The Baby Sleep Myths You Should Stop Believing (And What Actually Works!)

When it comes to baby sleep, everyone seems to have an opinion—your grandmother, your neighbor, even strangers on the internet. But not all advice is created equal. Some so-called "truths" about baby sleep are outdated, misleading, or just plain wrong! Let’s bust the most common baby sleep myths and reveal what actually works.

1. Myth: Keeping Baby Awake Longer Means They’ll Sleep Better at Night

Reality: The exact opposite is true! An overtired baby has a harder time falling and staying asleep because their body produces cortisol (the stress hormone), making them wired instead of drowsy.

What to Do Instead:

• Follow age-appropriate wake windows to prevent overtiredness.

• Watch for sleep cues (yawning, rubbing eyes, zoning out) and put baby down before they get cranky.

• Create a consistent bedtime routine that signals sleep is coming.

Pro Tip: Babies thrive on predictability. Using Shushiie’s customizable soothing sounds can help reinforce a sleep association, making it easier for baby to settle.

2. Myth: Babies Will Sleep Through the Night if You Give Them Cereal Before Bed

Reality: There is zero evidence that adding rice cereal to a bottle helps babies sleep longer. In fact, it may cause digestive discomfort, making sleep worse.

What to Do Instead:

• Newborns wake up at night because they need to feed—this is biologically normal.

• Sleep improves with age and the right sleep environment, not extra calories before bed.

• If your baby is waking frequently and struggling to resettle, focus on teaching independent sleep skills rather than looking for quick fixes.

3. Myth: Babies Should Sleep in Silence

Reality: Newborns actually sleep better with background noise because they’re used to the constant sounds of the womb. Total silence can be unsettling for them.

What to Do Instead:

• Use white noise or soothing soundtracks (like those on Shushiie) to create a comforting sleep environment.

• Keep household noise at a normal level during daytime naps so baby learns to sleep through everyday sounds.

• Avoid inconsistent or jarring noises that could startle baby awake.

Pro Tip: White noise isn’t just for babies—many parents find it helps them sleep better too!

4. Myth: If Baby Wakes Up at Night, They Must Be Hungry

Reality: While hunger can be a reason for night wakings, it’s not always the cause—especially for older babies who have already eaten enough calories during the day.

What to Do Instead:

• If baby wakes up, pause before rushing in. Sometimes, they’ll resettle on their own.

• Rule out other reasons for waking: Is baby too hot or cold? Are they in a sleep regression? Is there a change in their routine?

• Gradually space out night feeds if baby is old enough and getting enough calories during the day.

5. Myth: All Babies Will Eventually Sleep Through the Night on Their Own

Reality: Some babies will naturally lengthen sleep stretches as they grow, but others may need gentle guidance to learn how to self-soothe and consolidate sleep.

What to Do Instead:

• Focus on healthy sleep habits early on—a good bedtime routine, a soothing sleep space, and appropriate wake windows.

• Teach self-settling skills at an age-appropriate time, rather than relying on external sleep props.

• Be consistent—bad sleep habits are easier to prevent than to undo later.

6. Myth: Babies Should Be on a Strict Sleep Schedule from Birth

Reality: Newborns have no concept of day and night at first, and trying to enforce a rigid schedule too early can lead to frustration for both baby and parents.

What to Do Instead:

• Focus on a flexible routine based on baby’s natural rhythm rather than a by-the-clock schedule.

• Implement gentle day-night differentiation by exposing baby to daylight during the day and keeping lights dim at night.

• As baby gets older, a more structured routine can help regulate their sleep patterns.

Conclusion

When it comes to baby sleep, trusting the right information is key. By ditching outdated sleep myths and focusing on what actually works, you’ll create a calmer, more predictable sleep experience for your little one.

And if you’re looking for a simple, effective sleep solution, try Shushiie—a beautifully designed sleep speaker that helps babies settle with soothing, customizable soundtracks. Because when baby sleeps better, so do you!