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Baby Gear
"My baby isn't sleeping" - This is what you can do
You’ve heard that babies can sleep up to 17 hours a day. Yet you're sitting there with red eyes, consuming copious amounts of coffee, and can't remember the last time your little one let you sleep through the night.
Sometimes sleepless nights can be caused by your baby being poorly, so it's important to always listen to your gut as a parent. If you suspect your baby is sick or has colic, always talk to your midwife. But there may also be a more simple solution. Here are some invaluable tips to keep your baby (and you) snoozing sweetly.
1) Create a routine before bedtime
It's not just us adults who benefit from routines. Babies do too! So try to do the same thing every night - reading a story, singing the same song, using a sleeping bag. The familiarity such as cocooning your baby in a baby sleeping bag every time they are due for sleep is a lovely sleeping cue to let them know it’s coming up to bedtime. This helps provide reassurance and signals to your baby that it's time to go to sleep.
2) Dress your baby in temperature appropriate clothing
We all want to be comfy in bed. For babies, it's important to choose sleepwear that is appropriate for temperature. A good rule of thumb is to think about how you're dressed, and choose the baby's clothes accordingly. A baby sleeping bag ensures your baby stays comfortably warm during sleep, and with the insert you can add some extra warmth during those chilly evenings.
Read more: What should my baby wear for bed underneath a sleeping bag?
3) Wear skin-to-skin
Babies who are carried in a baby carrier or a baby wrap have been shown to have better sleep patterns. This is because studies into baby wearing have said it can reduce crying and anxiety. And that babies will sleep longer, deeper and more peacefully.
Read more: 5 reasons to carry in a pre-tied baby wrap
What time should I put my baby to bed?
There’s no single perfect bedtime for every baby, but there are helpful guidelines.
Many babies naturally do best with bedtime somewhere between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm once they’re around 3–4 months old. Earlier bedtimes often lead to better sleep, not worse — overtired babies actually wake more.
The best bedtime depends on:
Your baby’s age
Nap schedule
Wake windows (how long they can comfortably stay awake)
Family routine
A good rule: watch your baby more than the clock. Yawning, rubbing eyes, staring off, or fussiness are signs it’s time for sleep.
5) Use a baby carrier, or babynest, during the day
Baby Carriers and babynests really are the perfect nap spots. You can keep your baby close at all times, and the rocking movement is a real sleeping pill for your little one. So having them with you means you don't have to plan your days around your baby's sleep schedule.
A gentle reminder for tired parents
If your baby is waking often, you are not alone — and you are not failing.
Baby sleep is influenced by biology, temperament, development, and environment. Some babies sleep easily. Others need more support. Both are normal.
The first year is a period of enormous growth, and sleep patterns change constantly. What feels exhausting now will evolve sooner than you think.
And in the meantime? Coffee helps. So does asking for help, resting when you can, and remembering that responding to your baby’s needs builds security - not bad habits.
Baby products for a good night's sleep
Looking for a safe and smart place for your baby to sleep? The Babynest SleepCarrier not only fits in your stroller, but can be brought out and about without waking your baby due to its handles. Carrying your baby in a baby carrier or a baby sling during the day is also a real sleep aid for your baby. And at the same time you can do everything you want with two free hands. How great is that?