Why your baby sleeps poorly & how to solve it

A good night’s sleep is essential for your baby’s development. It supports growth, helps process new experiences, and contributes to emotional well-being. But when your baby sleeps poorly, it can lead to restlessness and frustration—for both your baby and you. What causes sleep problems, and how can you solve them? 

In the first weeks of life, your baby’s gut flora is still developing. Digestion can be difficult, leading to cramps, gas, and irregular bowel movements. These discomforts often cause crying, restlessness, and irregular feeding, which all affect sleep. Fortunately, this phase usually improves after 2–3 months. If your baby remains unsettled after feedings, talk to your health visitor or pediatric nurse for further advice. 

If you want to teach your baby to sleep independently, tracking wake windows is key. Wake windows are the periods your baby is awake, and they gradually get longer as your baby grows. Watch for sleep cues like yawning, looking away, or rubbing their eyes—these signals mean it’s time to start the bedtime routine! 

By following the correct wake windows, you help prevent overtiredness and make falling asleep much easier for your baby.

Sleep issues can also be triggered by important developmental phases:

Moro reflex (up to 2 months)

Your baby may wake up from their own movements. Swaddling offers comfort and limits startle responses.

Teething

Teething can cause pain and discomfort, disrupting sleep temporarily.

Separation anxiety (7–9 months)

Around this age, your baby starts to understand that you still exist even when not in sight. This realization can lead to nighttime anxiety. A consistent bedtime routine helps reassure them. 

After vaccinations or during illness, your baby may experience discomfort such as fever, congestion, or ear pain, which can disturb sleep. Offer extra cuddles, use pain relief if needed, and maintain the bedtime routine to restore the sleeping rhythm as quickly as possible. 

You can improve your baby’s sleep by making a few simple adjustments:

Clothing and bedding

Choose appropriate materials such as a sleeping bag or light blanket suited to the room temperature to ensure your baby is not too hot or cold.

Low-stimulation surroundings

Avoid bright lights, loud noises, or busy environments in the bedroom. A calm and familiar space helps your baby relax and sleep better.

Your own mood

Babies pick up on your emotions. If you’re stressed or tired, your baby might also become unsettled. Take care of yourself so you can help your baby fall asleep with calmness and patience. 

Restless sleep is often due to overstimulation or overtiredness. It can result in frequent waking or trouble falling asleep. Sometimes, hidden reflux is the cause. In that case, a swaddle bag might help limit uncontrolled movements and keep your baby calmer. 

Your baby’s environment plays a major role in sleep patterns. Too much stimulation, like a busy schedule or lots of visitors, can overwhelm your baby and make it harder for them to settle down. Pay attention to sleep cues and put your baby to bed at the right moment to avoid overtiredness and encourage deeper, longer sleep.

This blog was created with help from Gina Tiemessen & Yolanda Roos—both with over 25 years of experience as youth healthcare nurses and pioneers in preventive care for children aged 0–4. Specialists in essential infant care and passionate about supporting new parents.