If your baby won’t sleep, you’re not alone. Sleepless nights are a common part of early parenting — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Whether your baby is fighting naps, waking up every hour, or refusing to sleep without being held, there’s usually a reason behind it.
Here are 11 common reasons babies struggle to sleep, plus helpful ways to cope — so both you and your little one can get more rest.
1. Hunger
Why it happens:
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat often — sometimes every 2–3 hours. Growth spurts can also make babies hungrier than usual.
How to cope:
Watch for hunger cues like rooting or sucking on hands and feed before baby gets too fussy. For older babies, make sure they’re getting enough calories during the day to reduce nighttime waking.
2. Sleep Regressions
Why it happens:
Sleep regressions are periods when a baby who was sleeping well suddenly starts waking more often. Common regressions hit around 4, 6, 8, and 12 months.
How to cope:
Stick to your routine, be patient, and offer extra comfort. These phases typically pass in a few weeks.
3. Overtiredness
Why it happens:
Babies who are kept up too long may become overtired, which actually makes it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.
How to cope:
Learn your baby’s sleep cues (like yawning, rubbing eyes, zoning out) and aim to put them down before they get too tired.
4. Undertiredness
Why it happens:
If a baby has had too much daytime sleep or didn’t use up enough energy, they may not be ready for bedtime.
How to cope:
Pay attention to wake windows and ensure your baby has time to play, explore, and be active during the day.
5. Teething
Why it happens:
New teeth pushing through the gums can cause pain and disrupt sleep, especially at night.
How to cope:
Offer a cold teething ring or talk to your pediatrician about pain relief options. Lots of cuddles help too.
6. Separation Anxiety
Why it happens:
Starting around 6–8 months, babies can become more aware that you’re not always nearby — and that can be stressful at bedtime.
How to cope:
Practice short periods of separation during the day. At night, offer consistent reassurance with gentle pats or a soothing voice.
7. Too Much Stimulation Before Bed
Why it happens:
TV, bright lights, noisy play, or even too much activity before bed can make it hard for babies to wind down.
How to cope:
Create a calming bedtime routine with dim lighting, soft voices, and relaxing activities like a warm bath or lullabies.
8. Discomfort or Illness
Why it happens:
Anything from a wet diaper to a stuffy nose or an itchy rash can interfere with your baby’s sleep.
How to cope:
Check for signs of illness or discomfort. Make sure the sleep environment is comfortable — not too hot, cold, or noisy.
9. Developmental Milestones
Why it happens:
Learning new skills like rolling, crawling, or standing can make sleep tricky — your baby may want to practice at bedtime!
How to cope:
Encourage lots of floor time during the day to work on those new skills. Gently guide them back to sleep if they’re too excited at night.
10. Inconsistent Routines
Why it happens:
Babies thrive on predictability. If bedtime and naptime change often, sleep can become harder.
How to cope:
Try to follow a consistent daily rhythm — even a loose routine can help your baby know what to expect.
11. Sleep Associations
Why it happens:
If your baby always falls asleep while nursing, rocking, or being held, they may struggle to settle without that same help during night wakings.
How to cope:
Gradually help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own by changing up the routine gently and consistently.
💤 Final Thoughts
Sleep struggles can feel overwhelming — but they’re almost always temporary. By tuning into your baby’s needs and making a few adjustments, you can help build better sleep habits over time.
Remember: You’re doing great — even if you’re doing it sleepy. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s sleep or health, don’t hesitate to check in with your pediatrician.