How I Got My Baby to Sleep Through the Night

To all you new parents out there, you WILL get a full night’s rest again. I guarantee it. WHEN you are able to enjoy those restful nights depends so much upon you and your baby. There are definitely some tips and techniques I will show you to help your baby sleep better and for longer. Forget formal sleep training, and no “crying it out” methods either. The methods I will talk about will help your baby to sleep comfortably and restfully through the night, so YOU can too

In this article, I will discuss techniques and tricks to help you get your little one to sleep through the night. It takes a little know-how, and I’m going to talk about everything you need to know to get your baby to sleep through the night. You can choose formal sleep training if you’d like, but by using these tips and tricks, you may not need to.

In this article, I’m going to talk about how to get your baby to sleep through the night. Welcome back to Diana in the Pink! If you’re new here, my name is Diana, and I’m a Physician Assistant specializing in women’s health and gynecology. On this channel, we focus on women’s health and pregnancy, so if you’re new, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and the notification bell so you’ll be notified about our future videos. Before we dive in, I’d love to know where you’re at on your journey. Are you a first-time parent, second, fifth baby, or still expecting? Let me know in the comments below!

Sleep is essential for everyone’s well-being, especially for babies. Good sleep is crucial for brain development. While sleeping comes naturally to infants, differentiating between night and day doesn’t. That’s something we need to teach our babies. Helping them recognize when it’s time to be awake and when it’s time to sleep is key, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, awareness, and a little know-how.

For the first few weeks of your baby’s life, none of the techniques I’m going to discuss apply yet. We don’t sleep train newborns, and we don’t space out feedings. At this stage, babies eat frequently, cluster feed, and need about 8 to 12 feedings within a 24-hour period. Expect to get little sleep during this time, but remember, this is your chance to bond with your baby, and your baby is bonding with you. While it can be exhausting, cherish these moments. You will eventually get a full night’s sleep again!

Let’s talk about establishing a routine for your baby. You want to follow a pattern of eat, play, sleep. When your baby wakes up, their “wake window”—the time from when they wake until they go back to sleep—should be around 45 minutes to an hour and a half for newborns. Start with feeding them when they are awake and alert so they can eat until full. After eating, let them enjoy some playtime, which helps them learn about their surroundings. Finally, when you start to notice their sleep cues, it’s time to help them wind down.

Recognizing your baby’s sleep cues is crucial. A baby’s signals might include jerking arms or legs, yawning, or droopy eyelids. When you see these, it’s time to start preparing them for sleep. It’s a common misconception that a more tired baby will sleep better, but in reality, overtired babies can become fussier and harder to put to sleep.

Swaddling your baby can also help them sleep more soundly. It reduces movements from their natural startle reflex, which might otherwise wake them up. Many parents think their babies don’t like being swaddled, but they actually sleep better once swaddled. Just because your baby fusses while being swaddled doesn’t mean they dislike it.

From six to eight weeks, babies are neurologically ready to sleep longer periods at night—typically four to five hours, though this can vary. It’s important to have patience with their feeding and sleep needs, especially since they are growing rapidly during these early months. Babies may sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours within a 24-hour period during the first three months of life, and after four months, they’ll need 12 to 14 hours of sleep.

When it comes to sleep training, there are many methods to consider, from the Ferber method to the pick-up-put-down technique. It’s important to choose a method you’re comfortable with and stick to it consistently. Formal sleep training is not for everyone, and you don’t need to start it before two to three months of age.

Finally, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby. Sleep when your baby sleeps, and don’t feel guilty about taking time for self-care. Whether it’s a nap, a gym session, or just some time to relax, you need to recharge to be your best self for your baby.

Thank you for watching this video. I hope you found it helpful! If you did, please give it a thumbs up and comment below with any topics you’d like me to cover in future videos. I recently shared a video with tips on recovering after childbirth, so be sure to check that out!

When it comes to getting your baby to sleep through the night, every parent’s journey is different. What works for one baby might not work for another, so it’s essential to be patient and flexible. Each child has their own unique signals and needs, and learning to read these cues is part of the process. Don’t get discouraged if progress feels slow. With time, you’ll find what works best for both you and your baby.

If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night unexpectedly, especially if they’ve already been sleeping well, there are a few things to check before assuming it’s just part of the process. Make sure your baby isn’t sick, teething, or uncomfortable. You want to rule out any issues that might need attention, such as a fever or pain, before attempting to get them back to sleep. If everything seems normal, it’s likely they’re still learning to sleep through the night, which is perfectly normal for a baby.

Another helpful tip is the use of a pacifier. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, using a pacifier can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants younger than six months. Just be sure to allow the baby to fall asleep with the pacifier, but don’t force it if they’re not interested. It can be a soothing tool for many babies.

One thing I want to emphasize is the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that your baby should sleep in your room but not in your bed for the first six to twelve months. Room-sharing helps with nighttime monitoring, making it easier for you to check on your baby during those early months without the risks that come with bed-sharing.

As a final reminder, please remember that self-care is critical for you as a parent. When you’re rested, you’ll feel more capable and present for your baby. It’s common to feel like you should be doing it all—caring for your baby 24/7 without taking time for yourself—but it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s a short nap, time at the gym, or just a few moments to relax, your mental and physical health matter. When you’re at your best, you’ll be the best version of yourself for your child.

I hope these tips help you on your journey to better sleep for both you and your baby. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more helpful videos. If you have any questions or topics you’d like to see covered, leave a comment below. I love hearing from you, and I’m here to support you through every stage of motherhood.

Thanks again for reading, and I’ll see you in the next article!