Gentle Ways to Support Night Wakings Without Exhausting Yourself

If your baby is waking frequently in the night and struggling to settle back to sleep, you’re not alone. Night wakings are incredibly common in infancy — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to cope with, especially when you’re exhausted and unsure how best to respond.

The good news? With a calm, responsive approach, you can gently guide your baby towards more restful nights and help them begin learning the skill of self-settling.

Why Night Wakings Happen

Babies cycle through lighter and deeper stages of sleep, and it’s completely normal for them to stir or wake between sleep cycles — often every 2–4 hours. Some babies are able to resettle themselves back to sleep during these lighter moments, while others wake fully and need support.

Many little ones haven’t yet learned how to soothe themselves back to sleep, especially if they’re used to being fed, rocked, or held every time they wake. That’s where gentle, consistent changes can make a big difference.

Gentle Ways to Support Night Wakings

1. Pause Before Responding
When you hear your baby stir, give them a moment before jumping in. Sometimes they may fuss briefly, change position, or make a few noises as they try to get back to sleep. Rushing in too quickly can interrupt the process of self-settling.

2. Keep Interactions Low-Key
If your baby does need you in the night, keep things as calm and quiet as possible. Avoid bright lights, talking too much. This helps reinforce the idea that night-time is for sleeping, not playing or chatting.

3. Use a Gentle Soothing Strategy
Offer comfort in a way that helps your baby feel secure but still encourages independent settling. This might include a gentle pat, shushing, or simply placing your hand on their tummy. Over time, you can gradually reduce the level of help you offer as they begin to build their self-soothing ability.

4. Check the Sleep Environment
A comfortable, calm sleep space can make it easier for babies to drift back off. Try using blackout blinds, white noise, and a consistent room temperature to minimise any disturbances during lighter phases of sleep.

Teaching Your Baby to Self-Soothe

Self-soothing is a skill that babies can learn with time and support — and it certainly doesn’t have to involve leaving them to cry. With gentle, responsive techniques, you can build your baby’s confidence in settling themselves back to sleep.

It’s not about expecting perfection overnight. But through consistent routines, recognising your baby’s needs, and gradually stepping back, you’re giving them the tools to sleep more peacefully and independently.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Remember, night wakings are a normal part of your baby’s development — but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate them alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I’m here to help.

I offer gentle, tailored support to guide you through building healthy sleep habits and teaching your little one to settle more confidently. Whether it’s night wakings, early starts, or anything in between, we’ll work together to create a plan that works for your family.