Oh, friend, I’ve been there. Picture this: a sleep-deprived mama (me) frantically trying to figure out why my 12-week-old baby girl wasn’t sleeping 12 hours straight. I’d read somewhere—or maybe someone told me—that keeping her in a bright, noisy environment during the day would help her “get used to sleeping anywhere.”
Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and second-guessing myself.
Fast forward to now, as a psychologist and certified sleep coach, I’m here to tell you that some of the advice we’ve been fed is, well, flat-out wrong. Let’s debunk those sleep myths together so you can breathe a little easier on your parenting journey.
When it comes to baby sleep, there’s no shortage of opinions. But not all advice is created equal—and some myths can leave us feeling like we’re failing when, in reality, we’re doing just fine. So, let’s set the record straight with three of the biggest baby sleep myths and the truths that will help you create a routine that works for your family.
Myth 1: Babies Should Sleep in a Light Environment During the Day and a Dark Environment at Night.
The Truth: Babies sleep best in a dark environment both during the day and at night.
You’ve probably heard that keeping your baby’s room light during the day helps them distinguish between day and night. While it’s true that establishing a day-night rhythm is important, the actual sleep environment plays a bigger role in how well they rest. A dark room—even for daytime naps—signals your baby’s body to produce melatonin, the magical hormone that helps regulate sleep. It also minimizes distractions, making it easier for your little one to drift off. So, go ahead and invest in those blackout curtains—they’re worth it!
Here is another option if you don't want to spend a fortune: Amazon portable blackouts.
Myth 2: Babies Should Sleep 12 Hours Straight by 12 Weeks.
The Truth: Every baby is different, and most won’t consistently sleep 12 hours straight until much later.
I get it—the idea of a full 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep sounds like the ultimate dream. But setting this as an expectation for your 12-week-old can lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Babies grow and develop at their own pace, and things like growth spurts, teething, and other milestones can disrupt sleep. Instead of chasing the “12 by 12” milestone, focus on progress over perfection. Celebrate those small wins—like an extra hour of sleep here or a shorter wake-up there. Your baby will get there in their own time, and so will you.
Myth 3: If Your Baby Wakes Up at Night, It’s Because They’re Hungry.
The Truth: While hunger is a common reason for night wakings, it’s not the only one.
Not every middle-of-the-night cry is about food. Babies wake up for all sorts of reasons—maybe they’re uncomfortable, too warm or too cold, or just seeking a little reassurance. Developmental leaps, habits, or even a sleep environment that’s less than ideal can also play a role. Take a step back and observe what might be causing the wake-ups. Are they genuinely hungry, or is it something else? Understanding the root cause can make a difference in helping your baby sleep longer stretches—and helping you feel more confident in how you respond.
I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re in the thick of sleep struggles. Let me guide you! Schedule a free call here to talk about your family's sleep challenges and start working together!
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