Common Baby Sleep Myths and What New Parents Really Need to Know

We’re here to support you through every part of the feeding journey—and that includes helping you make sense of infant sleep in the first year. To give you clear, expert-backed answers, we’re sharing insights from Ebony Sanford, a sleep expert with Baby Sleep School. 

From common baby sleep myths to what’s normal for newborn sleep patterns, this guide is full of gentle, practical advice for breastfeeding moms, bottle-feeding parents, and anyone feeling unsure about how (or when) their baby should be sleeping.

Whether you’re dealing with night wakings, short naps, or just trying to figure out what “healthy baby sleep” actually looks like, you’re not alone. 

What are some of the most common myths or misconceptions about baby sleep in
the first year?

"You’ll spoil a baby by holding or cuddling them too much as a newborn"
You can’t spoil a newborn with love, cuddles, or responsiveness. In fact, responding to
your baby’s needs builds trust, security, and healthy brain development. Holding and
comforting your baby helps regulate their emotions and supports bonding and it’s not a
bad habit, it’s essential care.

"If you keep the baby up longer, they'll sleep better at night."
Overtired babies often sleep worse, not better. They may take longer to fall asleep,
wake more often, and be harder to settle. Well-rested babies actually tend to sleep
more soundly.

“Babies should sleep through the night by 6 months old.”
Most babies aren’t developmentally ready to consistently sleep through the night that
early. Night waking for feeding is still normal and healthy for many infants up to 12 months
months.

What does “normal” infant sleep actually look like in the first few months?

In the first few months of life, infant sleep is highly variable and often unpredictable.
Newborns typically sleep 14–17 hours in a 24-hour period, but in short stretches, both
day and night, with frequent wake-ups every 2–4 hours for feeding (some more often).
It’s normal for them to have irregular nap patterns, day/night confusion, and short sleep
cycles (about 40–50 minutes). They may need help falling asleep and often sleep best
when held or fed, all of which are developmentally appropriate and cannot cause ‘bad
habits’. Around 5-6 months, sleep may start to consolidate naturally, but understand
that things are still going to be up and down.

How can parents begin to encourage healthy sleep habits from the start—without
rigid schedules or methods?

Parents can gently encourage healthy sleep habits from the start by creating a simple,
calming wind-down routine and paying close attention to their baby’s sleepy cues (like
yawning, red eyebrows, or fussiness) so they can be put down before becoming
overtired. Keeping awake windows short and age-appropriate helps prevent
overstimulation, which can make it harder to settle. While it's normal for many early
naps to happen in arms or on the go, offering naps in a consistent sleep space when
possible can be helpful. A sleep-friendly environment, like a very dark room with steady
white noise, can make it easier for babies to settle and link sleep cycles without
distractions. Most importantly, staying flexible and responsive to your baby’s changing
needs (every baby has individual sleep needs), rather than following rigid schedules, lays
the foundation for better sleep over time.

4. How does feeding (breast or bottle) influence sleep patterns, if at all?

The idea that formula-fed babies sleep better than breastfed babies is a common myth,
but it’s not entirely true. While formula can take longer to digest, potentially leading to
slightly longer stretches of sleep in some babies, breastfed babies typically wake more often due to the faster digestion of breast milk. However, sleep patterns in infants are influenced by many factors, including age, temperament, and environment, rather than
the feeding method alone. Over time, both breastfed and formula-fed babies develop similar sleep patterns. It’s important for parents to focus on healthy sleep habits and routines rather than assuming one feeding method guarantees better sleep.

What are some gentle ways parents can support longer stretches of sleep as their
baby grows?

Here at Baby Sleep School, we always remind parents that supporting longer stretches
of sleep doesn't mean rushing the process; it means meeting your baby where they are
developmentally, while gently guiding them toward better rest. Around 3 to 6 months,
you can begin to set the stage by keeping a consistent bedtime routine, offering full
feeds during the day, and watching for sleepy cues to avoid overtiredness. Creating a
sleep-friendly environment, such as a super dark room, consistent white noise, and a
safe sleep space, can help your baby stay asleep longer. It’s also important to consider
how your baby falls asleep at bedtime. If they're falling asleep in your arms or while
feeding, they may come to rely on those associations to return to sleep, leading to
frequent night wakings, often every 2 to 4 hours as they cycle through lighter sleep
stages. Encouraging independent settling, when your baby is developmentally ready, can
help them learn to resettle on their own during the night. This doesn't mean leaving
them to cry, but rather supporting them through gradual changes and continuing to
respond with a calm, reassuring presence. Most importantly, trust your instincts; every
baby is different, and progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

When do you recommend parents start thinking about sleep routines or rhythms?
And what should that look like?

We recommend that parents start thinking about sleep routines or rhythms around 6 to
8 weeks of age, not with strict schedules or ‘sleep training’, but by gently introducing
patterns that help your baby feel secure and rested. This might include a consistent
wind-down routine before naps and bedtime (like moving them into their swaddle, a
short cuddle, dimming the lights, white noise on, and a song), offering full feeds during
the day, and beginning to notice your baby’s natural sleep cues. At this stage, it’s all
about creating a calm, predictable environment and following your baby’s lead, rather
than enforcing a rigid routine. These gentle foundations can make it easier to support
more consolidated sleep as your baby grows.

What are your thoughts on sleep training—what does that term really mean, and is
there a “right” time or way?

Here at Baby Sleep School, we see “sleep training” not as a one-size-fits-all method, but
as the process of helping your baby learn to fall asleep with less assistance, at a pace
that feels respectful and responsive to both baby and parent. It doesn’t have to mean
leaving your baby to cry alone or following a strict plan. Instead, it can be a gradual,
supportive shift toward more independent sleep, using approaches that align with your
family’s values and your baby’s temperament.

There’s no single “right” time; it’s more about readiness from both parties. Around 4 to 6 months, some babies are developmentally able to start learning new sleep habits, but it’s always okay to go slower or wait if it doesn’t feel right. The key is staying connected, responsive, and trusting your instincts along the way.

What are realistic sleep expectations for babies at 3 months, 6 months, and
beyond?

Realistic sleep expectations can vary quite a bit from baby to baby as they all have
induvial sleep needs, but there are some general patterns that can help guide parents
through each stage:

Up to 3 months, many babies are still developing their circadian rhythm and may be
waking every 2–4 hours overnight. Some might offer a longer stretch of sleep (4–6
hours), especially at the beginning of the night, but frequent night feeds are still
developmentally normal. Naps are often short and irregular, with total daytime sleep
around 4–5 hours.

By 6 months, sleep often becomes more predictable. Some babies are ready for longer
stretches of sleep overnight, potentially 6–8 hours, especially if they’ve begun to
practice falling asleep more independently. Night feeds may be reduced, but many still need 1–2 feeds overnight. Naps usually consolidate into 3 a day, and total sleep needs are
around 14–15 hours in 24 hours.

Beyond 6 months, many babies continue progressing toward more consolidated night
sleep and more consistent nap routines. By 9–12 months, some babies may sleep
through the night without feeding, while others still need one. It’s important to
remember that regressions, teething, and developmental milestones can temporarily
impact sleep at any age. What matters most is overall progress, not perfection, and a
responsive, supportive approach through each phase.

How can exhausted parents take care of themselves while navigating night
wakings and inconsistent sleep?

Caring for yourself while navigating night wakings and unpredictable sleep is essential,
but often overlooked. We encourage parents to focus on small, realistic ways to support
their own well-being. That might mean trading off night duties with a partner when
possible or another family member, napping during the day instead of catching up on
chores, or carving out even 10 quiet minutes for yourself. Lowering expectations around
productivity, accepting help from others, and nourishing your body with food, water,
and movement (even a short walk, when you’re able) can make a big difference.
Emotional support is just as important; talking to a friend, joining a parent group, or
working with a professional can help you feel less alone. Remember, this season is
temporary, and taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s what helps you keep showing
up for your baby with love and patience.

What advice do you have for parents who feel pressure to “fix” their baby’s sleep
early on?

For parents feeling pressure to “fix” their baby’s sleep early on, my advice is to take a
deep breath and give yourself permission to let go of unrealistic expectations. Newborn and infant sleep is naturally unpredictable, and there’s nothing broken about a baby
who wakes often, needs help settling, or naps inconsistently. These are normal,
developmentally appropriate behaviors. Instead of focusing on fixing, try shifting the
mindset to supporting your baby’s sleep by creating a calm environment, tuning into their cues, and building gentle routines over time. Every baby has their own timeline,
and progress can be slow and subtle. You’re not behind, and you’re not doing it wrong.
Trust your instincts, focus on connection, and remember: you and your baby are
learning together.

No two babies sleep the same, and that’s okay. As you navigate the ups and downs of infant sleep, remember that progress takes time, and every small win matters. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or doing your best to get a nap in yourself, you’re doing an incredible job.

At Rumble Tuff, we’re proud to support you through every feed, every wake-up, and every phase in between. For more expert tips and resources, be sure to check out our other blog posts or visit Baby Sleep School for deeper guidance on your sleep journey.