As a new mum, you have probably heard a lot of advice about your baby’s sleep. From well-meaning family members to the latest parenting books, it can be tough to know what is true and what isn’t.
There are many baby sleep myths that can leave parents feeling confused or frustrated. In this post, we will debunk 5 of the most common myths and separate fact from fiction. Understanding the truth can help your little one sleep better and help you feel calmer and more confident.
Myth 1: You Have to Let Your Baby Cry It Out
What CIO Means
The Cry It Out (CIO) method involves letting babies cry until they fall asleep without intervention. Some parents call this “extinction.” It can be challenging for both baby and parent.
How The Sleep Sense™ Method Works
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Sleep Sense™ balances a baby’s need for sleep and comfort.
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Parents can offer as much support as needed while teaching independent sleep skills.
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You can stay in the room during sleep training if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Remember: crying is a natural reaction to changing sleep habits. It doesn’t mean your baby is being harmed.
Myth 2: Babies Should Sleep Through the Night By 6 Months
Understanding Sleep Props
Some babies develop sleep associations or sleep props like:
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Nursing to sleep
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Bottle feeding to sleep
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Rocking or swaddling to sleep
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Being worn in a baby carrier to sleep
If these sleep props are removed gradually, babies are more likely to fall asleep independently.
When Babies Usually Sleep Through the Night
Once your baby can sleep independently and night feeds are no longer required for nutrition, most babies begin sleeping through the night on their own.
Myth 3: When A Baby Wakes in The Night It Means They Are Hungry
Other Reasons Babies Wake
Babies may wake due to:
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Needing a diaper change
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Feeling uncomfortable
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Needing soothing or reassurance
Feed-to-Sleep Associations
If a baby always feeds to fall asleep, they may struggle to self-soothe when waking at night. Teaching independent sleep skills can help reduce these night wakings.
Myth 4: Keep Your Baby Awake During the Day So They Will Sleep More at Night
Importance of Daytime Naps
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Babies need adequate sleep during the day to feel rested and happy.
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Forcing babies to stay awake can lead to overtiredness, making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep at night.
Stick to a consistent daytime nap routine to support better night sleep.
Myth 5: If You Put Your Baby to Sleep Later, They Will Wake Up Later
Circadian Rhythms and Overtiredness
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Babies’ circadian rhythms naturally regulate their wake and sleep times.
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Keeping babies up later often causes overstimulation and overtiredness.
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Overstimulated babies may wake more at night and rise earlier in the morning.
Need More Help With Your Baby’s Sleep?
Hope these tips help you and your baby get better sleep at night!
For personalised guidance, book your FREE 20-minute evaluation call today: https://tidycal.com/restedmumhappybub/discovery-call