Why My Infant Won’t Sleep

If you’re wondering why my infant won’t sleep, you are not alone. This is one of the most common and exhausting challenges new parents face.

Sleep struggles are a normal part of infancy, but that doesn’t make them any easier. Your baby’s sleep patterns are still developing, and many factors can disrupt them. This guide will walk you through the practical reasons and solutions, so you can both get more rest.

This heading sums up your nightly question. The reasons are often a mix of biology, environment, and routine. Pinpointing the cause is the first step toward better sleep.

Common Reasons for Infant Sleep Troubles

Babies don’t resist sleep to be difficult. Their needs are simply different from ours. Here are the most frequent culprits.

Hunger and Growth Spurts

Newborns have tiny stomachs. They need to eat frequently, even at night. During growth spurts (around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months), they may seem hungrier than usual and wake more often.

Discomfort or Pain

This can be tricky to spot. Common sources of discomfort include:

Gas or reflux: Try keeping baby upright after feeds.
Teething: Even young infants can show early signs.
A dirty diaper: Some babies are very sensitive to this.
Illness: A stuffy nose or earache can make lying down painful.

Overtiredness

It sounds counterintuitive, but an overtired baby has a harder time falling and staying asleep. Their bodies release stress hormones that fight sleep. Look for early sleep cues like yawning, looking away, or fussing.

Under-tiredness

If your baby isn’t tired enough, they will resist bedtime. As they get older, they need longer awake periods between naps. Pay attention to age-appropriate wake windows.

Sleep Environment

The room might be too stimulating or uncomfortable. Key factors are:

Temperature: Aim for a cool room (68-72°F).
Light: Use blackout curtains to keep it dark.
Noise: White noise can mask household sounds.

Sleep Associations

This is a big one. If your baby falls asleep while being rocked or fed, they will expect that same help when they wake between sleep cycles. Learning to self-soothe is a key skill.

Creating a Soothing Bedtime Routine

A predictable routine signals to your baby’s brain that sleep is coming. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated, just consistent.

Start about 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Give a warm bath to relax their muscles.
Put on a fresh diaper and comfortable pajamas.
Move to a dim, quiet room for a final feed.
Read a short book or sing a lullaby.
Place them in the crib drowsy but awake.

Sticking to this sequence most nights makes a huge difference. It helps seperate sleep from other activities.

Mastering Daytime Naps

Good daytime sleep actually promotes better night sleep. An overtired baby from missed naps will have more night wakings.

Watch the clock and your baby. Follow age-appropriate wake windows to prevent overtiredness. For young infants, this might be only 60-90 minutes. For naps, use a mini-version of the bedtime routine in a darkened room.

Don’t let naps go to long too late in the day. A late afternoon nap can push bedtime back significantly.

Safe Sleep Practices Are Essential

Safety is always the top priority. Always follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

Alone: Baby should sleep alone, not in an adult bed.
Back: Always place them on their back for every sleep.
Crib: Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet.

Keep the crib empty—no pillows, loose blankets, stuffed animals, or bumper pads. A wearable sleep sack is a safe alternative to a blanket.

When to Consider Sleep Training Methods

Sleep training is about teaching your baby to fall asleep independently. It’s generally recommended for babies over 4-6 months old. There are many methods, from gentle to more direct.

The Fading Method

You gradually reduce your involvement at bedtime. If you normally rock to sleep, rock for less time each night until you no longer need to.

The Chair Method

Sit in a chair next to the crib until baby falls asleep. Each night, move the chair farther away until you’re out of the room.

Ferber Method (Check-and-Console)

You put baby down awake and leave the room. You return for brief check-ins at gradually longer intervals to reassure them, but without picking them up.

Choose a method that feels right for your family. Consistency is the most important part for any method to work. It can be tough for a few nights, but it leads to long-term improvement.

Medical Issues That Can Affect Sleep

Sometimes, sleep problems have a medical cause. It’s important to rule these out with your pediatrician.

Reflux (GERD): Spitting up, arching the back, and crying during/after feeds can be signs.
Food Sensitivities: A reaction to something in breastmilk or formula can cause discomfort.
Sleep Apnea: Pauses in breathing, loud snoring, or gasping are red flags.
Ear Infections: Pain is worse when lying down, often accompanied by fever or fussiness.

Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong beyond typical sleep issues, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the right solution.

Adjusting Your Own Expectations

Infant sleep is not linear. It changes with developmental leaps, teething, and illnesses. Even after sleep improves, you may face temporary regressions.

Remember that waking at night is biologically normal for infants. Their primary need is to be fed and cared for. Comparing your baby’s sleep to others can add unnecessary stress. Focus on progress, not perfection, and ask for help when you need it.

FAQ: Your Infant Sleep Questions Answered

Is it normal for my infant to not sleep through the night?

Yes, completely. “Sleeping through the night” for an infant often means a 5-6 hour stretch. Most babies need night feeds for the first 6+ months. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults, so they wake more frequently.

How can I get my infant to sleep in the crib?

Start with naps in the crib first. Make the crib a positive space with playtime nearby during the day. Use a consistent routine and put them down drowsy. Persistence is key—it may take many tries.

What should I do if my baby will only sleep when held?

This is a common sleep association. Try swaddling (if young enough) to mimic the feeling of being held. Use a warm mattress pad (remove before putting baby down). Gradually transition to holding them until drowsy, then placing them in the crib, increasing the time they are in the crib each night.

Why does my infant fight sleep so hard?

Fighting sleep is often a sign of overtiredness or under-tiredness. Check your wake windows. It can also be a sign of a developing skill (like rolling) that they want to practice, or seperation anxiety starting around 6-8 months.

How many naps should my infant take?

Nap needs change quickly. Newborns nap 4-5+ times a day. By 6 months, it’s often 2-3 naps. By 12-15 months, it’s typically 1-2 naps. Follow your baby’s sleepy cues rather than a strict schedule in the early months.

When should I talk to a doctor about my infant’s sleep?

Contact your pediatrician if: your baby seems to be in pain, has trouble breathing while asleep, you suspect an illness or allergy, or if the lack of sleep is severely impacting your mental health. They are there to support you and your baby.