Is Your Baby Not Sleeping? Practical Solutions for Parents

Baby sleep needs: How much does a newborn and an older baby sleep?

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s healthy development. At the same time, sleep needs change significantly with age, and every baby develops according to their own unique rhythm. It can sometimes be difficult to understand why your baby is not sleeping as much as you had hoped, but learning about their sleep needs can reassure you and help you adapt to your baby’s needs.

Sleep needs by age

The amount and distribution of sleep depend greatly on the baby’s age. Here is a general guideline:

Newborn (0–3 months): Newborns may sleep as much as 14–17 hours a day, usually in periods of 2–4 hours.
Infant (4–11 months): At this age, babies sleep 12–15 hours a day. They spend longer periods asleep at night, supplemented by daytime naps.
Toddler (1–2 years): Sleep needs decrease to 11–14 hours per day. Nighttime sleep becomes longer and more restful, while daytime sleep is limited to one or two shorter naps.

Sleep needs of newborn babies

During the first few months, newborns have a very high need for sleep, but their sleep is often fragmented. Sleep patterns are regulated not by the time of day but by the rhythm of feedings. This period can be exhausting for you, as your baby has not yet developed a circadian rhythm that would allow them to sleep through the night. A flexible approach and adapting to your baby’s natural needs are essential during this period.

Common causes of a baby’s sleep problems

When a baby does not sleep well, there can be many possible reasons. Sometimes a peaceful night depends on minor details, while at other times deeper problems may be involved. It is important to be patient with yourself and your baby and try to understand what is causing the difficulties.

Common causes:

Hunger: Newborns have very small stomachs, so they need to eat frequently, even at night. If your little one is hungry, they will not be able to sleep peacefully.

Teething: Teething can cause significant pain, leading to restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Growth spurts: These periods are often accompanied by increased hunger and restlessness, which can disrupt sleep.

Colic: Stomach pain or bloating can be a problem for many babies, especially during the first few months.

Unsuitable sleeping environment: If the room is too hot, too cold, noisy, or bright, they will not feel comfortable or safe.

Overtiredness: If you do not put your little one to bed when they show signs of sleepiness, they may become overtired, making it even harder to fall asleep.

How can we recognize sleep disorders?

It is not always easy to determine whether a baby’s sleep problems are normal or indicate an underlying disorder. The following signs can help identify when there may be a more serious problem:

Persistent sleep difficulties: If your baby has not been sleeping properly for weeks or wakes up frequently, it is worth investigating the causes.
Restless behavior: If the baby is irritable during the day and difficult to calm, this may indicate sleep problems.
Health symptoms: Sleep disturbances may be accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or other health complaints.
Growth retardation: Insufficient sleep can affect the child's development in the long term, so it is important to pay attention to the signs.

If you feel that your baby's sleep problems go beyond what is normal, it is worth seeking advice from a pediatrician or sleep specialist. Most importantly, do not feel alone in this challenge—dare to ask for help, as problems can be resolved more quickly that way.

Why doesn't the baby sleep during the day?

Reasons for skipping daytime sleep

Daytime sleep is particularly challenging for many babies, and it is common for a baby not to want or be able to fall asleep during the day. Possible reasons include:

Overtiredness: If the baby stays awake too long, they may become overtired and overstimulated, making it harder to fall asleep.
Unsuitable sleeping environment: If the room is too bright or noisy, the baby may find it harder to fall asleep.
Lack of a daily routine: If the days are irregular, the baby has more difficulty adjusting to sleep times.
Interest in their surroundings: As the baby grows, they become increasingly interested in the world and find it difficult to detach from what is happening around them.

Encouraging daytime sleep

If you want the baby to sleep more easily during the day, try the following:

Creating a calm environment: Draw the curtains, reduce noise, and create an atmosphere that reminds the baby of nighttime sleep.
Establishing a routine: Try putting the baby down for a nap at a similar time each day so their body gets used to daytime rest. It is worth timing it after feeding so the baby is full.
Using a baby swing or baby nest: A baby nest Soft cuddling and rocking in a baby swing can help calm the baby, especially when tummy pain makes it harder for them to relax.
Movement and activity: Make sure the baby gets enough movement during waking periods so they become pleasantly tired and ready to rest.

These methods do not guarantee immediate success, but when applied consistently, they may help make daytime naps smoother. Remember, every baby is different, and it may take time to find what works best for you.

Why doesn't the baby sleep at night?

The baby tosses and turns all night

If your baby sleeps restlessly, it may be due to an uncomfortable sleeping position or a developmental stage. Babies often wake up at night because of motor-development leaps, such as practicing rolling over or crawling. This usually passes over time, but a few tips may help reduce tossing and turning:

Creating a safe sleeping environment: Make sure the baby's mattress is firm and provides adequate support, and that there are no disturbing items in the bed, such as large stuffed toys or loose blankets.
Using a baby nest: If your baby tends to toss and turn at night, a baby nest can help them feel more secure and wake less often because of their movements.
Consistent transition from movement: If you notice your baby tossing and turning, gently adjust them and help them return to a comfortable position. Over time, they will learn how to reposition themselves independently.

Establishing an evening routine

To reduce nighttime tossing and waking, it is very important to establish a consistent and soothing evening routine. This teaches your baby that it is time to sleep, and their body also becomes accustomed to the “signals” that prepare it for sleep.

Stop playing together before bedtime: Avoid exciting, active activities in the evening so that your baby can subconsciously begin to wind down for sleep.
Calm evening activities: Choose an evening routine, which soothes your baby. These may include soothing lullabies, a gentle baby massage, or a peaceful lukewarm bath.
Set sleep time: Try putting your baby to bed at the same time every evening. Predictability helps them adapt to sleep.
Help from a baby swing: Gentle rocking in a swing or rocking chair can also provide comfort at night if your baby has trouble falling asleep or you cannot get them back to sleep.

By consistently maintaining a calm nighttime routine, your baby will gradually adapt better to their sleep rhythm, and the nights may become more restful for the whole family.

If your baby wakes frequently or does not go back to sleep at night

If your little one still does not want to sleep despite all your efforts and a peaceful evening routine, there may be several reasons.

When your baby is fussy and tired but still won't sleep, they may be overtired, have colic, or be teething. In this case, you can try to soothe them by walking in the dark, rocking them, or breastfeeding. The baby swing, or a baby wrap or stroller can help you put both a tired baby and a colicky baby to sleep. It is important to do as much as you can be patient and calmbecause your little one senses it and takes on your tension. With deep, increasingly slower breaths, you can successfully slow their breathing too, helping them calm down as soon as possible.

If the little one is cheerful and observant, then it is possible that the baby has rested too much during the day or has not tired themselves out enough. In this case, you should watch for signs of tiredness so that you can put the baby down to sleep in time. Over the following days, it is also worth tiring the little one out during active periods with an exciting walk or play, preferably outdoors if possible, and consciously incorporating this into the daily routine. During the day, let the baby sleep a little less so that an ideal sleep rhythm can develop for you as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions about baby sleep

Why doesn’t my baby sleep during the day?

There may be several reasons: the baby may be overstimulated, tired because of nighttime wakings, or simply not getting enough sleep. It is worth observing the baby’s daytime routine and sleep habits to determine what is causing the problem.

Why doesn’t my baby sleep at night?

Nighttime sleep disturbances can have many causes: hunger, pain, an environment that is too hot or too cold, or even a developmental leap. If the problem persists, it is worth consulting a specialist.

Why doesn’t my 8-month-old baby sleep at night?

An 8-month-old baby may already be able to establish a certain sleep routine, but temporary sleep disturbances can still occur. The baby may be teething, ill, or preoccupied with something new. It is important to observe the baby’s behavior and surroundings to identify the cause.

Why won’t a 3-week-old baby sleep?

If a 3-week-old baby does not want to sleep, the reasons may be quite different from those at an older age.

Newborns have a very high need for sleep during their first few months, but their sleep is often fragmented. Feeding determines their sleep cycles, not the time of day. This period can be very demanding for parents, as the baby has not yet developed a distinction between daytime and nighttime sleep. It is important to adapt to the baby’s natural rhythm and remain flexible.

How much does a newborn sleep?

Newborns can sleep as much as 14–17 hours a day, usually in periods of 2–4 hours. If a newborn does not sleep through the night, hunger is often the reason, since their stomach is still small and they need to eat frequently.

Solving sleep problems does not happen overnight, but with small steps we can make a huge difference. A baby swing or baby nest is not a miracle cure, but it can be an excellent tool for creating a safe, comfortable, and soothing environment for our child. Feel free to try it, observe what works best, and be patient with yourself along the way. Because every small success and every more restful night proves that we are on the right track.