Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Katrin Stötter

Sleep problems in babies & toddlers: Understand the causes and create peaceful nights with targeted sleep aids

Katrin Stötter

Mother, certified sleep coach, and founder of the “Bärenstarker Babyschlaf” sleep consultancy.

Sleep is a central part of everyday life with a baby or toddler—not only for the child but also for the parents. Especially during the first months of life, a lack of sleep at night can quickly become a burden. Restlessness, sleep deprivation, and concerns about the child’s health occupy many families. But with knowledge, patience, and the right strategies, you can help your child fall asleep and sleep through the night better—and create more peaceful nights for your family. For mothers too, a child’s restful sleep often brings noticeable relief.

What are typical sleep problems in babies and toddlers?

In my consultations, parents repeatedly report similar sleep problems, often related to falling asleep, naps, or waking during the night:

• Continuous nighttime sucking
• Falling asleep only with assistance (breastfeeding, being carried, physical contact)
• Taking a long time to fall asleep, often with restlessness or crying
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Short daytime naps (30–40 minutes, from 8 months onward)
• Longer periods of wakefulness during the night
• Waking up well before 6 a.m.
• Naps only possible in a baby carrier, hammock swing, or stroller
• Barely possible to put the child down in bed without waking them
• Sleep cycles connected only with parental assistance

These challenges are not unusual—and are often related to development. Nevertheless, many parents experience the recurring interruptions as a genuine sleep problem that can significantly affect family life.

Why good sleep is so important

Sleep is not just rest—it is essential for your child’s brain development, physical health, and emotional balance. Especially in early childhood, countless developmental milestones take place that influence sleep—but also require it. A child who sleeps according to their age is often more balanced during the day and can recover better in line with their need for sleep.

When does a stable day-night rhythm develop?

From around the 4th month, your infant begins to develop a day-night sleep pattern. Sleep now becomes more cyclical. It can take until the 6th month for this rhythm to become established. During the first year of life, sleep often changes before becoming more stable.

How you can specifically support your baby in falling asleep:

  • Darken the sleep environment early—not only at night, but also before naps or brief snoozes

  • Establish consistent bedtime routines – routines provide security and encourage falling asleep

  • Use sleepwear during the day as well, so your baby can distinguish between periods of wakefulness and sleep

  • Pay attention to age-appropriate wake windows to avoid overtiredness

  • TIP

    If you’re unsure about the signs of tiredness, use our sleep needs chart. ⬇

The ideal sleep environment

For restful sleep, a quiet, darkened, low-stimulation sleep environment is essential. Make sure your child takes as many naps as possible in bed—not on the go. This supports not only sleeping through the night but also emotional stability.

How long does it normally take to fall asleep?

Many parents wonder how quickly their child “should” fall asleep. But here too, there is no fixed rule:

• Up to 14 months: 15–25 minutes
• From 15 months: 20–30 minutes

If it takes significantly less time to fall asleep, your child may have been overtired. If it takes longer, they may not have been tired enough yet.
🔑 Important: Falling asleep is a learning process. Your baby needs your closeness, Textured routine, and time to settle down. Especially during the first year of life, this is completely normal.

Why support at bedtime is a need

Especially in the evening and at night, falling asleep is stressful for many children—it means separation. Support while falling asleep provides closeness, security, and comfort. It is one of your child’s basic needs—not a “habit” that you need to break. Structured days and loving rituals help reduce stress and make it easier to fall asleep. The following applies: Every child has individual sleep needs that change again and again as they grow.

Will your child ever sleep through the night?

A widespread wish—and at the same time a major misconception. For babies, sleeping through the night usually does not mean eight hours without interruption.
Guidance for nighttime sleep periods:


• Up to 6 months: Waking as needed
• 6–7 months: approx. 2–3 hours
• 8–9 months: approx. 3–4 hours
• 10–11 months: approx. 4–5 hours
• From 12 months: up to 6–12 hours

Even in the second or third year of life, there may be phases when your child wakes up at night or sleeps more restlessly.

Why babies wake up at night

Babies wake up at night because they are hungry, seek closeness, or process new experiences. Teething, health issues, or an unsuitable sleep environment can also disrupt sleep. Stress and sensory overload during the day can likewise negatively affect sleeping through the night.

Nighttime feeding is completely normal during the first 12 months—especially when you consider your child’s enormous brain development and physical growth.

From the 13th month onward—if your child is developing normally and eating well during the day—you can consider gently reducing nighttime feeds. Always make sure to take an attachment-focused approach.

Sleep regression – what is it?

The term sleep regression describes a developmental change in sleep behavior—usually accompanied by restlessness, longer time to fall asleep, or nighttime awakenings.

Typical timings:
Sleep regressions usually occur during specific developmental phases: the first appears around the 4th or 5th month, when sleep becomes more cyclical. Other common times are the 8th/9th, 11th/12th, around the 18th, and the 22nd–24th month. During these phases, sleep patterns and needs change significantly—often accompanied by new motor, language, or cognitive developmental milestones. Many parents observe another such phase during the second year of life.

During these phases, sleep can suddenly become much more restless. Naps or daytime sleep may also be refused.

What helps with sleep regression?

• Maintain a consistent daily routine and rituals
• Avoid exciting activities
• Provide calm, patience, and loving support
• Relaxing elements such as a foot massage with lavender oil (pure & organic quality)

Important: This phase will pass too—promise.

When should you see a pediatrician?

Not every sleep problem is developmental. If you feel that health-related causes such as, for example:

  • Reflux

  • Shortened lingual frenulum

  • Allergies

  • Breathing problems

  • Physical pain

If these factors play a role, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. Complementary approaches such as osteopathy or naturopathy may also be helpful.
Because caring also means having the cause of any potential symptoms investigated in good time.

Where to go for persistent sleep problems?

Many parents report that they do not always feel well advised by medical professionals—especially when it comes to needs-oriented infant sleep.

My advice:
Turn to a certified, attachment-oriented sleep consultant who addresses your individual needs. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person—trust is the foundation for successful collaboration.

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Finally: You’re doing a great job!

If you’re thinking about sleep associations, routines, or waking during the night, please don’t be afraid. Habits develop gradually, usually from around the fifth month onward. And you can change them—but only if they’re causing you stress.

You are the best mom or dad for your child. Trust yourself—and your instincts. Together, you’ll find your way.

Katrin Stötter
Katrin Stötter is a certified, attachment-focused sleep coach for babies (from 6 months) and toddlers (up to 2.5–3 years), as well as a mother herself. She provides parents with professional, empathetic support for questions and challenges related to baby and child sleep.

Mehr Informationen über Katrin Stötter findest du hier.

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