Updates to copy, information, and sources, and new medical review.
In short, dealing with nighttime disruptions is simply a part of new parenthood.
Still, persistent sleep problems that make it hard for your baby (and you!)
to get the rest you both need could be a sign of a bigger issue.
That’s why it’s helpful to know the possible reasons why your baby won’t sleep.
A 3-month-old needs 14 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
Even with all that snoozing, it can feel like your baby isn’t sleeping all that much.
It’s completely normal right now and it will soon start to change.
That said, there are some challenges that can make sleep harder for newborns to come by.
Much more likely is that your baby just doesn’t feel as secure on her back.
Just skip the sleep positioner, and stick with a consistent routine.
Eventually, your baby will get used to sleeping on her back.
Then, work on slowly stretching the time between nighttime feedings.
These days, 10 to 11 hours of sleep at night is the norm.
Your baby should also take two to three naps during the day.
Why is this happening right now?
The4-month sleep regressiontypically strikes as your little one starts to really wake up to the world around her.
Keep in mind, too, that sleep regression is temporary.
Once your baby acclimates to her new developmental abilities, sleep patterns should return to baseline.
And yet, there are still plenty of things that can disrupt their snooze time.
How to solve it:Start by revamping the bedtime routine.
Then, when she’s sleepy but not asleep, make your move and place her into her crib.
Sure, she’ll fuss at first, but give it a chance.
That doesn’t mean you better pick her up or nurse her, however.
How you tacklesleep trainingis up to you.
Letting your 6-month-old (or even 5-month-old) cry for a bit before going into her usually works.
Don’t have a plan yet?
(Talk to your baby’s pediatrician before cutting out night feeds.)
Instead, offer a teething ring, some gentle words and pats, or maybe a lullaby.
Baby sleep problems are par for the course, especially in your little one’s first year of life.
Do what you’re able to to comfort your little one through the disruptions to her schedule.
They can becomeovertired where they’re exhausted and moody but also too wired to relax.
And yet, she won’t actually power down.
Younger babies might fight the soothers that normally help them nod off, like rocking or feeding.
Resist the urge to get her to stay up later.
Chances are it will cause her to become overtired and ultimately make it harder for her to fall asleep.
If she has a rough night or wakes extra early in the morning, offer more naptime that day.
And that could potentially lead to sleep issues even after she’s feeling better.
It might take her a few nights to get reacquainted with the normal routine, so hold steady.
Speed bumps in the sleep department are a common, and even normal, part of babyhood.
The good news is that they’re usually solvable.
As your baby grows and changes, so too will her sleep.
Talk to your child’s pediatrician before night weaning.
Newborns need frequent feedings, so they can’t sleep for long stretches.
Also, their internal clock may be off, so they’ll mix up their days and nights.
Newborns need to eat around the clock, so frequent wake-ups are to be expected.
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