Colin Snow
If your 12-week-old baby is not sleeping, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is important to remember that sleeping through the night is a learned skill that takes time and practice. Babies typically sleep better when they have consistent sleep and wake times, so establishing a bedtime routine and sleep schedule is crucial. Additionally, creating a calm and relaxing sleep environment, such as dimming the lights and reducing sounds and movements, can help your baby sleep better. Hunger is also a common reason for babies waking up during the night, so it is important to ensure they are well-fed before bedtime. Other factors that can impact your baby's sleep include illness, teething, reaching new milestones, and changes in routine. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional.
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What You'll Learn
Hunger and thirst
During the first six weeks, it is recommended to feed newborns on demand. If they cry, feed them! By eight weeks, babies typically fall into a feeding routine, and parents can determine how long they can go between feeds. Around this time, it is also important to establish nightly bedtime routines.
At 12 weeks, a baby's sleep schedule is fundamental to helping them sleep well. While some babies are more adaptable to disruptions in their routine, a predictable schedule can be beneficial for both the baby and the parent. A consistent set of steps before sleep can help cue a baby that it is time for sleep. For example, dimming the lights, closing the curtains, changing the baby's diaper, singing a lullaby, offering a bottle, and then laying the baby down for sleep while saying a key phrase.
It is important to note that sleeping through the night is a learned skill that takes time and practice. Most babies are developmentally capable of sleeping through the night by around five months, although some may still need a night feeding until they are eight or nine months old.
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Illness or discomfort
It is normal for 11, 12, and 13-week-old babies to struggle with sleeping through the night. However, if your baby is experiencing sleep regression, there could be a number of reasons for this.
Babies also experience changes in their sleep patterns as they grow. Around four months old, babies move from the newborn phase of sleep into more adult-like sleep stages. This transition can cause sleep regression, resulting in more frequent night wakings and shorter naps.
Additionally, developmental milestones and growth spurts can impact your baby's sleep. As your baby learns new skills, such as rolling, babbling, or discovering their hands and feet, their sleep may be disrupted. These periods of big developmental growth can coincide with sleep regressions, making it difficult for your baby to settle and sleep through the night.
If you suspect that your baby's sleep troubles are due to illness or discomfort, it is important to consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider for advice and guidance. They can help identify any underlying causes and offer suggestions to improve your baby's sleep.
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Sleep regression
At 12 weeks, your baby may be experiencing the early stages of sleep regression, which is typically more prominent around 4 months of age. During this time, your baby may start to wake up more often, have shorter naps, and need more frequent resettling. This can be a challenging period for parents, as it may disrupt the sleep routine that was previously established.
To manage sleep regression, it is essential to establish a consistent bedtime routine and environment. This includes creating a sleep schedule, dimming the lights, maintaining a quiet and comfortable space, and incorporating soothing activities such as singing lullabies or offering a pacifier. However, it is recommended to gradually wean the use of pacifiers as the baby approaches 4 months of age.
Additionally, ensuring that your baby is getting adequate nutrition during the day can help extend their nighttime sleep. Most 2- to 3-month-old babies, especially those who are breastfed, may still need to feed at least once or twice during the night. However, it is important to gradually reduce nighttime feedings and ensure they are eating enough during the day.
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Lack of routine
A consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule are crucial for a 12-week-old baby to sleep well. A predictable schedule helps parents arrange their day and provides consistency for the baby.
If you don't already have a set routine, consider developing a good sleep schedule to see how it impacts your baby's sleep. A sleep schedule does not have to be long or strict. For instance, you can dim the lights, close the curtains, change your baby's diaper, sing a lullaby, offer a bottle, cuddle for a few minutes, and then lay your baby down to sleep while saying a key phrase, such as "I love you. Time for sleep. Night night."
Having a step-by-step plan will help you stay on track, committed, and consistent. It is important to plan ahead, as babies are constantly changing, and sleep regressions can occur at any time. Sleep regressions are a normal part of babyhood and toddlerhood and often happen when your child is between 3 and 4 months, 6 months, 8 to 10 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years.
Additionally, it is important to set the environment for sleep. This includes keeping the lights low or turning them off near the baby's sleeping area, limiting sound and movement, and swaddling your baby to keep their arms and legs still.
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Separation anxiety
Signs of separation anxiety at night include:
- Becoming upset and crying when you leave their room during their bedtime routine.
- Insisting that you stay with them while they fall asleep.
- Waking at night and calling out for you.
- Crying when you enter the nursery.
- Being fussier than usual and only settling down for sleep if held.
- Crying at nap/bedtime when being laid down or as you leave the room.
- Taking short naps or suddenly struggling to fall asleep at naptime.
- Waking up in the middle of the night when this wasn't an issue before.
- Fighting bedtime.
If your 12-week-old is experiencing separation anxiety, there are several strategies you can use to help them manage their emotions and improve their sleep:
- Keep bedtime as normal as possible, as consistency is comforting to children.
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it, even if your baby is experiencing separation anxiety. Avoid introducing new habits, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep.
- Play games like peek-a-boo or "I'll Be Right Back" to teach your baby that even if they can't see you, you will come back.
- Talk to your baby about what you will do together in the morning.
- Leave something with your baby that they find comforting and associate with you, such as a piece of your clothing or one of their favourite toys.
- Give your baby extra cuddles and kisses during the day and when putting them down to sleep for the night.
- Teach your baby relaxation techniques, such as replacing frightening thoughts with images of safety and happiness.
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Frequently asked questions
It is normal for babies to not sleep through the night at 12 weeks old. Some babies start sleeping through the night as early as 10-12 weeks, while others don't sleep through the night until well into the toddler years. Most babies are developmentally capable of sleeping through the night by around 5 months.
You can try to keep them awake a little longer during the day to increase their need for sleep at night. You can also try to get them outside in the sun, as natural light helps reset their internal clock. Having a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule can also help.
Hunger, illness, and not understanding the time of day are some common reasons why newborns don't sleep at night.
Sleep regression can happen at any time, but it commonly occurs around 4 months, 6 months, 8-10 months, and 12 months. Signs of sleep regression include trouble falling asleep, more frequent night waking, resisting naps, and increased fussiness.
