Expectations are far from reality when it comes to motherhood — particularly when putting your baby to sleep through the night. 

I guess you can totally relate to this — one day your little one is sleeping soundly, however, the next day and the day after that, it seems like the pattern has been broken and you can't get your baby to sleep.

Thus, this daily battle to get an undisturbed sleep for your baby can leave you more exhausted, sleep-deprived, and stressed out. 

Understanding your Baby's sleep routine 

Note that babies especially newborns sleep a lot — for more than 16 hours on average daily. But as you might have known, this 16 hours of sleeping time is split up into six to seven short bursts or more depending on your child's personality or needs.

Moreover, babies have a different sleeping pattern compared to adults. Most adults sleep through the night, babies, on the other hand, are sometimes night owls. And once in a while, these little ones also have the habit of waking us up really early in the morning too. 

Each baby has its unique pattern of sleeping cycle. And they sleep a lot. But even though babies snooze a great deal of time, the challenge here is sleep training your child to sleep through the night.

Anyway, note that sleep training isn't for newborns. According to experts, the best time to train babies to sleep on their own is around 4-6 months old — still depends on the baby's capability. 

So, what are the ways to get your baby to sleep through the night?

There's really nothing more fulfilling than getting our baby to sleep soundly at night. However, we all have to keep in mind that it's normal for your baby to wake up several times each night. 

And the thing is, there's actually no perfect trick, secret, or solution to unlock the treasure of having an uninterrupted sleep for your baby.  

Aside from co-sleeping and cuddling them to sleep, here are a few tips you can try to get your baby to sleep through the night: 

1. Stick to a regular bedtime routine

It's important to follow a consistent bedtime schedule so that your baby's natural body clock will be able to adjust to it. 

Baby's circadian rhythm begins at about Start with what soothes your baby — give them a massage or a warm bath, cuddle, and sing them a lullaby before settling them in the crib.

2.Take your baby out during the day 

Unlike adults, babies have very little knowledge and understanding about the daytime and nighttime cycle. So for newborns to understand the difference, give them a little sunlight exposure. Get your baby out in the sun. Just be sure it's not crowded with people and it's an open space since COVID19 is still roaming around. 

Besides, little ones need a daily dose of sunshine — Vitamin D daily. 

3. Avoid giving them extensive napping during the day 

It's tempting to put your baby to sleep after feeding or each time you need to do something. However, too much siesta and nap time will disrupt your baby's nighttime sleeping cycle. So, resist the temptation and keep them awake longer during the day. Maybe you can try to keep the baby up by playing or talking with him/her. In this way, it will more likely increase the chance for them to sleep longer during the night. 

4.Try reading books aloud or sing lullabies using your soothing voice

Your calm or ASMR voice might work for your precious one during nighttime. This can give your baby the impression that it's no longer playtime. 

5. Watch out for sleepy cues 

When you see them rubbing their eyes, getting cranky, drooping eyelids, or yawning — these are good signals to put your baby to bed. However, take note that babies sleep better when they are tired, not overtired. There's a high chance for them to wake up early once too exhausted. 

6. Train your baby to self-soothe

Upon reaching 6 months old, babies can already self-soothe themselves. But of course, it doesn't mean that you're going to ignore them when they start to cry after waking up. Babies normally cry at night, just pat them a little, re-swaddle, and cuddle them but not too much. Try not to pick them up unless they go hysterical or if the baby isn't able to calm down after five minutes. Once the baby settles down, you can put them back in the crib. Do this consistently over some time and they will learn to catch on to a new skill.

7.Slowly reduce nighttime feeds  

Slowly reduce the night feedings every time they wake up after sleeping. But of course, you're the only one who can figure out if your baby is starving. If they are not hungry, you might want to use a pacifier instead. 

Some babies need more night feedings, so make sure to ask your doctor first before cutting down on night feedings. 

8. Play sleeping music 

Have you ever played some calming music as you sleep? Did it work? Then you might also want to try it for your baby. What works for adults might also work for your little ones to sleep. 

Besides, calming and sleeping music creates a peaceful ambiance so your baby can feel relaxed as he/she goes to sleep.

9.Keep a calming ambiance 

The atmosphere, temperature, lights, and noise plays a very big part in creating a peaceful ambiance for your baby to sleep. Keep the room dim and make sure to leave the room in a comfortable condition. 

And if calming music isn't what your baby prefers, then how about white noise?

10. Change their diapers a few times before they dozed of 

Just change their diapers when they need it, not during their sleeping time as it may interrupt the sleeping cycle. 

11. Make your baby feel secure and safe before sleeping 

When the baby cries in the middle of the night, they might need a little hugging or kissing so they will feel safe. Babies sleep better when they are comfortable and secure. 

TIP: Swaddling helps. 

12. Get a professional help  

If you've tried so many tricks and tips yet your baby still can't sleep during nighttime, it's best to consider professional help. Well, there's no harm in trying to know if it's just your baby's personality or there might be some underlying issues. A parenting group, lactation consultant, pediatrician, or baby sleep coach can be of help.

13. Just be patient 

During these tough moments, it's important to remember that this phase won't last a lifetime. Your baby soon enough will learn how to sleep on his/her own at night. Just be patient to sleep train your baby and one day, you'll be amazed at the results. 

Love + miracles,