Great Expectations: What every parent needs to know about baby sleep!

If there’s one thing every new parent quickly realizes, it’s this: baby sleep is a whole different world. You can read every book, follow every sleep account, and still find yourself wondering, “Why won’t my baby sleep like that baby on Instagram?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every baby and every family has their own rhythm, and it takes time (and sometimes a little guidance) to find it.

At Detroit Dreams Tonight, we help families all over Michigan find peace, rest, and confidence in their baby’s sleep. Whether you’re navigating the newborn stage or wrestling with a toddler who suddenly refuses bedtime, here’s what every parent should know about what’s normal, what’s not, and how to set realistic expectations for sleep in the first year and beyond.

Newborn Sleep Is Wildly Unpredictable… and That’s Normal

In those first 3-6 months, babies are still learning how to exist outside the womb. Their sleep cycles are short, their tummies are tiny, and their circadian rhythms aren’t fully developed. Long stretches of sleep aren’t the norm just yet.

Sure you may see parents on Instagram bragging about how their 8-week-old slept through the night, but the reality is that is not the norm for most babies.

What is normal? Consistent night wakings, often until 6 months (or longer!). The only thing that’s normal about newborn sleep is that it’s wildly unpredictable for a while.

Instead of aiming for “sleeping through the night,” focus on helping your baby feel safe, full, and supported. Set the foundation for healthy sleep rhythms early. Things like a consistent bedtime routine, sustainable sleep associations, appropriate wake windows, and responsive care. These will all make for a smoother transition to more independent sleep later on.

“Sleeping Through the Night” Doesn’t Mean What You Think

When parents hear that magical phrase, they often picture ten to twelve straight hours of blissful silence. And for some that’s a possibility, but in reality, “sleeping through the night” for older newborns looks more like one 5–6 hour stretch without needing to feed or be soothed and then more frequent wakings in the early morning hours.

Older babies may be able to go 7-8 hours on their own, while others might hit a more “magical” number of 10-11. Even older babies and toddlers wake briefly throughout the night… that’s just a part of normal human sleep cycles. The goal isn’t zero wakings; it’s helping your baby (and you) return to sleep easily and peacefully when they happen and then as they get older slowly stretching out those sleep times and weaning your child off needing to be soothed back to sleep.

Having realistic expectations of what is appropriate for your baby’s age, personality, and developmental readiness is SO important.

Day Sleep Matters Just as Much as Night Sleep

You can’t have good nights without good naps. Babies who are overtired actually sleep worse, not better. Paying attention to age-appropriate wake windows and helping your baby nap during the day can make bedtime smoother and nights more restful.

If your baby is fighting naps or taking short catnaps, it’s not a reflection of your parenting, it’s a signal that their sleep needs may be shifting. Sometimes small adjustments to nap timing or environment make a big difference.

Every Baby Has a Different Sleep Personality

Some babies fall asleep easily and nap like clockwork. Others fight every single snooze. Genetics, temperament, feeding patterns, and environment all play a role. Comparing your baby’s sleep to someone else’s will only lead to frustration (and probably more Googling at 2 a.m.).

Your baby’s sleep journey is theirs, and your job isn’t to make it perfect, but to create the conditions that help them thrive.

It can be hard to tune into what’s best for your baby especially in a society that tells you to outsource your parental intuition. I recommend tracking your babies sleep (not obsessively) for 7-10 days simply to look for patterns and adjust your schedule and approach from there.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s normal anymore, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re human and navigating the very real challenges of parenting. Sleep challenges are one of the most common struggles parents face, and getting help can only help, not hinder.

At Detroit Dreams Tonight, we take a personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to sleep consulting. Whether you need gentle guidance through the newborn phase, help with a four-month sleep regression, or a full sleep plan for your infant or toddler, we’re here to help bring calm back to your nights.

Ready to Dream Again?

Finding a rhythm that works for your family is possible.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of baby sleep, reach out for more information and to schedule a free sleep assessment.