Why Won’t My Child Sleep Through the Night?

By a Norland Nanny and Sleep Consultant

“Why doesn’t my child sleep through the night?” is one of the most common questions I hear from parents. If you’re asking the same thing, know this: night waking is a normal part of childhood development. Understanding the reasons behind it at different stages can help you feel more confident and reassured in supporting your child’s sleep.

Developmental Milestones and Night Waking

From the newborn stage to toddlerhood, children undergo rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional growth—all of which can affect their sleep.

Newborns (0–3 months):

Newborns typically sleep 8–16 hours in total, but only in short chunks. Their need for frequent feeding overrides longer stretches of sleep, and their short sleep cycles (about 45 minutes) lead to frequent waking. This is entirely normal.

4–6 Months:

During this time, your baby’s sleep may seem to regress. As highlighted by the Sleep Charity UK, developmental leaps like improved sensory awareness and movement play a big role. Babies also start to develop their circadian rhythm, meaning they’re slowly adjusting to day and night patterns.

6–12 Months:

As babies approach their first birthday, physical milestones (like crawling or pulling to stand) and emotional changes (such as separation anxiety) can increase night waking. Research by BASIS (Baby Sleep Information Source, Durham University) found that 78% of babies in this age range still wake at least once during the night.

Toddlers (1–3 Years):

Toddlers face challenges like teething, developmental transitions, and changes to their environment, all of which can disrupt sleep. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health emphasises the importance of consistency during this stage to promote healthy sleep habits.

Why Night Waking Is Normal

Waking at night is biologically normal for young children. Their shorter sleep cycles (about 45–60 minutes) naturally lead to more frequent wakings. For babies, night waking helps regulate breathing and ensures they’re fed when needed.

It’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean your child will never sleep through the night. As they grow, their sleep cycles gradually lengthen, and night waking usually decreases.

Finding What’s Right for Your Family

The key to better sleep isn’t about forcing your child into a rigid routine—it’s about finding what works for your family.

• What’s acceptable for your family may not be for someone else. For example, if your child wakes three times a night and reducing that to once feels manageable, that’s a win. For others, eliminating all night wakings might be the goal.

• Every child is different. It’s important to respect your child’s unique needs and developmental stage while making changes that benefit the whole family.

If night waking is leaving you feeling exhausted or affecting your family’s wellbeing, don’t hesitate to seek support.

How to Support Your Child’s Sleep

While night waking is normal, there are steps you can take to support better rest for everyone:

1. Prioritise a Consistent Routine:
   The Sleep Charity UK reports that children with a regular bedtime routine tend to fall asleep more easily and wake less often. Create a calm, predictable wind-down routine that includes activities like a bath, story, or lullaby.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:
   The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your child’s room cool (16–20°C), dark, and quiet. Blackout blinds and white noise can also help smooth transitions between sleep cycles.

3. Encourage Self-Settling:
   When developmentally appropriate, teaching your child to self-settle can reduce their reliance on being rocked or fed back to sleep. There are many gentle, responsive ways to approach this without using "cry it out" methods.

4. Be Responsive:
   Babies wake for a reason—hunger, discomfort, or reassurance. Responding to their needs helps build trust and emotional security, which are the foundations for independent sleep in the future.

5. Adjust Your Expectations:
   A study by BASIS found that fewer than half of babies sleep through the night at six months. Knowing this can help you manage expectations and feel less pressure.

When to Seek Support

If you’ve tried to address your child’s sleep but things still aren’t working, it’s okay to ask for help. As a Norland nanny and sleep consultant, I’ve supported families worldwide in creating tailored sleep plans that suit their unique needs. Whether it’s reducing night wakings or building a routine from scratch, there’s a solution for everyone.

Helpful UK Resources

• The Sleep Charity UK – Practical advice and tips for better sleep.

• BASIS (Baby Sleep Information Source) – Evidence-based research on infant sleep.

• The Lullaby Trust – Guidance on safe sleep for babies and young children.

Remember, night waking is part of normal development, and it won’t last forever. Whether your goal is fewer wakings or sleeping through entirely, what matters is finding an approach that feels right for your family.

If you’re ready to make gentle changes or need personalised guidance, reach out to explore how I can help. Together, we can create a plan that brings more rest to your home.

Let’s Chat

If you’d like to learn more or talk through your baby’s sleep and settling challenges, I offer a free, no-obligation call. It’s a chance to share what’s happening and explore how I can support you and your family. Click here to book your free call today!

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