How to help baby sleep through the night: common mistakes and practical solutions
Valentin Lambert
Conflicting advice on baby sleep: why parents have doubts
The biggest obstacle to a good night's sleep isn't always technical: it’s the advice that comes from everywhere. Mothers-in-law, social media, neighbors, and sometimes society in general: "don't hold them in your arms," "let them cry so they learn to fall asleep," "it's time to stop night feedings."
What is most unsettling is that health professionals contradict each other just as much. Some recommendations date back to another era and have been nuanced by scientific advances, but they continue to circulate. The result: already tired parents who wonder if they are doing things right.
Common mistakes that prevent babies from sleeping through the night
Following everyone's advice but your own
Listening to everyone makes you lose sight of what actually works for your baby.
A room that is too hot
This is very common in baby nurseries, and a baby who is too hot sleeps less well.
Inconsistent sleep cues
Without a routine, baby doesn't recognize that it's bedtime.
Overlooking discomfort
Reflux, poorly done burping, teething: what is mistaken for a "bad sleeper" is sometimes just an uncomfortable baby.
An unsafe sleep environment
Crib bumpers, soft objects, mattresses that are too soft: this doesn't help with sleep and puts baby in danger.
Keeping the swaddle too long
As soon as baby shows they can roll over, stop swaddling their arms.
Trusting your parental instinct
If a solution works for you and your baby, and it doesn't put your baby in danger, there is no reason to give it up just because someone else thinks differently. This applies to nighttime breastfeeding as well as a bedtime routine, such as a bath.
Listening to your instinct doesn't mean ignoring safety recommendations: those are non-negotiable. But for everything else, you know your baby better than anyone.
Creating a bedtime routine for baby
Consistency is what matters: repeated in the same order, the same actions become a signal to the baby that bedtime is approaching. Here is an example of a routine:
- A feed, breast milk or formula.
- A bath.
- A massage, if the baby enjoys it.
- Pajamas.
- The swaddle.
- White noise.
- Bedtime, ideally always in the same place.
A comfort object can be integrated into this quiet time (cuddles, bath, feeding) and become associated with sleep if reserved for that moment. However, for safety reasons, health organizations recommend not leaving soft objects in the bed before about 12 months, even when the comfort object is designed for newborns. It joins the bed a little later, and serves as a bridge when swaddling comes to an end.
Setting up the baby's room for better sleep
A few simple adjustments make a real difference:
Darkness
It promotes the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
A temperature that is not too hot
Avoid an overheated room: there is a tendency to keep the baby's room too warm.
A bare and safe bed
A flat, firm mattress with no bumper or other objects. A co-sleeper works well if it remains empty.
White noise
Many babies enjoy the "shhhhh" sound or a heartbeat sound.
Swaddling: when to stop and how to switch to a sleep sack
Swaddling soothes many newborns, particularly by limiting the startle reflex when their arms move in all directions. A swaddle without Velcro, with the hands pointing up, is often more comfortable and easier to use.
But swaddling is not forever. You must stop it as soon as the baby shows signs that they can roll over, without exception.
For a smooth transition, two options:
- A convertible swaddle, which still supports the torso but leaves both arms free.
- A sleep sack, which takes over afterwards.
The transition can take only a few days, but it varies from one baby to another.
How often does baby wake up at night?
Every baby is different. Even with two children and identical developmental stages, you never experience them the same way: growth spurts, teeth coming in, illnesses.
What do normal nights look like?
- Waking up every 2 to 3 hours is normal for a little one.
- Sleeping 4 to 5 hours in a row is a good result after a few weeks.
- More frequent waking, outside of a growth spurt, can signal discomfort.
Discomforts that disrupt baby's sleep
The most commonly missed:
- Reflux, which is one of the most significant causes.
- Poorly done burping, which bothers the baby once lying down.
- Teeth, which emerge in several phases.
When to consult a healthcare professional?
If your intuition tells you to consult, consult. No parent is being too cautious.
Conclusion: a word from parent to parent
Going from zero to one child was harder for me than going from one to two: you feel more self-confident, and you handle difficulties with much more kindness toward yourself. Looking back, what I would have liked to know most from the beginning is that it's hard and that all parents experience it.
Lack of sleep was the hardest thing for me, along with hypervigilance. If you are going through this period, remember that it is normal, that it passes, and that you don't have to do everything perfectly.
If you are looking for a convertible swaddle or a sleep sack to help with the transition, discover the MiniLambert range.