Baby Bedtimes: What to Do if Newborn Baby Will Not Sleep

Being overtired makes children energetic! The Sleep in America poll found that overtired children take almost 20% longer to fall asleep. While that is true, infants who go to bed too early put up a good fight at bedtime as well.

To end the nightly struggle, you will want to figure out your baby’s ideal bedtime.

Baby Bedtimes

The average 3-month-old’s bedtime is around 21:30. Yet, as infants get older their bedtime gets earlier, dropping to 20:30…and earlier.

Researchers found that newborn babies who went to bed before 21:00 slept significantly longer overall (13 hours) than those who went down after 21:00 (11.8 hours).

Most babies drift off easily and sleep longer when they are laid down before they get tired and bug-eyed. But if you push for a baby bedtime that is too early, your little buddy just may not be tired. Yes, you are walking a real fine line here!

 Clues a Newborn Bedtime Is Too Early

• He fights falling asleep for 30 to 60 minutes.
• He shows no sign of fatigue at bedtime.
• He wakes up in the middle of the night or very early the next day, refreshed and raring to go.

The solution: Try pushing your routine 15 minutes later every 2 to 3 nights to nail the right bedtime.

Clues a Baby Bedtime Is Too Late 

• She fights falling asleep for 30 to 60 minutes.
• She is moody and irritable and falls asleep during the day in the car or stroller.
• She takes naps over 2 hours long.