<h2>1. Is your baby getting the right amount of sleep during the day and night?</h2><p>Daytime naps are the secret ingredient to better sleep at night. It might seem counterintuitive, but <strong>babies who don’t nap enough during the day often have an even harder time falling and staying asleep at night</strong>. Poor nighttime sleep can also lead to oversleeping during the day—and the cycle continues. A consistent sleep schedule tailored to your baby’s needs can help break this pattern.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Try an app like </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps</i></a><i> to know exactly when and how often your baby should sleep.&nbsp;</i></p><hr><h2>2. Do you have a consistent bedtime routine?</h2><p>A predictable and calming bedtime routine is key to making bedtime easier and quicker. Start early to help your baby wind down by dimming the lights and slowing the pace.<strong> Follow the same steps every evening</strong>: maybe a bath, saying goodnight to stuffed animals, reading a book, singing a lullaby, putting on pajamas, giving a gentle massage, or offering a warm bottle. The routine signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Over time, this repetition will help your baby relax automatically.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Play the same bedtime music every night </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=1ef670a7cd79409c"><i>(we love this Spotify playlist!</i></a><i>), and your baby will associate the songs with sleep.</i></p><hr><h2>3. Is your baby showing sleepy cues?</h2><p>Creating a calm environment can make it easier to spot when your baby is ready for sleep (though we know keeping playtime calm isn’t always simple!). Watch for sleepy cues, and <strong>start the bedtime process as soon as you see them</strong>.</p><p>Common sleepy cues can be:</p><ul><li>Rubbing their eyes</li><li>Slight redness around the eyes or eyebrows</li><li>Yawning</li><li>Becoming quieter</li><li>Lying down on the floor</li><li>Wanting extra cuddles</li></ul><p>Make sure most of the bedtime routine is already done by this point.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Starting too late or extending the routine can lead to overtiredness, making it harder for your baby to settle down. Begin winding down at the right time, wait for those sleepy cues, and then head to bed!</i></p><hr><h2>4. Are you putting your baby to bed at the right time?</h2><p>Finding the sweet spot for bedtime isn’t always easy. Research shows that babies tend to sleep longer—and better!—when they’re put to bed earlier in the evening. Many parents mistakenly keep their children awake longer, thinking it will tire them out, but this often backfires and leads to an overtired, fussy baby. Most young children naturally fall asleep <strong>between 6:30 and 7:30 PM</strong>.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Not sure what time works best for your baby? Try the </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps app</i></a><i> for a personalized sleep schedule.</i></p><hr><h2>5. Is your baby’s diaper dry all night?</h2><p>A wet or uncomfortable diaper can disrupt sleep. Experiment with different brands to find one that keeps your baby dry and comfy all night. If you need to change a diaper during the night, <strong>use a soft nightlight to avoid fully waking your baby</strong>. As your child grows, a familiar light can also provide comfort in a dark room.</p><hr><h2>6. Is the bedroom cool and quiet?</h2><p>Babies often sleep better in a cool room. Overheating can disturb their sleep, so <strong>aim to keep the temperature around 18°C (65°F)</strong>. Dress your baby in cozy pajamas with feet and use a light blanket or sleeping bag to keep them comfortable. If your baby tends to kick off the covers, <strong>a wearable sleep sack is a great solution</strong>. White noise can also help mask disruptive sounds and create a calm sleep environment.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=58042f14829d4cc6"><i>our favorite white noise playlist on Spotify</i></a><i>!</i></p><hr><h2>7. Is it dark? Like, really dark?</h2><p>Even the smallest sliver of light can signal to your baby that it’s morning. Invest in <strong>blackout curtains to make the room completely dark</strong>. If light still seeps in, add a blanket over the curtains. Total darkness is your goal—embrace it!</p><hr><h2>8. Is the sleeping space cozy?</h2><p>Newborns love environments that <strong>mimic the womb</strong>: snug, secure, and surrounded by soft edges. A <strong>baby nest or snug sleeping are</strong>a can provide the comfort they need. For older babies, making the sleep space inviting is key—think favorite stuffed animals, a gentle nightlight, or even starting the night in your bed if that’s what works.</p><hr><h2>9. Is your baby full?</h2><p>For newborns, hunger is a big factor in wakefulness. A full tummy can help your baby sleep longer stretches. <strong>Try offering a dream feed</strong> (a quick feed while they’re half-asleep) before you head to bed yourself.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> For babies eating solid food, a small bowl of porridge before bedtime can work wonders.</i></p><hr><h2>10. Does your baby fall asleep without too much help from you?</h2><p>Newborns often need rocking or cuddling to fall asleep, but as they grow, it’s helpful to gradually reduce this assistance. If your baby learns to self-soothe, they’re <strong>more likely to fall back asleep on their own during the night</strong> (which is a game-changer for everyone!).</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>the step-by-step guide to teaching your baby to fall asleep independently in BabyNaps app</i></a><i>—without tears.</i></p><hr><h2>11. Does your baby fall asleep in the same place they’ll sleep all night?</h2><p>Research shows that <strong>babies sleep better when they fall asleep in the same spot where they’ll spend the night</strong>. During light sleep cycles, they often “check” their surroundings. If something feels different, like being moved from your arms to the crib, they’re more likely to wake up fully.</p><hr><h2>12. Is your baby getting enough closeness?</h2><p>Every baby is different—some thrive with lots of closeness, while others prefer more space. <strong>Finding a balance that works for both you and your baby is important</strong>. If your baby feels secure knowing you’re nearby, it may reduce nighttime wake-ups.</p><p><strong>Suggestions to try:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep the crib close to your bed so you can soothe your baby without getting up.</li><li>Use a mattress on the floor next to the crib for easier nighttime comforting.</li><li>Try a rocking bassinet or crib attachments that gently sway.</li></ul><p>And remember: Babies under 3 months should have their own sleeping space to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).</p><hr><h2>Bonus: Do you have realistic expectations?</h2><p>If you’re hoping to sleep like you did pre-baby, you might feel disappointed. <strong>Night wakings are normal, especially in the first year. </strong>Most children continue to wake occasionally until age 3 (!!), and many sleep in their parents’ bed well into their school years. Accepting these realities can help you feel more at peace with the ups and downs of baby sleep ❤️</p>

Sleep is a top priority for every tired parent. Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up—and practical solutions to help your whole family get the rest you need.

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Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up.

12 reasons why your baby isn't sleeping through the night (and how to fix it!)

<h2>Nurturing Curiosity</h2><p>“Babies are <strong>naturally curious about food</strong>, and this is something we should embrace. What I didn’t realize as a new parent is that children enter a phase called neophobia at around two years old. This is when they become cautious or even picky about unfamiliar foods. <strong>By starting early with first tastes and texture exploration, you can help lay the groundwork for a more adventurous eater</strong>,” says Ann Fernholm, science journalist and author of “The Big Book on Children and Food”, co-written with speech therapist Kajsa Lamm.</p><p>“Eating is often taken for granted, but it’s actually<strong> one of the most complex skills our bodies perform</strong>. Just like learning to walk or ride a bike, eating involves practice and support,” explains Kajsa Lamm.</p><hr><h1><strong>TIP 1:</strong> Let Your Baby’s Appetite Guide the Start</h1><p>Every child develops at their own pace. When your baby begins to show interest in food, that’s your cue to gently start introducing them to new tastes.</p><h2>Start Small: First Tastes, Not Full Meals</h2><p>Think of these early feeding experiences as <strong>an introduction to taste rather than nourishment</strong>. A small dollop of purée on your finger is enough to get started. This allows your baby’s tongue to practice new movements while keeping the experience simple and enjoyable.&nbsp;</p><p>If you choose to use a spoon, ensure it’s small and flat, as your baby’s motor skills to handle a deeper spoon are not fully developed yet. <strong>Breast milk or formula will still be your baby’s primary source of nutrition </strong>during this phase.</p><p><i><strong>TIP!</strong> A silicone spoon can be a gentle and practical option for first-time tasters.</i></p><h2>Oral Motor Skills: Why They Matter</h2><p>“Try swallowing food without the ability to move your tongue from side to side—it’s nearly impossible. <strong>Babies need to develop the ability to move their tongues laterally to handle food effectively.</strong> This requires practice and time,” says Kajsa Lamm.</p><p>Developing these motor skills is a gradual process, with significant progress typically seen around three to four years of age.</p><hr><h2><strong>TIP 2: </strong>Babies Can Taste (Almost) Everything</h2><p>Babies don’t have preconceived notions of what’s “good” or “bad.” A grimace doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the taste—it’s just new to them! With a few exceptions (see below), <strong>babies under one year can try many of the same flavors you enjoy.</strong></p><h2>Let Them Mimic You</h2><p>“You are your baby’s role model for exploring the world of flavors. <strong>Take a bite yourself and show them how fun and delicious it is. </strong>Babies love to imitate, and this can make the experience exciting for them. If they hesitate, simply try again another day,” advises Lamm.</p><h2>Make Vegetables a Staple</h2><p>"Broaden their palate by including bitter, sour, and complex flavors like broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and beans. Research suggests that<strong> introducing these tastes early increases the likelihood of acceptance and enjoyment later in life.</strong>"</p><h2>Forget the ‘One Flavor at a Time’ Rule</h2><p>Who wants to eat the same thing every day? Not babies! <strong>Studies suggest that offering a variety of flavors increases openness to trying new foods</strong>—and this openness can last into adulthood. Choosing flavors the whole family enjoys can also make mealtimes easier and less chaotic.</p><h2>Sample Two-Week Menu for First Tastes</h2><p><strong>Week 1:</strong></p><ul><li>Day 1: Carrot and avocado</li><li>Day 2: Sweet potato and peas</li><li>Day 3: Avocado and banana</li><li>Day 4: Carrot, broccoli, and potato</li><li>Day 5: Cauliflower and green beans</li><li>Day 6: Sweet potato and broccoli</li><li>Day 7: Avocado and pear</li></ul><p><strong>Week 2:</strong></p><ul><li>Day 1: Banana mashed with peanut butter</li><li>Day 2: Turnip and apple</li><li>Day 3: Broccoli, carrot, and sweet potato</li><li>Day 4: Green peas and mashed potato</li><li>Day 5: Avocado, carrot, and cauliflower</li><li>Day 6: Pear, banana, and broccoli</li><li>Day 7: Sweet potato and broccoli</li></ul><h2>Practice Makes Perfect</h2><p>Don’t be discouraged if your baby makes a face or spits out a new food. This is normal! <strong>It often takes up to 10 tries before a baby accepts a new taste. </strong>Stay positive, smile, and keep offering new foods.</p><p><i><strong>TIP!</strong> Consider using a mesh feeder so your baby can explore fruits and vegetables without choking.</i></p><h2>The Salt Warning: Don’t Worry Too Much</h2><p>Babies between 4–6 months eat very small amounts of food, so the salt content in their first tastes isn’t a big concern. It’s fine to mash vegetables with unsalted butter or oil. As their intake increases, <strong>avoid adding extra salt to home-cooked meals</strong>.</p><hr><h2>TIP 3: Moving from Purées to Textures</h2><p>By six months of age, most babies are ready to explore textures and begin chewing. Introduce soft, manageable pieces of food to help them practice.</p><h2>Keep It Safe</h2><p>Make sure food is either<strong> large enough to gnaw on or small and soft enough to prevent choking</strong>. Slowly but surely, your baby will develop the skills to handle different textures.</p><p><strong>Try this to start with larger pieces of food:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>A large boiled broccoli tree to hold and gnaw on</li><li>Fish, meat or chicken patties cut into small pieces</li><li>Crumbled feta cheese</li><li>Ripe pear in small pieces</li><li>Avocado</li><li>Boiled egg</li></ul><hr><h2>Foods to Avoid for Babies</h2><ul><li>Honey</li><li>Unpasteurized milk</li><li>Green potatoes or potato skins</li><li>Spinach and other leafy greens (in large amounts)</li><li>Foods high in added sugar</li><li>Rice cakes and rice drinks (due to arsenic traces)</li></ul><hr><h2>Takeaway: Create a Lifelong Love for Food</h2><p>By introducing a variety of first tastes early on, you help your baby develop a positive relationship with food. Keep mealtimes relaxed, enjoy the process, and remember that every baby is unique. With patience and consistency, you’ll set the stage for healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.</p><hr><p><i>The information provided in this text is based on expert interviews and official recommendations, such as those from the Swedish National Food Agency. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician if you have specific concerns about your child’s diet or health.</i></p>

What is it? How much? And when?! Introducing solid food to your baby comes with many questions. Here, we provide insights into first tastes, how to start, and why introducing real food early is an important step in your baby’s development.

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Time for first tastes? Everything you need to know about your baby’s first solid food! 

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Explore our collection of articles dedicated to babies aged 6-12 months. Gain expert insights on topics such as sleep, introducing solids, and developmental milestones. 

6-12 months

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