Why Your Baby’s Night Wakings Are Normal (and a Good Thing)  

Ah, sleep, the faraway dream for many new parents. You might be wondering, “Is it normal that my baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet?” The short answer is yes! 

For the first 12 months, it’s completely typical for babies to wake up during the night. So, let’s ease your worries and talk about why those nighttime awakenings are not just normal but perhaps even beneficial.

The Myth of the Sleep-Through Baby  

Society loves setting milestones. But the reality is their biological rhythms are still developing, and expecting them to conform to adult sleep patterns is like expecting a goldfish to climb a tree. (BCCHR, 2023)

Midnight Milk  

Consider the size of a baby’s stomach. It’s about as big as their fist. That doesn’t leave much room for food storage. Babies need frequent feeds, day and night, to support their rapid growth and development. (NHS, 2023)

Brain Development in Overdrive  

During the first year, a baby’s brain is soaking up an incredible amount of information. This cognitive leap can lead to what’s known as sleep regression. This means “your baby is learning so much that sleep takes a back seat.” Night waking can coincide with mastering new skills like crawling or babbling, which is exciting and sleep-disrupting (The Sleep Charity, 2022)

The Social Aspect of Sleep  

Babies are social. Nighttime can be lonely and scary. Waking up is a way for them to seek comfort and reassurance. Responding to these cues isn’t “spoiling” your baby; it’s building trust and security. Over time, this foundation can lead to more independent sleep patterns, but patience is key.

Cultural Differences in Sleep Expectations

It’s worth noting that the expectation for babies to sleep through the night is largely a Western concept. In many cultures around the world, practices acknowledge that infant sleep is naturally fragmented and that closeness at night meets nutritional and emotional needs.

Tips for Navigating Night Wakings

While understanding that night waking is normal doesn’t magically grant you eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, there are ways to make these awakenings more manageable:

Safe Sleep Environment

Ensure your baby’s sleep area is safe, whether they sleep in a crib next to your bed or in a co-sleeper. (The Lullaby Trust, 2024)

Shared Responsibilities

Share night-time duties with a partner or trusted carer. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Naps for Parents

Sleep when the baby sleeps isn’t just cliché advice; it’s practical. Even short naps can help you recharge. (NHS, 2021)

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Embrace the night wakings as part of this fleeting stage of life. Easier said than done, but shifting your mindset can alleviate stress.

This Shall Pass  

Remember, this period is temporary. Before you know it, your baby will be a teenager, and you’ll be the one trying to wake them up! So, the next time you find yourself up at odd hours, know that you’re not alone and, more importantly, that your baby’s sleep pattern is perfectly normal.

The Final Wink  

To all the parents navigating the night shift. You’re doing an amazing job. Those nocturnal moments, though challenging, are also opportunities for quiet bonding. Embrace them, cherish them, and know that uninterrupted sleep is somewhere on the horizon. Until then, remember, it’s completely normal for babies not to sleep through the night during their first 12 months. Sweet dreams (eventually)!