All you want are your precious zzz’s, but your little one seems to be a certified night owl. You’re wondering how to get your baby to sleep through the night.
In this article, we’ll tell you how much sleep your little one needs, why they might be up, and how to get them off to dreamland so you can do the same.
Table of contents
- A baby’s sleep needs
- Reasons why babies wake up at night
- How to get baby to sleep through the night: Considerations
- How to get baby to sleep through the night: Tips
Key Takeaways
A baby’s sleep needs
Every baby is different with regard to the exact number of hours of sleep they need. Here’s a general rule of thumb based solely on age.
- Newborn to three months: 16 to 18 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period
- Four to twelve months: 8 to 12 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period
Other factors may affect how long your baby will sleep, including whether they were born prematurely and what they are being fed.
Reasons why babies wake up at night
Newborns don’t yet have their circadian rhythm established, so they can’t tell the difference between day and night. It’s normal for young babies to wake up a few times each night.
However, if your little one is past that stage and still isn’t getting the sleep they need, there are many reasons why your little one might have difficulty sleeping through the night, including:
- Hunger pains
- Digestive issues
- Soiled or wet diapers
- Developmental milestones
- Sickness
-
Teething
- Security or bonding
- Growth spurts
Some of these things can be avoided with extra planning before bed. For instance, it’s always smart to change your baby right before bed and give an additional feeding.
How to get baby to sleep through the night: Considerations
Wondering how to get your baby to sleep so you all can get some shuteye? There are a few things to consider first. Let’s take a look.
Age
Doctors don’t recommend starting sleep training until your baby is four to six months old. Before that, your little one may not be ready to regulate their sleep cycle.
Developmental milestones
Before sleep training, your little one should also be able to sit up or roll over. The more they can move around, the more likely they are to find a comfortable position for sleep. This results in better sleep quality and fewer nighttime disruptions.
Medical issues
If your baby has medical concerns like digestive problems, teething pains, or reflux, it might not be the best time to start sleep training. Your baby has a good reason for waking up.
Parental readiness
When deciding whether it’s time to start training your baby how to sleep through the night, you’ll want to consider your own needs. Sleep training takes stamina, requiring you to be consistent and patient as baby adjusts.
How to get baby to sleep through the night: Tips
If you’ve decided that it’s time to learn how to get your baby to sleep through the night, there are a few things to keep in mind to create a more restful evening for everyone.
1) Prepare the room for sleep.
Sleep environment
Be sure your baby’s nursery is conducive to a good night’s sleep. That means it’s dark, quiet, and just the right temperature.
If there’s too much light, consider getting blackout curtains, and if you’re worried about noise, a sound machine can help. As for the temperature, set the thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety concerns
Of course, you’ll also want to ensure that the nursery is as safe as it can be. Place the crib away from the window, dangling cords, and heaters.
Also, keep the crib bare, with no stuffed animals, pillows, bumpers, or toys. The crib should only contain the mattress, the fitted sheet, and your little bundle of joy.
2) Make sure the mattress is firm.
Your baby’s mattress should be breathable and firm. Newton’s Original Mattress is breathable, firm, and even washable from cover to core.
Our mattress also offers a soft, quilted cover for the most comfortable sleep. You might want to add an Extra Cover and some soft Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets to complete the crib set-up.
3) Check that your baby’s needs are met.
As we said, before putting your baby to bed, give them one extra feeding and change their diaper. This should buy you several hours before your little one needs your attention again.
4) Set a bedtime routine.
The bedtime routine is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your baby sleeps well. Whatever your routine includes, make sure it’s calming and consistent. Here are some ideas:
- Play quiet music
- Dim the lights
- Read a bedtime story
- Give a baby massage
5) Put your baby to bed drowsy.
Sleeping through the night is an exercise in your baby’s independence. When they go to bed drowsy, they’re able to self-soothe, improving their overall sleep.
6) Try the 5 S’s.
If you’re struggling with getting your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep, you might want to try the 5 S’s, a technique developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp.
Swaddle.
Wrap your little one in a swaddle to help them feel more secure, as if they were still in the womb. Swaddling also prevents the startle reflex, where their arms and legs flail.
Be sure to stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling over.
Shush.
Making a shushing sound can calm your baby and help them get to sleep. The sound might remind them of being in your tummy, and how secure and relaxed they felt.
Swing.
“Swing” does not refer to a literal swing: Instead, while you’re shushing, gently move your baby from side to side to mimic how they were moving while in utero.
Suck.
Another way to get your baby calm and ready for sleep is to give your little one a pacifier to suck on. The non-nutritive sucking relaxes them and may help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Side or Stomach Position
Although you should always put your baby to bed on their back until they’re a year old, if your little one is being fussy about sleep, you can hold them on their side or on their tummy in your arms while soothing them.
Just remember to place them on their back when you lay them down in their crib.
7) Set a sleep schedule.
Watch your baby’s sleep cues, get familiar with their wake windows, and set a schedule for your little one’s daily sleep. The schedule will give your baby a predictable routine so they begin to instinctively know when it’s time for bed.
8) Choose a sleep training method.
There are lots of different ways to sleep train, and they all have pros and cons. Techniques include:
-
Cry it out method
-
Ferber method
- Chair method
- Fading method
Some sleep training methods take longer but are more gentle, while others are more abrupt. Whatever method you choose, stay consistent.
9) Be patient.
Sleep training takes time, and if you get anxious about it, your little one will feel it. Just relax and be patient.
Good night, baby!
Nighttime gets a lot easier when you know how to get your baby to sleep through the night — from preparing their nursery for sleep to practicing the 5 S’s to calm your little one.
For the best (and safest!) night’s sleep, try Newton’s Original Mattress. It’s firm, ultra breathable, and GREENGUARD Certified, meaning it adheres to the most stringent guidelines to maintain healthy air quality indoors.
With a Newton mattress, your little one will be off to dreamland in no time!
Frequently asked questions
1) When should I consult a doctor about my baby’s sleep?
Reach out to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about the duration or quality of your baby’s sleep or if your baby is extra fussy, not eating well, or is hard to wake during the day. Your doctor can check to see if there’s anything else going on that needs to be addressed.
2) Is sleep training safe for babies?
Sleep training is safe for babies four months old or older. They know how to self-soothe and don’t require as many feedings.
3) Can a baby sleep too much?
Yes. For newborns sleeping more than 16 to 18 hours a day, there’s the concern that they may not be eating enough. Generally, they should be eating every two to four hours. Also, if you’re breastfeeding and your baby doesn’t nurse enough, your milk supply will diminish.
