Help, My Baby Won't Sleep! Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby's Sleep
Maybe you recognize this. You have your white noise machine on jet mode, the room darkened like a movie set, and are now singing lullabies in three different languages. But your baby? He is wide awake.
Babies sleep differently than we do. And that’s not only frustrating, it can be confusing. As a parent, it’s easy to feel insecure or helpless, especially when you’ve tried everything. In this blog, we’ll dive into the science of baby sleep, sleep regressions, and the art of a solid sleep routine.
Why sleep is so important for babies
Sleep isn’t just a moment of rest for babies—it’s an essential building block for their growth, development, and health. While they sleep, a lot happens behind the scenes of that adorable face. Here’s what happens during your baby’s sleep:
1. Brain development & memory building
During REM sleep (dream sleep), connections in the brain are strengthened. This helps babies to process stimuli from the day. Think of recognizing faces, learning to distinguish sounds or practicing motor skills. If your baby structurally sleeps too little, this learning process can slow down or even stagnate.
2. Physical growth
Growth hormone is mainly released during deep sleep. Babies who do not get enough sleep may have difficulty with growth, healthy weight and muscle development in the long term.
3. Immune system
During sleep, important immune processes are activated. Babies are extra vulnerable because their immune system is still under construction. Good sleep helps to better resist illnesses.
4. Emotional regulation
Babies who sleep well are often more relaxed during the day. Lack of sleep increases the chance of overstimulation, crying spells and comforting difficulties. And that goes for parents as well.
5. Attachment and safety
Adequate sleep helps babies feel safe and secure. They can then fully focus on bonding with their parents, an essential foundation for their social and emotional development.
How do I help my baby sleep?
Now that we know why sleep is so important, let's look at how you can improve your baby's sleep:
- Provide a dark, cool room (around 18 degrees)
- Use a white noise machine or soft sounds
- Plan enough exercise during the day so that your baby's body is tired in the evening
- Pay attention to daytime naps – sleeping too late can actually make it harder for your baby to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Make sure you have a consistent sleep routine for your baby.
A Baby Sleep Routine: How and What?
Babies don't have an internal biological clock like adults. A consistent sleep routine helps your baby understand what's coming. It provides structure, peace and security.
According to the Dutch Association for Pediatrics, a clear sleep routine not only stimulates a good night's sleep, but also bonding and emotional development.
A good routine promotes:
- The production of melatonin (sleep hormone)
- Emotional security and attachment
- Less stress and crying behavior
- Cognitive development in later life
A routine is not just about sleeping through the night. It is a foundation for resilience, confidence and peace that your baby needs.
How to Build an Effective Baby Sleep Routine
A fixed evening routine does not have to be long or always start at the exact same time. What is more important is that the order and atmosphere are predictable. For example, think of:
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Bath or wash moment
Warm water helps relax the nervous system. This way you literally 'steam' your baby ready for bed. -
A soothing ritual
Singing softly, reading a book or darkening the room will help your baby understand that it is bedtime.
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Recognizing sleep signals
Rubbing your eyes, staring or whining? These are signs that it is time to go to bed. Waiting too long can lead to overstimulation. - Cuddle moment
Skin-to-skin contact or a gentle cuddle stimulates the production of oxytocin ('the love hormone'), which makes you feel safe and helps you fall asleep more easily.
What is a sleep regression? Stormy, but temporary!
Between the ages of 4 and 24 months, many babies experience one or more sleep regressions . Sleep regressions are periods in which a baby who previously slept well suddenly wakes up more often, is restless, or has difficulty falling asleep. Sleep regressions often occur at times when there are huge leaps in a baby's brain development. For example, parts of the brain that were previously less active are activated. This makes your baby literally too "busy" to sleep. In the image below you can see what happens during the different sleep regression phases of a baby.
Although sleep regressions can be incredibly challenging, it is good to know that a sleep regression is not a setback , but a sign of growth. Your baby is going through many changes and for the first time, this is of course very exciting. It is therefore natural that your baby will seek support from the person they trust the most. Although this can mean long and hard sleepless nights for you as a parent, it is important that your baby experiences comfort, security, consistency and love. Research shows that predictable routines and responsive parenting (also known as ' gentle parenting' ) significantly reduce stress levels in babies and promote healthy attachment. So even during sleep regressions it is important to remain calm, loving and consistent.
Tip for parents:
Sleep regressions can be incredibly tiring for you as a parent. Overtiredness is often underestimated, but it has a major impact on your mental well-being. Ask for help, organize moments of rest and know that you don't have to do this alone.
Building with confidence
We've talked about sleep routines, sleep regressions, your baby's brain development, and why sleep is so important, so you're better equipped than ever to face the nights (and days) with confidence.
However, we know that knowledge does not automatically mean that it will be easy. At Backbuddy we understand that parenting is one of the most beautiful and hardest challenges. The good news is that you do not have to do it perfectly. What your baby needs most is you! Your love, closeness and patience are the most powerful sleeping pill there is.
At Backbuddy we stand by you in every phase of parenthood. With honest information, loving products and practical tools we help you and your baby on the road to peace, trust, safety and connection.
