Why Won’t My 6 Month Old Sleep

If you’re asking yourself “why won’t my 6 month old sleep,” you are far from alone. This is a incredibly common and exhausting phase for parents.

Around six months, babies go through massive developmental leaps that can turn a decent sleeper into a fussy, wakeful little person. Their sleep patterns are maturing, but new skills and needs often get in the way. This article will guide you through the common reasons for sleep disruptions and give you practical, gentle strategies to try.

There isn’t one single answer. Usually, it’s a combination of factors. Understanding what’s happening in your baby’s world is the first step to finding solutions that work for your family.

Common Developmental Reasons for Sleep Troubles

Your baby is learning and growing at an amazing rate right now. These leaps are wonderful, but they can really interfere with sleep.

Separation Anxiety: This often emerges around 6 months. Your baby now understands that you exist even when you leave the room, but doesn’t yet understand that you’ll return. This can make bedtime and night wakings much more stressful for them.
Motor Skill Development: Is your baby practicing rolling over, sitting up, or even trying to crawl? They might try to practice these exciting new skills in their crib instead of falling asleep, leading to frustration.
Cognitive Leaps: Their brain is making new connections daily. All this mental activity can make it harder to wind down and stay asleep.
Teething: Discomfort from emerging teeth is a classic sleep disruptor. Look for other signs like drooling, chewing on everything, or mild fever.

Schedule and Routine Factors

As your baby gets older, their sleep needs change. What worked at 3 months might not work now.

Awake Windows Are Too Long or Short: A 6-month-old can typically handle 2-3 hours of awake time between sleeps. An overtired baby will fight sleep. An undertired baby won’t be ready for it.
Nap Transition: Many babies start to drop the third nap around this age. This can create a tricky period where the schedule feels off until it settles.
Inconsistent Bedtime Routine: Predictability is comforting. A calm, consistent sequence of events signals that sleep is coming.
Last Nap Too Close to Bedtime: If the final nap ends too late, they may not have built up enough sleep pressure for a good night’s sleep.

How Much Sleep is Typical?

Most 6-month-olds need about 12-15 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period. This is usually split as 10-12 hours at night and 3-4 hours during the day, divided into 2-3 naps. Remember, this is an average—some babies need a bit more or less.

Feeding and Sleep Associations

The link between feeding and sleeping can become very strong. It’s natural, but it can cause problems.

Feeding to Sleep: If your baby always falls asleep while eating, they may depend on that to fall back asleep during normal night wakings. They haven’t learned to self-soothe.
Hunger vs. Habit: At 6 months, many babies can sleep for longer stretches without needing to eat. It’s important to discern if night wakings are from genuine hunger or a learned habit for comfort.
Introduction of Solids: Starting solid foods can sometimes affect sleep, either positively or negatively. Tummy discomfort or timing of meals might play a role.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Take a look at where your baby sleeps. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Darkness: Make the room very dark. Use blackout curtains to block early morning sun or summer evening light.
White Noise: A consistent sound machine can mask household noises and create a calming sleep cue.
Temperature: Keep the room comfortably cool, around 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Safe Sleep Space: Ensure the crib is empty except for a firm mattress and fitted sheet. No loose blankets, pillows, or soft toys.

Practical Strategies to Improve Sleep

Here are actionable steps you can take. Pick one or two to focus on at a time.

Establish a Solid Bedtime Routine

Keep it simple and consistent, lasting 20-30 minutes. For example: bath, pajamas, book, feed (try to keep them awake for the end of the feed), cuddle, then into the crib drowsy but awake. This last part is key for helping them learn to fall asleep independently.

Work on Falling Asleep Independently

This is about giving your baby the opportunity to practice a crucial skill. You can do this gradually.

Put them down drowsy but awake after their usual soothing.
If they fuss, wait a few minutes before offering comfort.
Comfort them with a pat or your voice, but try to avoid picking them up or feeding them back to sleep immediately.
Gradually increase the time you wait before responding. There are many gentle methods; choose one that feels right for you.

Fine-Tune the Daily Schedule

Track naps and awake times for a few days. Aim for a predictable daily rhythm. A common 6-month schedule might look like:

Wake up for the day around 7:00 AM.
First nap around 9:00 AM.
Second nap around 1:00 PM.
Optional short third nap (if needed) ending by 5:00 PM.
Bedtime routine starts around 6:30 PM, asleep by 7:30 PM.

Adjust based on your baby’s sleepy cues, like rubbing eyes, zoning out, or fussiness.

Address Separation Anxiety

Play peek-a-boo during the day to reinforce object permanence. Practice leaving the room for very short periods during playtime, always returning with a smile. At bedtime, a comfort object (like a small lovey if they’re old enough) can help. Extra cuddles and reassurance are important during this phase.

When to Consider Other Issues

Sometimes, there’s an underlying issue that needs attention. Consult your pediatrician if you notice:

Loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep (possible sleep apnea).
Extreme fussiness, arching of the back, or reflux symptoms.
A persistent rash, diarrhea, or other signs of allergy or illness.
You are feeling overwhelmed or concerned about their health or your mental health.

FAQs About 6-Month-Old Sleep

Is it normal for my 6 month old to not sleep through the night?
Yes, completely normal. “Sleeping through the night” for a baby often means a 6-8 hour stretch, not necessarily 12 hours. Many babies still wake once or twice.

Should I sleep train my 6 month old?
“Sleep training” simply means teaching independent sleep skills. It’s a personal family decision. If the lack of sleep is affecting everyone’s well-being, it’s reasonable to consider gentle methods. There is a wide range of approaches.

How can I get my 6 month old to sleep longer stretches?
Focus on a full daytime feedings, a consistent bedtime routine, and encouraging them to fall asleep at the start of the night without a strong sleep association like feeding or rocking all the way to sleep.

Why is my 6 month old suddenly fighting naps?
This is often due to a schedule issue (awake window needs lengthening), a developmental leap, or the transition from three naps to two. Ensure the sleep environment is optimal and watch for those tired cues closely.

Can teething cause bad sleep at 6 months?
It certainly can. However, teething pain is usually worst in the days just before and as the tooth breaks through, not for weeks on end. Offer teethers, cool washcloths, and consult your doctor about pain relief if needed.

Remember, sleep challenges at this age are almost always a phase linked to growth. By observing your baby, tweaking their routine and environment, and offering consistent comfort, you can navigate this tough period. Progress is rarely a straight line—there will be good nights and bad nights. Be patient with your baby and with yourself as you figure out what works best.