One of the biggest challenges for parents is getting their baby to sleep for longer stretches at night. While newborns wake frequently for feedings, by 4 to 6 months, many babies are capable of sleeping longer without interruptions. Establishing healthy sleep habits early on can make a big difference.
1 – Why Do Babies Wake Up at Night?
🚼 Hunger – In the first few months, babies need to feed every few hours.
🚼 Sleep Associations – If a baby only falls asleep being rocked or fed, they may struggle to sleep independently.
🚼 Discomfort – Wet diapers, teething pain, or room temperature changes can disrupt sleep.
🚼 Developmental Milestones – Learning new skills like rolling over or standing can temporarily affect sleep.
2 – Strategies to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer
2.1 Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
✔️ A predictable sequence (bath, pajamas, feeding, lullaby) signals to the baby that it’s time to sleep.
✔️ Keep the routine calm and relaxing to avoid overstimulation.
2.2 Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
✔️ Keep the room dark with blackout curtains.
✔️ Maintain a comfortable temperature (20–22°C).
✔️ Use white noise to drown out background sounds.
2.3 Encourage Self-Soothing
✔️ Instead of rocking or feeding to sleep, place the baby in the crib drowsy but awake.
✔️ If the baby fusses, try patting or shushing instead of immediately picking them up.
2.4 Increase Daytime Feedings
✔️ Ensure the baby gets enough calories during the day to reduce hunger at night.
2.5 Avoid Overstimulation Before Bedtime
✔️ Limit loud noises and bright lights in the evening.
✔️ Keep nighttime feedings quiet and brief to prevent full wakefulness.
3 – Final Thoughts
Helping a baby sleep through the night requires patience and consistency. By following a bedtime routine, encouraging self-soothing, and ensuring the baby is comfortable, parents can gradually extend sleep durations and enjoy more restful nights.
