This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Baby Sleep Disturbances
Sleep problems are among the biggest challenges in the first year. Night waking, settling issues, and sleep regressions — all of this is developmental and NORMAL, even when it doesn't feel like it. The good news: it gets better. Your baby is learning to sleep, just as they learn to walk — at their own pace.
Possible Causes
- 1Sleep regressions (4 months, 8-10 months, 12 months, 18 months) — developmental leaps change sleep patterns
- 2Separation anxiety (from about 8 months): baby needs reassurance that you're there
- 3Teething: pain and discomfort disrupt sleep
- 4Overtiredness: an overtired baby sleeps WORSE (paradoxical but true)
- 5Environmental factors: too warm, too cold, too bright, too loud or too quiet
What You Can Do
- Fixed bedtime routine: bath → pyjamas → book/song → breastfeed/bottle → cot (same order every night)
- Watch for sleepy cues: eye rubbing, yawning, ear pulling, looking away — put down IMMEDIATELY
- Follow age-appropriate wake windows (newborn: 45-60 min, 6 mo: 2-3 hrs, 12 mo: 3-4 hrs)
- Optimise sleep environment: dark, cool (16-18°C), sleeping bag instead of blanket
- White noise works wonders for many babies
When to See a Doctor
- Baby regularly snores or has breathing pauses during sleep (sleep apnoea)
- Extreme restlessness with head banging or rhythmic movements (rarely pathological, but investigate)
- Baby suddenly sleeps MUCH MORE than usual and is hard to wake
- Night terrors (pavor nocturnus): child screams in panic but isn't awake — don't wake them, protect them
- Parent's own health is at risk from sleep deprivation (depression, exhaustion)
Age-Specific Notes
0-3 months: No day-night rhythm, baby wakes every 2-3 hours — this is biologically NORMAL. 4 months: The infamous 4-month regression (sleep cycles mature). 6-8 months: Many babies can sleep 6-8 hours straight. 8-10 months: Separation anxiety phase. 12 months: Transition from 2 to 1 naps. Sleeping through is a myth — adults wake at night too. 'Sleeping through' means a baby can resettle themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.