As a new parent, getting your baby to sleep through the night can feel like a daunting task. While you might be well-versed in safe sleep practices, such as placing your baby on their back and keeping the crib free of loose bedding, the process of establishing solid sleep habits isn’t always intuitive. Here are some common sleep mistakes that parents often make and expert advice on how to avoid them.
- Making Baby Dependent on You to Sleep
The Mistake:
Rocking or nursing your baby to sleep can be a quick way to get them down, but it might also make them dependent on you for falling asleep. If your baby learns to rely on being held or fed to sleep, they may struggle to self-soothe when they wake up during the night, leading to more frequent wake-ups.
The Fix:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends putting your baby in their crib when they’re drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own, which can lead to better sleep habits overall. However, every family is different—if rocking or nursing to sleep works for you and your baby, that’s okay too. The key is to ensure both you and your baby are getting enough rest.
- Going to Baby As Soon As They Stir at Night
The Mistake:
It’s natural to want to comfort your baby the moment they start fussing at night, but rushing to their side might not always be necessary.
The Fix:
Instead of immediately intervening, give your baby a few minutes to see if they can settle back to sleep on their own. Many babies will stir or make noise during light sleep phases but will quickly fall back asleep if left alone. This helps them learn to self-soothe.
- Turning a Night Light On and Off in the Night
The Mistake:
While nightlights can be useful for nighttime feedings and diaper changes, turning them on and off can disrupt your baby’s sleep environment.
The Fix:
Keep the nursery consistent in terms of lighting and sound throughout the night. If you use a nightlight, leave it on at a low level all night so that the environment remains the same when your baby wakes up.
- Having Unrealistic Expectations for Baby’s Sleep
The Mistake:
Many parents expect their baby to sleep through the night by a certain age, often around 12 weeks. This expectation can lead to unnecessary stress if your baby isn’t meeting this milestone.
The Fix:
Understand that every baby is different. While some babies might sleep through the night early on, it’s normal for others to wake up frequently until they’re older. By 6 months, most babies can sleep for longer stretches, but if your baby isn’t there yet, it’s okay. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep.
- Putting Baby to Bed Too Late
The Mistake:
Waiting too long to put your baby to bed can backfire, making it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The Fix:
Watch for sleep cues like rubbing eyes, yawning, or fussiness, and try to put your baby down before they become overtired. A well-timed bedtime helps your baby fall asleep more easily and reduces nighttime wake-ups. Newborns typically need 14 to 17 hours of sleep a day, while older babies need 12 to 15 hours.
- Having an Inconsistent Bedtime Routine
The Mistake:
A lack of a consistent bedtime routine can make it harder for your baby to understand when it’s time to sleep.
The Fix:
Create a simple, consistent bedtime routine that you follow every night. This might include a bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, and reading a story or singing a lullaby. Doing the same activities in the same order helps signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, making bedtime smoother for everyone.
- Letting Baby Fall Asleep Anywhere
The Mistake:
Allowing your baby to fall asleep in different places (like in the car or stroller) can lead to difficulties in establishing a consistent sleep routine.
The Fix:
Whenever possible, have your baby nap and sleep in their crib or bassinet. This consistency helps them associate their sleep space with rest, leading to better sleep habits over time. It’s also important to keep nap times consistent, both in timing and location.
- Letting Baby Sleep All Day
The Mistake:
Letting your baby sleep for too long during the day can interfere with nighttime sleep.
The Fix:
If a nap is stretching on too long, gently wake your baby to maintain their overall sleep schedule. This ensures they’re tired enough to sleep well at night. During their awake times, engage with them through play and interaction to help tire them out for their next nap or bedtime.
Parenting is a learning process, and sleep is one of the trickiest aspects to master. By being mindful of these common sleep mistakes and making adjustments as needed, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits that benefit the whole family. Remember to be patient with yourself and your baby as you navigate these early months—every small step toward better sleep is a win!