Sleep is the holy grail of early parenthood. We dream about it, pray for it, and would trade our coffee-stained souls for just a few more uninterrupted hours. But sometimes, the battle for sleep is made even harder by a bunch of well-intentioned but totally misguided advice floating around out there. Let’s get real and break down these seven baby sleep myths that might be messing with your precious rest and, more importantly, how ignoring them could be costing you hours of sleep.
Ever been side-eyed by a well-meaning (or not-so-meaningful) relative who asks, “Is your newborn sleeping through the night yet?” The fact is, newborns have their own rhythm. They follow a polyphasic sleep pattern—meaning they sleep in short bursts, not the coveted seven-hour stretch you’re dreaming of. Their tiny stomachs can only hold so much, which is why they wake up every 2-4 hours for a feed.
The classic “wear them out” tactic might work for a hyperactive Labrador, but not so much for your baby. Keeping your little one awake longer doesn’t make them more tired; it makes them overtired. And an overtired baby is like a ticking time bomb, as stress hormones make falling asleep harder.
The theory of filling a baby’s belly with solid foods to promote better sleep sounds tempting, but there’s no scientific evidence to support it. Most night wakings in young infants are due to their need for comfort, not necessarily hunger.
The womb wasn’t exactly a library. Babies spent nine months getting cozy to the sounds of your heartbeat, digestion, and even muffled conversations. White noise can help some babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by masking other environmental sounds.
While there’s a lot of debate around co-sleeping, it doesn’t have to be inherently dangerous. Safe co-sleeping practices can benefit both mother and baby, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding and bonding. Just ensure that if you do co-sleep, you do so safely.
Darkness helps promote melatonin production, but exposure to natural light during the day is crucial for regulating a baby’s circadian rhythms, helping them understand the difference between day and night.
The “Cry It Out” method has gotten a bad rap, but research shows that when done correctly, it doesn’t cause long-term attachment issues or emotional harm. Every baby is different, and what works for one family might not work for another.
Being a parent is hard enough without the added confusion of conflicting advice. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to baby sleep. By debunking these myths and tuning into what works for you and your baby, you’re more likely to find a rhythm that benefits everyone in the household. Keep calm, trust your gut, and remember: good sleep is a marathon, not a sprint.