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 lactation consultant, and founder of the sleep consultancy “Bärenstarker Babyschlaf”.

Sleep is a central part of everyday life with a baby or toddler—not just for the child, but for the parents too. Especially in the first months of life, lack of sleep at night can quickly become a burden. Restlessness, sleep deprivation, and worries about the child’s health affect many families. But with knowledge, patience, and the right strategies, you can help your child fall asleep and stay asleep better—and bring more peace to your nights. A child sleeping peacefully is often a noticeable relief for mothers, too.

What are common 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:

• Constant nighttime sucking
• Falling asleep only with help (nursing, being carried, physical contact)
• Taking a long time to fall asleep, often with restlessness or crying
• Waking frequently during the night
• Short daytime naps (30–40 minutes, from 8 months onward)
• Longer periods of wakefulness at night
• Waking well before 6 a.m.
• Naps only possible in a baby carrier, hammock swing, or stroller
• Almost impossible to put down in bed without waking
• Linking sleep cycles only with parental support

These challenges are not unusual—and are often part of normal development. Nevertheless, many parents experience the repeated interruptions as a real 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. In early childhood in particular, countless developmental milestones take place that affect sleep—but also require it. A child who gets age-appropriate sleep 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 rhythm . 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 short snoozes

  • Establish consistent bedtime routines - routines provide a sense of security and help children fall asleep

  • Sleepwear can also be used during the day so your baby can distinguish between awake and sleep periods

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

  • TIP

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

The ideal sleeping environment

A quiet, darkened, low-stimulation sleep environment is essential for restful sleep . 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 usually take to fall asleep?

Many parents wonder how quickly their child “should” fall asleep. But here too, there’s no hard-and-fast rule:

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

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

Why sleep support is a need

Especially in the evening and at night, falling asleep is stressful for many children because it means separation. Bedtime support provides closeness, security, and comfort. It is a basic need for your child—not a “habit” you need to break. Structured days and loving routines help reduce stress and make it easier to fall asleep. Remember: Every child has individual sleep needs, which change as they grow.

Will your child ever sleep through the night?

A widely shared wish - and at the same time a major misconception. Because for babies, sleeping through the night usually does not mean eight uninterrupted hours.
A guide to nighttime sleep phases:


• 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’re hungry, seeking closeness, or processing new experiences. Teething, health issues, or an unfavorable sleep environment can also disrupt their sleep. Stress and overstimulation during the day can also negatively affect their ability to sleep through the night.

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

From 13 months onward, if your child is developing normally and eating well during the day, you can consider gently reducing nighttime feeds. Always 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 times to fall asleep, or waking during the night.

Typical timing:
Sleep regressions usually occur at certain developmental stages: the first appears around 4 or 5 months, when sleep becomes more cyclical. Other common times are 8/9, 11/12, around 18, and 22–24 months. During these stages, sleep patterns and needs change significantly - often alongside new motor, language, or cognitive developmental milestones. Many parents observe another such phase in the second year of life.

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

What helps with a sleep regression?

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

Important: This phase will pass too - we promise.

When should you see a pediatrician?

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

  • Reflux

  • shortened lingual frenulum

  • Allergies

  • Breathing problems

  • physical pain

play a role, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. Complementary approaches such as osteopathy or naturopathy can also be helpful.
After all, caring also means getting the cause of any possible symptoms checked out in good time.

Where should you turn for persistent sleep problems?

Many parents report that they do not always feel well advised by medical professionals, especially when it comes to meeting children’s sleep needs.

My advice:
Reach out to a certified, attachment-oriented sleep consultant who takes your individual needs into account. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person—trust is the foundation of a successful collaboration.

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In closing: You’re doing great!

If you’re thinking about sleep associations, routines, or night waking, please don’t worry. Habits develop gradually, usually from around 5 months onward. And you can change them—but only if they’re weighing on you.

You’re 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 certified breastfeeding consultant. She provides parents with professional, compassionate support for questions and challenges related to baby and child sleep.

Mehr Informationen über Katrin Stötter findest du hier.

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