Why Baby Sleep Isn’t Linear - And That’s OK
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One of the biggest myths about baby sleep is that it should improve in a straight line. In reality, it’s far more up and down. Understanding this can help you approach sleep regression-and parenting in general-with more patience and confidence.
The Truth About Baby Sleep Patterns
Babies don’t gradually sleep more every month. Instead, they go through periods of progress followed by setbacks:
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Longer stretches of sleep… then constant waking
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Predictable naps… then refusal to nap entirely
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Calm evenings… then crying at every bedtime
This can be deeply frustrating, especially if you’ve worked hard on sleep routines. But it’s normal.
Why Sleep Isn’t Linear
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Developmental leaps: Just when sleep improves, your baby starts crawling or teething.
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Growth spurts: Babies need more food and comfort, disrupting sleep.
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Environmental changes: Holidays, illnesses, and milestones all affect rest.
Sleep will improve again. But there will be bumps—and that’s part of the journey.
Shifting Your Mindset
Rather than expecting constant improvement, look for:
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Trends, not perfection
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Adaptability, not rigid routines
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Connection, not control
Give yourself credit for the good nights. And give yourself grace for the hard ones.
What Progress Really Looks Like
It’s better to think of baby sleep as a spiral not a straight line. Each regression may look like a step backwards, but it’s usually a sign of your baby developing in incredible ways.
With each challenge, your baby gains new skills-and you gain confidence in your ability to support them.
Final Thoughts
There’s no such thing as a perfect sleeper. But every disrupted night brings you closer to understanding your baby and strengthening your bond.
The road isn’t straight-but you’re still moving forward.