Bonus: Busting Sleep Myths

Parenting is hard enough without the added pressure of sleep myths that leave you second-guessing yourself. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep—and no “perfect parent” who’s doing it all right.

Let’s break down 11 of the most common sleep myths and uncover the truths that can empower you to approach your child’s sleep with confidence and connection.

1. Myth: Babies Should Sleep Through the Night by 6 Months

Truth: Night waking is completely normal—even for older babies and toddlers.

While some babies may sleep through the night early on, many others wake for nourishment, comfort, or connection well into toddlerhood..and more still wake for any combination of these reasons. This isn’t a reflection of your parenting—it’s simply a developmental stage.

Research shows that night waking is biologically driven and serves purposes like hunger regulation, temperature adjustment, and attachment reinforcement. It’s worth noting that the ability to sleep through the night often happens gradually and varies greatly among children.

Takeaway: Night waking doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means your child is developing exactly as they should.

2. Myth: You’re Creating Bad Habits if You Rock, Feed, or Cuddle Your Baby to Sleep

Truth: Comforting your child supports secure attachment, not bad habits.

Providing comfort through rocking, feeding, or cuddling helps your child feel safe and loved. Studies, like those by Middlemiss et al. (2012), confirm that responsive caregiving reduces stress and promotes emotional regulation.

Takeaway: Trust your instincts. Comforting your baby is never a bad habit—it’s building a foundation of security that will serve them for life.

3. Myth: Sleep Training is the Only Way to Improve Sleep

Truth: Gentle, holistic approaches can be just as effective without compromising your values.

Sleep training isn’t the only—or the best—solution for every family. Responsive approaches, which include observing sleep cues, creating calming routines, attunement to your child’s needs, and adjusting the sleep environment, can significantly improve sleep without leaving a child to cry.

For a deeper dive into this topic, read my Substack blog post, Does Sleep Training Really Do No Harm?

Takeaway: You don’t need to choose between supporting your child’s sleep and maintaining a strong connection. Holistic sleep solutions offer a balanced path forward.

4. Myth: White Noise Machines are Harmful or Addictive

Truth: When used appropriately, white noise can be a helpful sleep aid.

White noise mimics the sounds of the womb, creating a calming backdrop that blocks out external disruptions. It’s a widely researched and effective tool for promoting sleep.

However, pink noise (a variation of white noise) is not recommended for infants under 6 months. For more guidance, download my free guide: White Noise vs. Pink Noise: Understanding the Difference.

Takeaway: White noise isn’t harmful—it’s a simple tool to create a soothing sleep environment when used thoughtfully.

5. Myth: Babies Should Sleep in Complete Silence

Truth: A silent sleep environment isn’t necessary and can even be counterproductive.

Background noise, such as white noise, can create a buffer against sudden disruptions, helping babies sleep more soundly. Exposure to background noise during daytime naps in particular can often make it easier for young babies to nap on the go when you’re out and about.

Takeaway: Sleep environments don’t need to be silent. Consistent, gentle sounds can actually support better sleep.

6. Myth: Strict Routines Are the Only Way to Promote Good Sleep

Truth: Flexibility is key to sustainable sleep routines.

While consistency is important, strict schedules don’t account for life’s unpredictability. Flexible routines adapt to your child’s evolving needs and ensure sleep support feels manageable for the whole family.

Takeaway: Focus on rhythms, not rigid schedules, to create a routine that grows with your child.

7. Myth: Sleep Regressions Mean Something is Wrong

Truth: Sleep regressions are a normal part of development.

Periods of disrupted sleep often align with developmental leaps, such as learning to crawl or experiencing separation anxiety. These regressions are temporary and a sign of progress, not failure.

Takeaway: Sleep regressions are normal. Support your child with consistency and patience—they’ll pass in time.

8. Myth: You Should Keep Your Baby Awake Longer to Help Them Sleep Better

Truth: Overtiredness makes it harder for babies to fall asleep.

When babies are overtired, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, making it harder to settle. It also impacts the way that they transition through their sleep cycles which can increase the likelihood of nighttime waking. Recognising and responding to early sleep cues can prevent overtiredness and support smoother transitions to sleep.

Takeaway: Respect your child’s natural rhythms instead of trying to stretch wake windows.

9. Myth: Drowsy But Awake is the Only Way

Truth: There are many paths to healthy sleep habits.

While some babies respond well to being placed in their crib drowsy but awake, others may need more hands-on support. Both approaches can lead to independent sleep over time.

Takeaway: Follow your child’s cues to find what works best for them.

10. Myth: Short Naps Aren’t Restful

Truth: Even short naps can support your child’s development.

Not all babies are “long nap” sleepers, and that’s okay. Sleep needs vary by child, and even short naps contribute to overall rest and growth.

Takeaway: Focus on total sleep across 24 hours rather than fixating on nap length.

11. Myth: Attachment Issues Cause Night Waking

Truth: Night waking is biologically driven, not a reflection of attachment quality.

Babies wake for various reasons, including hunger, temperature changes, or light sleep cycles. These patterns are normal and unrelated to attachment.

Takeaway: Night waking is not an attachment issue. Continue offering comfort as needed—this builds trust and security.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Which of these myths surprised you the most? Have you encountered other sleep myths that left you feeling uncertain? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!