall sleep quality.
Optimize sleep environment.
When it’s time for bed, your baby’s nursery should be dark, quiet, and cool. Blackout shades can work wonders for keeping the light out, and a white noise machine will cover up any distracting sounds that could wake up your baby.
As for the temperature, set the thermostat for 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
One of the most important things you can do to help your baby’s sleep is to establish a bedtime routine. This is simply a set of steps that takes about 15 to 20 minutes to do, crafted to help your baby calm down and prepare for sleep.
Make sure baby gets enough daytime sleep.
If your little one isn’t getting the proper amount of sleep during the day, their nighttime sleep will be affected. Ensure they’re taking the right amount of naps, and that the last nap isn’t too close to their bedtime.
Follow safe sleep practices.
When you put your baby to bed, always follow safe sleep practices. For instance, your baby should be put to sleep on their back and always on a safe-sleep surface like a bassinet, travel crib, or crib. You’ll also want to be sure that their mattress is firm and breathable.
Newton mattresses, like our Original Mattress, Waterproof Mattress, and Essential Mattress, are firm, breathable, and completely washable, cover to core. Pair them with our Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets and you have all you need for your baby’s perfect sleep!
Dress your baby appropriately for sleep.
Dress your baby in one layer more than you would comfortably wear for the temperature in the room. Skip the hat and blanket, and opt for a swaddle or sleepsack. (Just remember to stop swaddling once your little one can roll over.)
Note: Be sure not to overdress your little one, and always check for signs of overheating, such as sweating, redness, flushed cheeks, and warm skin.
Consider a pacifier.
Pacifiers relax babies and may even reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). What’s more, they can help your baby self-soothe and learn to fall back asleep if they wake up.
When to contact your pediatrician
If your baby regularly has false starts at bedtime and you’re worried about their sleep quality, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor. Other reasons you might contact your pediatrician include:
- Concerns about baby’s development
- Unusual sleep patterns
- Suspicion of an underlying medical issue
- Signs of discomfort or illness
Ready, set, sleep.
False start bedtimes happen, but there are many things you can do to help your baby get back on track for a good night’s sleep. For instance, make sure your baby has a firm, breathable, and comfortable mattress. Newton’s mattresses tick those boxes and are also completely washable from cover to core.
Peace of mind for you and a good night’s sleep for baby: That’s the Newton promise.
Frequently asked questions
Will my baby grow out of a false start bedtime?
Yes. Generally speaking, babies grow out of false start bedtimes by the time they hit their first birthday. By then, they can sleep for longer periods and know how to self-soothe.
What’s the 5-3-3 rule for babies?
The 5-3-3 rule is a sleep training method that helps your baby get onto a consistent sleep schedule. With 5-3-3, your little one will sleep for five hours, then stay awake for three hours, and then sleep for three hours.
This method is not always recommended for very young babies who haven’t yet developed their circadian rhythm, and is best for children six months and older.
What’s the 5-10-15 rule for baby sleep?
Also known as the Ferber method of sleep training, the 5-10-15 rule is when you gradually increase the amount of time between putting baby to bed and checking on them.
Basically, you put your baby to bed and then wait five minutes before checking on them. The next time, increase that to 10 minutes and then 15 minutes. The idea is to give your baby a small block of time to learn to self-soothe so they can fall asleep independently.