Why your baby won’t sleep through the night. And what to do about it.

If you're reading this at 2 AM with a fussy baby in your arms, running on coffee and sheer determination, I see you. I know exactly how exhausting and frustrating it can be when your little one just won’t sleep through the night. The good news? You’re not alone, and there’s hope!

As a former nanny, I’ve helped many parents navigate sleepless nights and turn things around. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons babies wake at night and what you can do to help them (and yourself) get the rest you need.

Why Is My Baby Waking Up So Much?

There are many reasons babies struggle to sleep through the night. Here are some of the most common:

- Hunger: Newborns, in particular, need to feed frequently. But as babies grow, they often wake out of habit rather than hunger. If your baby is older than six months and still waking frequently to feed, it might be time to reassess whether they truly need those night feeds.

- Sleep Associations: If your baby relies on rocking, feeding, or holding to fall asleep, they may struggle to settle themselves when they wake between sleep cycles. Teaching them independent sleep skills can make a big difference.

- Overtiredness or Undertiredness: Babies need the right amount of awake time between naps. Too much or too little can lead to night wakings. Finding the right balance is key!

- Developmental Leaps & Teething: Growth spurts, learning new skills (like rolling or crawling), or teething discomfort can all contribute to temporary sleep disruptions.

- Environment: A too-bright room, loud noises, or an uncomfortable temperature can all affect your baby’s sleep. Small tweaks, like blackout curtains or white noise, can work wonders.

What Can You Do to Help?

- Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine – A predictable, calming routine (like bath, book, bed) signals to your baby that sleep is coming.

- Encourage Independent Sleep Skills – Helping your baby learn to self-settle can reduce unnecessary wake-ups. This doesn’t mean leaving them to cry, it means gradually guiding them toward better sleep habits.

- Check Their Wake Windows – Age-appropriate wake times can prevent overtiredness and improve sleep quality.

- Ensure a Sleep-Friendly Environment – Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.

- Be Patient & Flexible – Sleep isn’t always linear, and regressions happen. The key is to stay consistent and supportive while giving your baby the tools to sleep better.

When to Seek Help

If you’ve tried everything and your baby still isn’t sleeping well, it might be time for some expert guidance. Every baby is unique, and sometimes, small tweaks can make a huge difference. That’s where I come in.

As a baby sleep consultant, I work with families to create customized sleep plans that fit their baby’s needs and their parenting style. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but together, we can find a solution that works for you.

Let’s Chat! Book a free 15-minute consultation, and let’s start your journey toward better sleep. Because you (and your baby) deserve it!