Sleep can be a common worry for many parents. There’s so much talk about what babies ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ be doing that it can leave you second guessing yourself and losing touch with your instincts in the process. And I know there can be a great deal of conflicting information on this very topic so I’m going to debunk 3 myths about baby sleep with you today! I hope by reading this you have some questions answered, myths busted, and worries about your baby alleviated.

Myth #1: Babies should sleep through the night

The truth is no baby (or adult for that matter) sleeps through the night. We all wake up throughout night, even if we don’t have memory of it. We move, adjust our blankets, get up to pee or have a sip to drink, check the time, snuggle our partners, and then we can fall asleep without needing support from anyone, aka our parents. Babies (toddlers too!) don’t have this ability yet. So when your baby wakes, they call out to you, looking for help to have their needs met and get support back to sleep. This is normal, healthy and protective infant sleep behavior! In fact, “sleeping through the night” defined by researchers is considered a 5 or 6 hour stretch of sleep – at any point in the night! We want babies to signal to us when they need something. Maybe they are hungry, cold, experiencing discomfort or need some connection and closeness.

Myth #2: Night feeds are unnecessary after 6 months

There is simply no evidence to suggest that night feeds are no longer necessary after your baby turns 6 months. Your baby’s primary source of nutrition in the first year of life is milk. As babies grow the amount and frequency of their feeds at night will vary. Research shows that 70-80% of infants 6 – 18 months will wake 1 to 3 times at night, mostly to feed. It’s also important to remember that night feeds are about much more than nutrition. It’s also a time for you connect and be close to your baby while providing them comfort. If your baby is not developmentally ready to sleep for longer stretches, night weaning can make nights a bit harder for everyone. Understand that night weaning also does not necessarily equal more sleep. Perhaps your baby may sleep more initially but other factors may arise that interrupt sleep including teething, developmental changes, family stressors, etc.

Myth #3: Nursing your baby to sleep creates bad sleep habits

I don’t know if you need to hear this but I’m here to tell you that there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ sleep habit or association. Please disregard what anyone tells you about you and your baby’s habits. No one knows your baby better than you. And YOU are the one responding to their needs in a way the feels most responsive and best for you and your family. This first year especially is about establishing a strong bond with your baby. So, If you and your baby enjoy nighttime feedings, rocking, swaying or singing, then there is no reason to stop. In fact, building up your associations is key to solving many baby sleep challenges and can help your little one settle for people other than you, mama.

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So there you have it, 3 baby sleep myths debunked! Every baby is unique and will learn to sleep for longer stretches when they’re developmentally ready. The fact is, it’s normal and healthy for babies to wake at night. Whether they are hungry, need comforting, or experiencing discomfort – they are calling out for a reason. Do what works best for YOU when supporting your little one back to sleep. And please try to find time for self-care. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Call on your village when you need support! Your needs matter too in this season, mama.

Were you surprised by any of these myths?