5 Things Nobody Told You About Sleeping Babies

Before becoming a mom, you probably had an idea in your head of how a baby sleeps — based on all those stories you’ve always heard. Things like: “The first few weeks can actually be a bit boring because your baby sleeps all day,” or “Put your baby in their own crib from day one, they’ll sleep best that way.” But once you become a mom, you quickly throw everything you’ve heard about sleeping babies out the window. Because these are the things nobody told you about sleeping babies!

1. There’s No Off Switch!
Sounds a bit harsh, but let’s say it with a wink: babies don’t have an off button. Just when your little one finally falls asleep, and you’ve raced around the house cleaning up the worst mess, managed to brush your hair, and finally sent that message to your friends’ group chat, you collapse on the couch — only to hear your baby crying again.

2. Sleep Cycle… What’s That?
Yes, lucky you — babies have a sleep cycle of around 45 minutes. That means your baby could be wide awake again before you know it (especially if you’re not quick enough to help them transition to the next sleep cycle). Translation: you’ve got time to watch one episode of your favorite show, take that desperately needed shower, or drink two cups of coffee to survive the sleep deprivation from the night before.

3. Koala Time
Your maternity nurse might insist: “Let your baby get used to sleeping in their own bed.” But the moment you lay your little one down in their carefully made crib, they start crying. There’s only one solution: cuddles, and lots of them — all day (and night) long. Luckily, you’ve been looking forward to those snuggles for nine months, and you’ll enjoy every second of it.

4. Arms Up… and Startling Time!
Every new mom knows this moment: your baby is peacefully snoozing when suddenly their arms shoot straight up into the air and slowly fall back down. Within a second, you’re standing next to the crib checking if everything’s okay. But no worries — this is just your baby’s startle reflex kicking in during a little dream. Time to go back to folding that endless pile of laundry.

5. Routine? Oh No, My Baby Doesn’t Have a Routine!
You’ve signed your baby up for daycare, and during your first introductory visit, the staff asks you what your three-month-old’s routine is. You rack your brain — should my baby have a routine? To avoid total embarrassment, you just make something up. Here’s the good news: most babies at that age don’t have a real sleep routine, and most moms are just grateful if their baby sleeps at all!