Baby Won’t Sleep at Night? Busting the 5 Most Common Sleep Myths

If your baby won’t sleep at night, you’re likely exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering what you’re missing. You've tried it all—feeds, cuddles, white noise, bouncing on the spot at 3 a.m.—yet the wake-ups keep happening.

Let’s take a collective deep breath, because it’s not your fault. More often than not, sleep struggles stem from outdated advice or well-meaning myths that lead parents down confusing paths. Let’s gently clear the noise and bust some common baby sleep myths, so you can feel more empowered and confident in your next steps.

1. Myth: "Some babies just don’t need much sleep."

It’s true that every baby is different—but all babies have biological sleep needs. When a little one seems to resist sleep constantly, it’s often because their sleep timing is off, they’re overtired, or they’re missing sleep cues—not because they need less rest.

Babies thrive on rhythm and support, and even the most restless sleeper can find their way to better nights with the right tools.

2. Myth: "Sleep training means leaving your baby to cry it out."

This is one of the biggest fears for parents—and rightfully so. No one wants to feel like they’re abandoning their baby.

But here’s the truth: sleep support can be gentle, responsive, and emotionally connected. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and you don’t have to ignore your baby’s needs to help them sleep better. At Nicole Nurtures, I use holistic, evidence-based approaches that respect both the baby’s cues and the parent’s instincts.

3. Myth: "If my baby won’t sleep at night, I must be doing something wrong."

Oh, the guilt this myth brings. You’re showing up, loving hard, and doing your very best—and that’s everything.

Poor sleep doesn’t mean you’re failing. It often means your baby just needs a little more structure, a better-suited routine, or a new way to settle. Sleep is a learned skill, and like all skills, it can be nurtured with time, patience, and the right support.

4. Myth: "Solids will fix the night wakings."

It’s a hopeful idea—but unfortunately, starting solids doesn’t usually equal uninterrupted nights. While food plays a role in sleep readiness, it’s rarely the magic switch. If your baby is waking due to habit, overtiredness, or environmental factors, solids won’t address those root causes.

5. Myth: "It’s just a phase—you have to ride it out."

Yes, babies go through sleep regressions and growth spurts. But if your baby’s sleep struggles have become the norm—not a short-term phase—you don’t have to just wait it out and suffer through. You can make gentle, informed changes that work, without compromising your values or connection.

💭 So, what can you do when your baby won’t sleep at night?

First, know that you are not alone. You don’t have to “figure it out” through guesswork or do it all on your own. There is support, and you deserve to feel rested, confident, and calm in your parenting.

💙 Ready for better sleep?

If your baby’s nights feel all over the place, I’m here to help.

My Nurture Support Sleep Program offers personalised, holistic support to help your little one (and you!) get the rest you need.

From nap routines to overnight settling strategies, we’ll create a personalised plan that suits your family’s unique rhythm.

✨ Let’s get you back to peaceful nights, rested mornings, and a whole lot more joy.

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Nicole Jayawickreme

Certified Baby Sleep Consultant and Registered Nurse (Neonatal Intensive Care)

I’m a certified sleep specialist, neonatal intensive care nurse, wife and a mother of 3 beautiful little children. I know first hand how important sleep is and I am here to help you and your family with my sleep programs so that you all can thrive.

I will guide and empower determined parents like you, to get the sleep you desperately need so that you have the energy to be the best parent that you can be!

Lear more about me here