The Truth Behind 5 Baby Sleep Myths Every Parent Hears

When it comes to baby sleep, everyone seems to have an opinion. And while well-meaning advice can be comforting, it’s often rooted in outdated or misunderstood ideas. As parents, we need guidance based on evidence, experience, and what actually works.

Let’s debunk five of the most common baby sleep myths—so you can rest easier knowing you’re on the right path.

 

1. “Keeping baby awake longer helps them sleep better at night.”

It seems logical—tire them out and they’ll sleep longer, right? Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

An overtired baby is often a wired baby. When babies stay awake too long, their bodies produce more cortisol (a stress hormone), making it harder for them to settle and stay asleep. The key is learning your baby’s wake windows and watching for early sleepy cues—before overtiredness kicks in.

2. “Babies will just sleep when they’re tired.”

This myth assumes that babies are like mini-adults. They’re not.

Newborns and young babies rely on us to help regulate their sleep because their circadian rhythms and sleep associations are still developing. Expecting them to self-regulate early on can lead to frustration—for you and for them. Gentle routines and consistent cues can go a long way in supporting healthy sleep habits.

3. “Naps don’t affect night sleep.”

Actually, they do—and in a big way.

Daytime sleep directly impacts nighttime sleep. A baby who naps well is generally better rested, more regulated, and more likely to settle and stay asleep at night. Skipping naps or letting your baby get overtired during the day often leads to more night wakings, not fewer.

4. “Once they sleep through the night, sleep is sorted.”

We wish! But baby sleep is rarely linear.

Even babies who sleep well can go through regressions due to development, teething, illness, or changes in routine. Sleep isn’t a milestone you check off—it’s a skill that needs ongoing support and adjustment. And that’s completely normal.

5. “Babies don’t need routines—just go with the flow.”

Going with the flow might work short-term, but for most families, routines bring predictability—and babies thrive on that.

A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that sleep is coming. It creates a calm, secure environment that builds healthy sleep associations over time. Whether it's a bath, cuddle, book, or sound machine like SleepaSloth, your baby will begin to associate these steps with settling down for sleep.

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to baby sleep, but there are patterns that consistently support better rest—for both babies and parents. The more we understand what’s myth and what’s science-backed, the more confident we can feel in the choices we make.

Tired? Confused? You're not alone—and you're doing better than you think. Take it one step at a time and try your best, you will get there <3