Why Is My Baby Not Sleeping Yet?

A Complete Guide to Night Routines and Baby Sleep Needs in India

One of the most common 3 a.m. Google searches by Indian parents is, “Why is my baby not sleeping yet?”

Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable—short naps, sudden wake-ups, and endless night feeds can leave parents exhausted. The good news: with gentle, consistent habits, you can teach your baby to associate nighttime with longer, calmer sleep.

Here’s how to create a healthy night routine and understand how much sleep babies really need at each age.

 

How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?

While every baby is unique, paediatricians generally recommend the following total sleep (day + night):

These are averages—some healthy babies sleep a bit more or less.

 

When to Start a Sleep Routine

0–2 months : Newborns wake often for feeds. At this stage, you can’t expect a strict schedule, but you can start signalling “night” vs “day” by keeping nights dark and quiet.

Around 3–4 months : Most babies begin to settle into longer night stretches. This is the ideal time to introduce a simple bedtime routine—a predictable sequence of calming activities each evening.

6 months and beyond : Many babies can sleep 6–8 hours without a feed. Night routine cues become even more effective.

 

Steps to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

- Set a consistent time
Choose a window—usually 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.—and begin the routine at roughly the same time every night. Consistency trains your baby’s internal clock.

- Create a soothing sequence
A routine might look like this:

-Warm sponge bath or gentle wipe-down

-Light baby massage with coconut or almond oil (a common Indian tradition)

-Fresh diaper and soft night clothes

-Quiet feed—breast or bottle—before sleep

-Short lullaby or soft humming, then lights out

Over time, these cues signal that night has begun and support better baby sleep.

Make the Room Sleep-Friendly

1- White noise: A white noise machine or even the gentle hum of a ceiling fan can mimic the womb’s sounds and help block sudden household noises.

2- Pacifier (if baby accepts): Offers comfort and may lower the risk of SIDS; introduce after breastfeeding is well established.

3- Ambient temperature: Aim for about 24–26 °C in Indian climates—cool enough for comfort but not chilly. In humid regions, a ceiling fan or air conditioner on a moderate setting helps maintain airflow.

4- No disturbances: Dim the lights, silence phones, and limit TV noise during bedtime hours.

Managing Night Feeds

Night feeds remain important for the first several months:

- Newborns (0–3 months): Feed on demand—most need to nurse every 2–3 hours.

- 4–6 months: Some babies may naturally drop one night feed; others still need one or two.

- 6 months+: Many can sleep through, but growth spurts or illnesses may temporarily increase night feeding.

Keep night feeds calm and low-key—use a dim light and minimal talking so your baby learns night is for sleeping, not play.

 

Common Indian Household Challenges & Tips

- Joint family noise: Request quiet hours in the evening, or use white noise to mask household sounds.

- Mosquito concerns: Use a baby-safe net or mesh while keeping airflow; avoid strong chemical repellents.

- Seasonal extremes: In hot summers, dress baby in lightweight cotton; in cooler regions, add a light swaddle or sleep sack.

If Your Baby Still Resists Sleep

Even with a routine, occasional night waking is normal. Growth spurts, teething, or illness can disrupt patterns.

Seek advice from your paediatrician if:

- Baby’s sleep suddenly changes for long periods

- There are breathing difficulties or persistent colic

- You are concerned about growth or feeding

Key Takeaway

Indian parents often wonder, “Why is my baby not sleeping yet?” The answer is rarely instant, but starting a gentle night routine around 3–4 months—paired with a calm, sleep-friendly environment and an understanding of your baby’s normal sleep needs—helps most babies learn to sleep for longer stretches.

Patience and consistency are key: over time, these small steps lead to peaceful nights for both baby and parents.