Help & Tips for Babies Who Don't Sleep at Night

A baby not sleeping at night is one of the most common problems parents face. There may be several causes as to why some babies appear to be unable to close their eyes and fall asleep. It takes a bit of investigative work at times to figure out what may be causing this problem. While realistically sleep is not a state babies can be forced into, parents may help their baby be more comfortable so both baby and parents can go back to enjoying some restorative sleep.

  1. Encourage Daytime Activities

    • Engage your baby in stimulating activities during the day.

      During the day, try your best to engage your baby in some stimulating activities. Talk to your baby, play some music, or enjoy playing some interactive games together. Keep your baby with you so as you work around the house so he will be surrounded by normal household noises. While regular naps during the day are important, consider that allowing your baby to sleep for large chunks of time, will make your baby less likely to sleep at night, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Create Bedtime Routines

    • A warm bath will create a relaxing bedtime routine.

      Create some routines so that your baby will start associating them with bedtime. Favorite relaxing routines that will help your baby get drowsy are cuddling, singing a song, reading a book, or giving a nice warm bath. If you like to use music to make your baby fall asleep, make sure you use the same tunes each time, explains Mayo Clinic staff.

    Use Only Dim Lights

    • Keep the room dark to encourage going back to sleep.

      If your baby is still waking up at night to be fed, or if in need of a diaper change, make sure your baby is kept in the dark. You may use a dim light in your room if you need to see, or you can turn on a light in the hallway, advises Dr. Marta Katalenas, a Board Certified Pediatrician who owns the Pediatric Center of Round Rock in Texas. It also helps to keep a soft voice and use calm movements to encourage relaxation.

    Teach to Self-Sooth

    • Encourage your baby to seep on his own.

      One of the most helpful tips to help prepare for a restorative night is to allow the baby to fall asleep on his own. Simply put your baby to bed drowsy, but awake. Expect your baby to cry and fuss for the first night. Do not feel guilty: it is a learning process. After a few nights, you will notice that the crying will diminish greatly, and soon you will be on your way for a good night's sleep, explains Baby Sleep Pattern experts Donald Goldmacher, MD, and Michael Fox, RN.

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