Why is My Baby Struggling to Sleep? Common Causes and Solutions

As a new parent, one of the most common concerns you'll face is your baby's sleep. You might be asking yourself, “Why isn't my baby sleeping well?” The truth is, while all babies do sleep, their patterns and preferences can be very different from what you expect. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons why your baby might be having trouble sleeping, and how you can help them get the rest they need.

1. Your Baby Needs to Be Close to You

Newborns have spent months inside your womb, feeling your warmth, hearing your heartbeat, and being close to you constantly. Transitioning into the outside world is a huge adjustment. In those early days, your baby may struggle to sleep in their crib or Moses basket because they crave the comfort and security of being near you. If they’re not in your arms, they may feel unsettled, triggering startle responses and waking up more frequently.

As your baby becomes more accustomed to the outside world, they’ll gradually learn to sleep independently, but for now, they need that closeness.

2. Digestive Discomforts Can Affect Sleep

A baby’s digestive system is still developing, and this can contribute to sleep disturbances. Babies often struggle with discomforts like reflux, silent reflux, or cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), which can make it difficult for them to settle. If your baby is struggling with sleep, it might be due to their stomach not being quite ready for the outside world yet.

Here are some signs that your baby could be experiencing digestive issues:

• Reflux Symptoms: Frequent spitting up, coughing or hiccupping during or after feeds, and trouble settling after meals.

• Silent Reflux Symptoms: Irritability, difficulty sleeping, gagging, choking, nasal congestion, or arching their back while feeding.

• CMPA Symptoms: Eczema, vomiting, poor weight gain, abdominal discomfort, or distress during or after feeding.

If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.

3. Struggling to Fall Asleep Independently

Even if your baby doesn’t have any underlying digestive concerns, they may simply not have learned how to fall asleep on their own. Newborns are often used to being rocked, fed, or held to sleep, and when they’re put down in their crib, they can startle awake due to the sudden loss of that comforting, secure feeling.

This cycle can quickly lead to frustration. As your baby struggles to fall asleep, you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can make it harder to break the cycle. It’s a challenging situation that many parents face, but with the right support, you can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits.

4. The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on You and Your Baby

Sleep deprivation affects both you and your baby. When you’re tired, it’s harder to stay calm, make decisions, and find solutions. This can create a vicious cycle, where both you and your baby are caught in a never-ending struggle for sleep. It’s important to remember that this is a temporary phase, and with the right strategies, things can improve.

Sometimes, parents become so anxious about their baby’s sleep patterns that they find themselves unable to rest, even when the baby finally falls asleep. This adds to the stress and exhaustion, making it even more difficult to address the problem.

5. How You Can Help Your Baby Sleep Better

There’s a lot of advice out there, from books to social media posts, but the best way to improve your baby’s sleep is to approach the issue in a way that works for both you and your baby. Whether it’s establishing a consistent bedtime routine, addressing any potential digestive concerns, or providing the right sleep environment, there are strategies that can help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, we’re here to help. We offer personalized sleep plans that are tailored to your baby’s specific needs. Whether your baby has sleep issues due to reflux, CMPA, or simply needs a different bedtime routine, we can guide you every step of the way.

6. How Our Baby Sleep Helper Plans Can Support You

Our customized sleep plans take all aspects of your baby’s sleep into account. We’ll help you understand if there are underlying issues like silent reflux or CMPA, or if your baby just needs some support to establish better sleep habits. From nap times to bedtime routines, we can guide you on the most effective approaches for getting your baby to sleep.

When you’re ready to take the first step toward better sleep, simply fill out the contact form below, and one of our baby sleep experts will reach out to discuss a plan that works for you.

Conclusion

Sleep challenges are completely normal in the early stages of your baby’s life, but they don’t have to last forever. With patience, consistency, and the right support, your baby can learn to sleep independently, and both of you can enjoy more peaceful nights. If you need help getting started, we’re here to offer personalized solutions that fit your family’s needs.