If you’ve been recently asking yourself, “Why my baby won’t sleep?” You’re in the right place. You’ll find the answers you need in this post. 

Babies are born curious. They want to open their eyes and explore all the sudden bursts of colors and emotions in front of them. Unfortunately, this can leave you frustrated and, oftentimes, sleep-deprived.

Through understanding the habitual patterns of your baby, we can identify some of the most common causes and fix them. In this article, we’ll share with you a simplified problem-solution guide along with what sleeping patterns to expect from your baby.

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Babies stay up all night for all sorts of reasons. In most cases, it’s considered normal behavior, so there’s no need to worry. 

For the purpose of this guide, we’re not gonna list obvious reasons like wet diapers and hunger. Chances are, you already know about them.

Instead, we’ve analyzed the demographics of babies in different age groups and came up with a simplified guide that covers the most common, yet not so obvious, reasons why your baby won’t sleep, with a quick fix for each scenario. 

Here are the six reasons why your baby enjoys the nightlife.


Most Common Reasons Why Babies Won’t Sleep

Unsuspecting parents usually sleep peacefully in the first couple of months. After that, your baby may experience something called “Sleep Regression.”

Sleep regression can start at any time but usually begins as the child is forming their first memories. Once it starts, your baby will frequently wake up in the middle of the night or refuse to sleep altogether.  

This is usually triggered by a sudden change in sleeping patterns. As your baby fights the urge to nod off, a habit will form. This habit will condition their body to wake up in the middle of sleep and hence disrupt the whole sleeping schedule.

The best approach to this behavior is to make a fun bedtime routine for your baby. This routine can consist of things like taking a warm bath, reading stories, singing lullabies, and goodnight kisses. The more your baby likes the routine, the more they’ll stick to it.

1. Too Excited to Sleep

Teething is perhaps the most common reason for babies to lose sleep. As the baby’s teeth first cut through, inflammation of the gums can leave them with aches and itchiness that make it hard for your baby to fall asleep. 

Teething will usually start between the first three to six months of your baby’s life. After that, you’ll hear fewer and fewer whines as the gums begin to heal. You can take your baby to a pediatrician if teething pain persists for several months.

It’s important not to worry, as every child goes through teething and quickly adapts to the process. You can make sure it’s sped up by using some home remedies or OTC pain relievers (supervised by a doctor). Soft teething toys help, too.

2. Teething

This is more apparent in babies who take long naps in the morning. Shifting from normal sleeping to daylight sleeping can cause them to lose track of the days. This is usually the first sign of derailed sleeping routines.

Morning naps are great for babies but in moderate doses. Make sure your baby doesn’t sleep for more than 3-4 hours per nap.

Waking up your baby from their morning nap can be a perfect time for a nutritious meal. It will boost your baby’s brain activities and get them back in the zone.


3. Changing Napping Schedule

When babies are still in the breastfeeding stage, they tend to eat slightly more than they should. That’s not a bad thing at all, but it can cause problems if it’s done late at night.

Late-night cravings prevent sleep in two ways. First, they condition the baby to wake up during bedtime hours and demand food. Second, they can cause intestinal cramps, gases, and acid reflux during sleep time, further disrupting the sleep pattern.

Simple, plan meals two to three hours before bedtime. It’s best to allow the occasional midnight snack when the baby seems too fussy. You don’t want to end up underfeeding them, either.

4. Late-Night Cravings

In their first months, babies know one thing and one thing only: their parents. Separation anxiety can begin from infancy, and your baby might need you to comfort them for a few minutes until they nod off.

Well, what are you waiting for? Cuddle with your baby and lay with him/her in bed for 20 minutes or so. Once the baby’s asleep, carefully place them back in their cradle.


5. Needs a Parent to Fall Asleep With

Having read the above section, you should now be aware that having a sleeping schedule is essential for your baby to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Not only does it help your baby form positive habits, but it also prevents sudden changes in behavior.

Here are the normal sleeping times for babies from the start of their journey till their first birthday.

During the early stages, babies will require the most amount of sleep until they can adjust to their new sleeping routine.

The first and second months usually consist of 15 to 17 hours of sleep and a few hours of being awake for food and exploration. Make sure your baby gets all the sleep they want and allow several naps if need be.

By the fourth month, your baby will start sleeping down to 12 hours a day. Naps will also be reduced to two to three naps a day.

As your baby is gaining consciousness and exploring the world, this is where you should be most vigilant. Make sure your baby gets enough sleep at night and enjoys active exploration in the morning.

Things start to fall back in order as your baby turns six months old. 10-11 hours will be the average sleep time, and one to two naps a day should suffice. 

After your baby turns one year old, they’ll start relying less on midday naps and more on full nighttime sleep.


The Best Sleeping Schedule for Your Baby

Remember, if your baby starts showing symptoms of high-grade fever, vomiting, or rash, take them to your pediatrician. There could be an illness that’s preventing your baby from getting a good night’s sleep.

Aside from that, take a deep breath, relax, and your baby will match your energy and sleep more readily.

Why My Baby Won't Sleep? What Can I Do About It?

Why My Baby Won't Sleep? What Can I Do About It?

Most Common Reasons Why Babies Won’t Sleep

1. Too Excited to Sleep

2. Teething

3. Changing Napping Schedule

4. Late-Night Cravings

5. Needs a Parent to Fall Asleep With

The Best Sleeping Schedule for Your Baby

Summing Up

Why My Baby Won't Sleep? What Can I Do About It?

Why My Baby Won't Sleep? What Can I Do About It?

Most Common Reasons Why Babies Won’t Sleep

1. Too Excited to Sleep

2. Teething

3. Changing Napping Schedule

4. Late-Night Cravings

5. Needs a Parent to Fall Asleep With

The Best Sleeping Schedule for Your Baby

Summing Up

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