How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Sarah Patel
Feb 28, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Nov 3

It’s one of the most searched phrases on Google: “How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?”

And it’s no surprise — frequent night wakings can feel exhausting, both physically and emotionally. But here’s the truth: it’s completely normal for babies and young children to wake during the night.

If your baby is waking often or struggling to settle back to sleep, you’re not doing anything wrong — and neither are they. Understanding why your baby wakes is the first step toward helping everyone get more rest.

Why Babies Wake in the Night

Night waking is part of normal infant development. Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, lighter sleep, and natural needs for food and comfort. But sometimes there are specific reasons behind more frequent wakings — and gentle ways to support better sleep.

Here are some of the most common causes and what you can do about each one.

6 Things to Consider When Getting Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night

1. Your Baby Might Be Too Cold or Too Warm

Temperature plays a big role in how well your baby sleeps.

The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your baby’s sleep environment between 16–20°C. Every baby is different — some run warm, others feel the cold more easily.

💡 Tip: Check your baby’s core temperature by placing two fingers on the back of their neck or torso. Their hands and feet will usually feel cooler due to circulation, so focus on their core warmth instead.

2. Your Baby Is Uncomfortable

Discomfort can make it harder for babies to stay asleep. Common culprits include reflux, food sensitivities, or teething.

If you suspect reflux, look into resources by Stacey Zimmel, an expert in breastfeeding and bottle-feeding support.
For food allergies or intolerances, Lucy Upton, paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist, shares excellent evidence-based guidance.
And if teething is affecting your baby’s sleep (some notice it more than others), check out my blog post on teething and sleep.

3. Your Baby Misses You

It’s completely normal for babies to want connection and comfort at night. Falling asleep can feel like a big separation.

Many little ones sleep better when they know you’re nearby. Responsive nighttime parenting — like offering touch, voice, or gentle reassurance — can make a big difference to how safely and calmly they settle.

4. Your Baby Is Hungry

Young babies wake frequently because their tummies are small and they need to feed often. As your baby grows, they can gradually go longer stretches without a feed — but there’s no set age or weight when night feeds must stop.

If you feel your baby might be ready to gently reduce night feeds, my online sleep courses cover how to night wean gradually and respectfully, without leaving your baby to cry.

5. Overtired or Undertired Before Bed

A baby who’s had too much or too little daytime sleep is more likely to wake in the night.

Rather than sticking rigidly to a nap schedule, focus on your baby’s unique sleep cues and natural rhythm.

My online baby sleep course explains how to find your baby’s ideal nap pattern and support sleep pressure so your baby sleeps longer stretches at night.

6. Fear or Separation Anxiety

If your baby is under two, they’re unlikely to be afraid of the dark — after all, they spent months in a dark womb!

However, from around 2–3 years old, as imagination develops, children may start to experience night fears or separation anxiety. At that stage, gentle reassurance, predictable bedtime routines, and a comfort object can help them feel safe.

My Final Advice

Remember: sleeping through the night is a developmental milestone, not a reflection of your parenting.

Every baby will eventually sleep through — even if you change nothing. The key is to focus on creating a calm, supportive sleep environment and meeting your baby’s needs with love and patience.

If you’d like expert support in understanding your baby’s unique sleep patterns and how to encourage longer stretches of rest, I can help you.