<p>During the first year, your baby will go through seven developmental leaps. After each leap, your baby will have learned something new. But with each leap often comes periods of fussiness, greater demands, and disrupted sleep.</p><hr><h4><strong>Happens at the same age for all babies</strong></h4><p>In the first few months, these leaps occur more frequently and last from a few days to a week, sometimes barely noticeable. Later in the year, the leaps become longer and more intense.</p><p><i><strong>🌟 SLEEP TIP:</strong> In the </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps app</i></a><i>, you can track your baby’s development and see how sleep is affected month by month—a super-easy way to stay on top of when the next leap or sleep regression is coming.&nbsp;</i></p><hr><h2><strong>5 weeks:</strong> Leap 1 – The World of Sensations</h2><p>At 5 weeks old, your baby goes through the first developmental leap, known as "The World of Sensations."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby’s vision improves. Senses become sharper, and your baby starts to notice more sights and sounds. These new impressions can be overwhelming.</li><li>Your baby can stay awake for longer periods (around 60 minutes is ideal).</li><li>Your baby’s organs and metabolism are developing.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Hold your baby close if they’re fussy; just being in your arms often helps.</li><li>Explore contrasts with your baby, like shapes, stripes, and angles.</li><li>Talk to your baby to help them practice facial expressions and interaction.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within about a week</p><hr><h2><strong>8 weeks: </strong>Leap 2 – The World of Patterns</h2><p>Around the 8-week mark, it’s time for the second leap, "The World of Patterns."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts perceiving the world differently, from a whole to patterns.</li><li>Their vision sharpens even more, and they begin small body movements, like discovering their hands.</li><li>Communication develops, and your baby might respond to you with new sounds.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Your face and expressions are the best entertainment for your baby!</li><li>Try a baby gym with dangling toys.</li><li>Encourage your baby to grip toys or your finger.</li><li>Pay attention to how your baby reacts after activities—new impressions may tire them.</li><li>Stay close; physical proximity is the best comfort if your baby is fussy.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–2 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>12 weeks:</strong> Leap 3 – The World of Smooth Transitions</h2><p>At around 12 weeks, your baby enters the third leap, "The World of Smooth Transitions."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby can now notice smoother changes in sight, sound, taste, and touch, like moving objects or fading sounds.</li><li>Their range of sounds expands—they might blow raspberries or scream in new ways.</li><li>Movements become smoother, and your baby enjoys more activity around them.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Go for walks! A stroll is a sensory explosion of lights, shadows, and colors for your baby.</li><li>Establish more structured routines and consider starting a sleep schedule.</li><li>Respond to your baby’s new sounds to encourage communication.</li><li>Provide plenty of closeness if your baby is upset or fussy.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within about a week</p><hr><h2><strong>19 weeks:</strong> Leap 4 – The World of Events</h2><p>At a little over 4 months, your baby’s development kicks into high gear with the fourth leap, "The World of Events."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts connecting a series of events using their senses.</li><li>They discover their body, possibly rolling over after some frustration.</li><li>Voice development continues, with squeals or high-pitched screams.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Play peek-a-boo to reassure your baby you’re still there, even when out of sight.</li><li>Use songs, rhymes, and toys that let your baby explore themselves in a mirror.</li><li>Begin introducing new flavors and textures if your baby starts solids.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–6 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>26 weeks: </strong>Leap 5 – The World of Relationships</h2><p>At nearly 6 months, it’s time for the fifth leap, "The World of Relationships."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>Your baby starts understanding relationships between objects and distances.</li><li>They begin noticing cause and effect, like pressing a button to turn on a light.</li><li>Your baby starts connecting words and simple gestures to daily life.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Ensure you get some rest, as this period can be intense for parents.</li><li>Practice peek-a-boo to ease separation anxiety.</li><li>Stick to consistent sleep routines to help with disrupted sleep.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 1–5 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>8.5 months: </strong>Leap 6 – The World of Categories</h2><p>At around 8.5 months, your baby enters "The World of Categories."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>They start comparing objects, like matching a picture to a real item.</li><li>They explore how things work and love experimenting with textures.</li><li>Your baby understands more than they can express—talk about what you see together.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Encourage exploration, but expect clinginess during this phase.</li><li>Use signs to show when it’s time to eat or drink.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 3–6 weeks</p><hr><h2><strong>10.5 months:</strong> Leap 7 – The World of Sequences</h2><p>As your baby approaches 10.5 months, they go through the final leap of the year, "The World of Sequences."</p><p><strong>Three key points about this leap:</strong></p><ol><li>They begin to understand sequences, like how to dress or stack blocks.</li><li>They learn that one action can lead to another.</li><li>Your baby realizes they can ask for help.</li></ol><p><strong>Top tips for this leap:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep your baby engaged with activities like stacking toys.</li><li>Let them "help" with simple chores, like pressing a button.</li></ul><p><strong>When the leap is over:</strong> Within 3–7 weeks</p><hr><p><i>That was your baby's developmental leaps during the first year. But hold on tight—there’s more to come! Around 15 months and 17.5 months, it’s time again. You can also learn more about developmental leaps in the book or app called Wonder Weeks.</i></p>

Your baby’s first year is a rollercoaster ride. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, a new phase begins—often accompanied by a fussy baby who doesn’t sleep well. Here’s an overview of your baby’s developmental leaps in the first year!

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Here’s an overview of your baby’s developmental leaps in the first year!

Fussy baby not sleeping well? Developmental leaps in the first year you need to know about!

<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>1. Is Your Baby Really Awake?</h2><p>Let’s dive into the fascinating world of newborn sleep cycles. Unlike adults, who spend about 20% of their sleep in REM (dream sleep), newborns spend nearly 50% of their sleep in this stage. <strong>During REM, your baby might wiggle, whimper, suck on their fingers, or even briefly open their eyes, making it seem like they’re awake.</strong></p><p>Here’s the trick:<strong> wait a few minutes before intervening.</strong> If they settle back into sleep on their own, congratulations—you’ve just helped them begin learning to connect sleep cycles!</p><hr><h2>2. Feed, Feed, Feed!</h2><p>A well-fed baby sleeps better—simple as that. <strong>Make sure your baby gets a full feed before sleep, whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula.</strong> Keep them awake during feeding (try gently tickling their feet!) so they take in enough. A full tummy increases the chances of longer, more restful sleep.</p><hr><h2>3. White Noise Is Your Best Friend</h2><p>Newborns are used to constant sounds from their time in the womb. <strong>Rhythmic noises like a humming fan, a washing machine, or white noise apps can be incredibly soothing.</strong> If you don’t have access to appliances, try streaming white noise tracks on platforms like Spotify (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=5f53ccb00437425a">here's our favorite playlist!</a>).</p><hr><h2>4. Babies Love a Snug Sleep Space</h2><p>Newborns feel safe and secure when they’re snug, just like in the womb.<strong> A baby nest or a tightly rolled towel placed around the crib or stroller can help replicate that cozy feeling. </strong>If your baby loves falling asleep in your arms, you’re not alone! Once they’re asleep, learn how to gently transition them to their crib.</p><hr><h2>5. Nighttime Is for Sleeping</h2><p>Invest in blackout curtains—they’re a lifesaver! Keep your baby’s room dark and quiet at night, while making the daytime brighter and livelier. This helps establish their circadian rhythm. <strong>Darkness signals your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep</strong>. If you’re parenting during summer, blocking out the long daylight hours is especially important.</p><h2>6. Keep the Room Cool</h2><p>Both adults and<strong> babies sleep better in a room set to around 16-18°C (60-65°F)</strong>. Avoid heavy blankets—opt for a lightweight blanket or a sleep sack paired with comfortable pajamas. For little ones who tend to kick off their covers, a sleep sack is a game changer (plus, it makes nighttime diaper changes easier!).b</p><h2>7. Establish a Simple Routine</h2><p>Newborns thrive on repetition. Even simple routines—like a warm bath, a diaper change, a gentle massage, or playing the same lullaby—help your baby recognize bedtime cues. Over time, these<strong> rituals signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.</strong> Start small and build as they grow.</p><h2>8. Try a Gentle Face Massage</h2><p>A soothing face massage can work wonders. Using your thumbs, gently stroke your baby’s face:</p><ul><li>From the eyebrows to the temples</li><li>Over the cheeks from the nose outward</li><li>Along the chin toward the ears</li></ul><p>Repeat each motion three times to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep.</p><h2>9. Watch Those Wake Windows</h2><p>Newborns sleep a <i>lot</i>. They usually stay awake for only 30 minutes to 1 hour before needing another nap. It’s tempting to keep them awake longer in hopes they’ll sleep better—but this often backfires, leaving them overtired and fussy. Pay attention to their "awake window" to avoid meltdowns.&nbsp;</p><p>Need help keeping track of those tricky wake windows? The <a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd">BabyNaps app </a>provides personalized sleep schedules tailored to your baby’s age, helping you nail the perfect timing for naps and avoid overtiredness.</p><h2>10. Carry, Rock, Bounce!</h2><p>After months of rocking around in the womb, newborns are soothed by motion. <strong>A baby carrier or sling is a lifesaver for calming them down—and it keeps your hands free! </strong>Sit on a yoga ball and bounce, or gently rock them to sleep without wearing yourself out pacing the room.</p><h2>11. Keep Nighttime Changes Minimal</h2><p>While frequent diaper changes are a must for some newborns, you don’t need to change every wet diaper during the night. If you do need to change them, <strong>keep the lighting dim and avoid stimulating your baby. </strong>Opt for pajamas with easy zippers to make diaper changes quick and disruption-free.</p><hr><h3><strong>BONUS: </strong>Share the Nights!</h3><p>Newborns don’t follow a typical sleep schedule, and you’ll have to adapt for the first few months. If you have a partner, <strong>taking turns at night is a lifesaver</strong>. If you’re parenting solo, lean on family or friends for support. This stage is tough, but you’ll get through it—one night at a time. ♥</p>

Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? You're not alone—and we’ve got you covered! Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

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Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

Newborn Baby? 11 Sleep Tips Every Tired Parent MUST Know!

Newborn baby? 11 sleep hacks every tired parent MUST know!

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