TL;DR
Parents get bombarded with advice about baby sleep, but much of it is outdated or just wrong. Science shows that some popular tips actually make sleep worse. From keeping babies up too late to avoiding white noise, here are five common myths and what research really says instead.
5-Point Summary
- Keeping babies awake longer does not help them sleep better.
- Babies do not need complete silence to sleep.
- Sleeping through the night is not realistic for newborns.
- Bedtime routines should start early, not later.
- White noise and soothing sounds can safely support better sleep.
Why So Many Baby Sleep Myths Exist
Every parent gets sleep advice from friends, relatives, or social media. Some of it sounds convincing, but not all of it stands up to science. Research over the past two decades shows that babies’ brains and sleep patterns work very differently from adults’. Understanding what is true can save you a lot of frustration and help your baby rest better.
Myth 1: Keeping Your Baby Awake Longer Helps Them Sleep Better
This might sound logical, but it is one of the biggest misconceptions. When babies stay awake too long, their cortisol levels rise. Cortisol is a stress hormone that makes it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. The Sleep Foundation explains that overtired babies often appear energetic or fussy, which can trick parents into thinking they are not tired yet.
The fix is to watch your baby’s wake windows. Babies under six months typically need sleep every 60 to 120 minutes. Starting bedtime before they become overtired leads to longer, more peaceful sleep.
Myth 2: Babies Need Total Silence to Sleep Well
Babies spent nine months in the womb listening to steady noise from the heartbeat, digestive system, and blood flow. For them, complete silence can actually feel strange. In one study, 80 percent of newborns exposed to white noise fell asleep within five minutes compared with only 25 percent who were not (PubMed).
This is why many parents use soft, consistent background sounds like white noise or lullabies to help their babies relax. The key is keeping the sound at a safe volume and using it consistently as part of the bedtime routine.
Myth 3: Babies Should Sleep Through the Night Early On
Many parents worry if their newborn does not sleep through the night, but this is completely normal. Newborn sleep cycles are shorter than adult cycles, and babies need to feed frequently to grow. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that frequent night waking in the first months is expected and gradually improves as babies mature.
By around six months, many babies can sleep longer stretches if they are healthy and well-fed, but every baby is different. Comparing sleep habits between babies can cause unnecessary stress.
Myth 4: Bedtime Routines Only Matter for Older Kids
Bedtime routines are beneficial from the very beginning. A 2016 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that infants who followed a consistent bedtime routine fell asleep faster, woke less during the night, and had longer overall sleep duration.
Simple steps such as a warm bath, putting on pajamas, reading a short story, and playing gentle sounds tell your baby that it is time to rest. Babies thrive on repetition because it helps their brains predict what comes next.
Myth 5: White Noise or Lullabies Are Just a Crutch
Some parents worry that babies will “depend” on white noise or lullabies to sleep. In reality, these sounds help create a consistent, comforting environment that promotes better rest. Just like adults might use relaxing music, babies respond to predictable cues. Studies show that soothing sounds can lower heart rate and stress levels in infants (Frontiers in Psychology).
Many parents use simple devices like Lullabear to keep the same gentle sounds going all night without screens or bright lights. The sound consistency helps babies recognize that it is still time to sleep, even if they briefly wake.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to baby sleep, not everything you hear is true. Keeping your baby awake longer, insisting on silence, or skipping bedtime routines can make sleep harder, not easier. The best results come from steady routines, calm environments, and familiar sensory cues. Whether you hum your own lullaby or use a soft sound device like Lullabear, the goal is the same: a peaceful, predictable bedtime that helps your baby rest soundly.