Baby sleep is one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — parts of early parenting. We’re told to “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but what if the baby isn’t sleeping?

Here are 8 things we wish we had known earlier. Whether you’re in the newborn haze or dealing with a tricky toddler sleep phase, this might help take some pressure off.

**1. Sleep habits can be learned — and can be unlearned.**

Some little ones will sleep well, some will need support. Changing little ones’ sleep habits often supports them to better sleep.

**Sleep isn’t a matter of luck or waiting it out.**
There’s so much you can do to gently encourage better sleep.

**2. Wake windows change fast in the first year.**

The time your baby can stay awake grows quickly.

**15–20 minutes can make a huge difference.**
Knowing the range helps you stay ahead of overtiredness and avoid unnecessary bedtime battles.

**3. Night wakings are normal — but how often and to what degree.**

*It’s normal for babies to stir or briefly wake between sleep cycles* — it’s their way of checking that everything feels the same as when they fell asleep.

But if your little one is fully waking, crying, and needing help to resettle frequently (outside of hunger), it may be a sign that their sleep habits or environment need a closer look.

**4. Overtired babies don’t sleep better — they fight it.**

**Missing a baby’s ideal bedtime makes them overtired.**

When babies are overtired, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which disrupt sleep.

Sleep debt builds — and harder nights follow. Earlier bedtimes often help.

**5. Sleep isn’t just naps + bedtime — it’s nutrition too.**

Undereating or nutrient gaps (especially iron) can lead to more night waking.

Around 6 months, babies need solids for both growth and sleep support.

**Sleep and feeding are connected** — think of them as one big system, not separate routines.

**6. Babies thrive on rhythm — not rigid schedules.**

You don’t need a minute-by-minute plan. But a consistent rhythm — wake, feed, play, sleep — helps regulate your baby’s internal clock.

**Tracking sleep helps you follow the flow of your baby’s day, not force it.**

**7. Not all wake windows are created equal.**

Morning windows are usually shorter. But wake windows shift based on time of day, the length of the previous nap, and even how your baby felt when they woke up.

**Bambii takes all of it into account** — and adjusts in real time so you don’t have to guess.

**8. Sleep support isn’t failure — it’s a survival tool.**

Needing help doesn’t mean you’ve failed! Babies don’t come with a manual, and while some sleep well from the get-go, *others need guidance*.

**Using resources gives your baby the best chance to rest well and yourself the support you deserve.**

**You’re not alone. Sleep is complex, but it’s not unsolvable.**
If you're looking for real-time help with naps, wake windows, and baby sleep routines — try the Bambii sleep tracker for 7 consecutive days, then use our "Analyze Sleep" function. Bambii learns your baby’s patterns and supports you through every sleep phase, and offers practical tips that are tailored specifically to your child.

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