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How to Get Your Baby to Sleep

One of the most common challenges parents face is a baby who refuses to sleep or wakes up frequently. As parents juggle their own disrupted sleep and altered schedules, many wonder if there’s a secret for how to get your baby to sleep through the night.

The good news? There are tons of tips to help your little one sleep like a rock! Finding the perfect routine might take some trial and error, but hang in there—that’s totally normal. Keep reading for some tips on how to get your infant to sleep at night so the whole family can finally catch some much-needed Z’s.

Most Effective Methods to Get Your Baby to Sleep

So your baby has decided that sleep is overrated—we’ve been there. There are a million reasons why your little one might be staging a bedtime protest: maybe they’re teething, going through a growth spurt, or just too curious about the world to close their eyes. When you’re experiencing those “why won’t my baby sleep” moments, it could be that their sleep schedule is a bit off, or they’re just not quite tired enough.

Whatever the reason, learning how to get your newborn to sleep at night can feel like an elusive art form, but fear not! We’ve got insider tips to transform bedtime from chaos to calm. Let’s dive into the most effective methods to get your little one snoozing so you can reclaim those peaceful nights.

Develop a Sleep Routine

One of the top tricks for learning how to get your baby to sleep through the night is nailing down a routine. You can incorporate this from day one, as learning how to get newborns to sleep in a bassinet can be a lifesaver right from the start. Consistency is key here—it teaches your baby the signals that it’s time to snooze. This could mean always putting your little one down in the same cozy spot or creating a sleep-friendly environment with a dark, quiet room. Every family’s routine will look a bit different, so don’t stress if it takes a little tweaking to find what works best for you. Patience and persistence will pay off!

Rocking Motion

There’s something magical about the gentle sway of a rocking motion that calms even the fussiest babies. That back-and-forth movement can be the secret sauce for sending your little one to dreamland.

Rocking your baby to sleep is less about technique and more about finding that perfect rhythm. Start slowly with a gentle sway, holding them close like you're dancing to the world’s softest lullaby. Keep the motion steady and smooth—no sudden moves here. You’re aiming for a pace that’s calming, not dizzying. As you rock, hum or talk softly, letting your voice become part of the lull. Soon enough, your little one will drift off, cozy in the comfort of your arms and the simple, soothing motion.

Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier helps you effortlessly rock your little one to sleep while giving your back a well-deserved break. It features a supportive hip seat that evenly distributes your baby’s weight and has four versatile carrying positions, including a feeding position.

Adding The Snug Attachment to your Tushbaby Carrier allows you to go hands-free while your baby snoozes, making it easy to multitask when you need to run errands or get things done around the house during naptime. The natural motion of your steps with the secure, cozy hold creates a soothing rhythm that lulls your baby into dreamland. It’s a back-saving way to turn a simple walk or daily routine into a nap-inducing journey.

Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling your baby can be a game-changer for getting them to sleep at night. It makes your little one feel like they’re in your arms, helping them to feel calm and secure—a great option for those wondering how to get your baby to sleep without being held. To master the swaddle, use a breathable blanket and ensure it’s snug but not too tight—comfort is key. A well-swaddled baby is less likely to startle themselves awake, giving you both a better chance at some quality shut-eye.

White Noise

White noise can be a secret weapon in the battle for better baby sleep. It mimics the soothing whoosh of the womb, creating a calming environment that can help your baby drift off.

Whether it’s the gentle hum of a fan, the rhythmic sound of waves, or a dedicated white noise machine, these sounds can mask household noises that might otherwise wake your little one. The result? A smoother bedtime routine and fewer “why won’t my baby sleep” all-nighters. So, turn up the white noise and enjoy a more peaceful night for everyone.

Change Their Diaper

Changing your baby's diaper before bedtime is a simple yet crucial step when you’re learning how to get your infant to sleep at night. A clean, dry diaper means your baby will be more comfortable and less likely to wake up from any irritations. Make it part of your bedtime routine and think of it as setting the stage for sleep success.

The same goes for nap time. When you're out and about with a tired, fussy baby, a quick diaper change can be the key to a smooth nap transition. The Tushbaby Changing Pad is your go-to tool for turning any space into a luxe, clean changing spot. It’s vegan leather, wipes down clean, and folds up small enough to slip in your pocket. Compact and easy to carry, it’s designed for those moments when you need to switch gears quickly so your little one can relax and drift off to sleep after a fresh change.

Baby Sleep Schedules at Different Ages

From those early newborn days to the more predictable patterns of toddlerhood, learning how to get your baby to sleep through the night at different ages is essential to keeping everyone in the house well-rested. Each stage brings its own quirks and adjustments, but with a bit of insight and flexibility, you can master the art of baby sleep.

Let's break it down so you know what to expect and can help your little one (and yourself) get the best sleep possible.

Birth to 6 Weeks

In those first six weeks, baby sleep is all about short bursts, totalling around 14-17 hours a day. Expect frequent night time wake-ups—tiny tummies mean they’re hungry often. Rest when you can, and know that this phase is all about settling in, not perfection.

2 to 3 Months

At 2 to 3 months old, your baby is starting to get the hang of this sleep thing, clocking around 8-10 hours at night. They’re still waking up for feedings, but you might catch a longer stretch of sleep here and there—cue the sigh of relief. During the day, they’ll nap for about 4-9 hours in total, giving you just enough time to breathe, eat, and maybe even shower. If you’re asking yourself, “when do babies start sleeping through the night?” Hang in there! This is the start of finding a rhythm.

3 to 4 Months

By 3 to 4 months, your baby’s sleep is becoming a bit more predictable. They're sleeping around 10-12 hours at night, though they may still wake up once or twice. Daytime naps total about 3-4 hours, usually spread across 3 or 4 naps. This is when you might start seeing those signs of your baby's sleep regression diminish, some sleep patterns emerge, and maybe even get some more sleep in yourself.

4 to 6 Months

At 4-6 months, expect your little one to sleep about 10-11 hours at night (with maybe a wake-up or two, just to keep you on your toes) and another 3-4 hours spread across 2-3 naps during the day. Around this age, your baby’s internal clock is starting to sync up, so bedtime routines and consistency are critical. Naps can still be a wild card, though, so don’t stress if they don’t stick to the script—every baby’s rhythm is unique.

Ways Your Baby Will Show They’re Tired

When it comes to baby sleep, the signs aren’t always as clear as a yawn or an eye rub. Your baby might be giving you subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints that it’s time to hit the crib. From glazed-over stares to sudden fussiness, babies have their own ways of saying, “I’m ready for a nap.” Learning to spot these sleepy signals can make all the difference between a peaceful slumber and an overtired meltdown.

Rubbing Eyes, Ears or Head

When your baby starts rubbing their eyes, ears, or head, it’s their not-so-subtle way of saying, “I’m ready to call it a day.” This classic sleepy signal is like a little SOS for sleep. They’re trying to soothe themselves and block out the world, which means it’s time to dim the lights and start that bedtime routine before they go from sweet to seriously cranky.

Jerkiness or Fussiness

Another signal that your baby is ready for bed is when they start getting extra fussy or their movements turn jerky and restless. That sudden burst of fussiness is your cue to start winding down before they get overtired. Catch these signals early, and you’ll save both of you from a cranky bedtime showdown.

Looking Away

When your baby starts avoiding eye contact or looking away, it’s a subtle but clear signal that they’re overwhelmed and ready for sleep. Instead of engaging with the world around them, they’re trying to tune it out. Take the hint and start the wind-down routine before they hit the point of no return.

Figuring out how to get your newborn to sleep at night can feel like a marathon with no finish line in sight, but consistency is key. Establish a calming bedtime routine, check for diaper changes, and set the stage for sweet dreams with a comfy crib and a little lullaby magic.

When it’s time for your little one to sleep, the soothing closeness of Tushbaby helps them relax and drift off while staying snug against you. And with its built-in lumbar support, you can rock your baby to sleep without rocking your back. So, when nap time hits on the go, Tushbaby has you both covered—because a happy, sleepy baby makes for a happy, comfortable parent.

Calm your baby before bed by babywearing. . . shop the Tushbaby today!