One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “Why is my baby not sleeping?”
The truth is, there isn’t one simple answer. Babies are unique little humans, and their sleep can be influenced by many factors.
Why is my baby not sleeping?
- Overtiredness – Ironically, when babies are kept awake too long, their bodies release stress hormones that make it harder to fall and stay asleep. This can make it harder to settle at bedtime, and causes night wakes and early wakes.
- Hunger or growth spurts – Babies grow rapidly, and sometimes frequent night waking is their way of saying, “I need a top-up.” This can sometimes be the case, but if you’re experiencing more than a few days of disruption, it’s likely something else that’s the issue.
- Developmental leaps – Rolling, crawling, or learning new skills can temporarily disrupt sleep as your baby’s brain is busy practicing—even at night!
- Sleep environment – Too much light, noise, or being too hot or cold can make it harder for babies to settle.
- Sleep associations – If your baby relies on rocking, feeding, or being held to fall asleep, they may wake during the night looking for the same comfort. More often than not, this is where you need to focus.
What you can do
The first step is to remember that disrupted sleep is normal at times. Babies’ sleep matures gradually, and setbacks are part of the process. That said, small changes can make a big difference:
- Aim for age-appropriate wake windows.
- Create a calm, predictable bedtime routine, around 30 – 40 minutes long.
- Keep the sleep space pitch black, cool, and quiet.
- Offer comfort while gradually encouraging your baby to fall asleep more independently.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Sleepless nights are exhausting, but with consistency and the right support, your baby can learn healthy sleep habits. And so can you—rest is coming.
Looking for some support?
If you’d like more personalised help, I’ve created a gentle step-by-step course for babies aged 6–18 months, plus weekly Q&As where I support you directly. Click here to learn more and start your journey to better sleep.
I also offer 1-1 packages where I will support you as you implement the plan at bedtime on the first night, and with 3 weeks follow up support. Click here to learn more.