Dieser Beitrag wurde geschrieben von Katrin Stötter

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

Katrin Stötter

Mother, certified sleep coach and founder of the sleep consultancy “Bear-strong Baby Sleep”.

Sleep is a central topic in everyday life with a baby or toddler – not only for the child but also for the parents. Especially in the first months of life, the lack of nighttime sleep can quickly become a burden. Restlessness, sleep deprivation, and worries about the child's health occupy many families. But with knowledge, patience, and the right strategies, you can help your child fall asleep and stay asleep better – bringing more peace to your nights. A quiet sleep for the child often means a noticeable relief for mothers as well.

What are common sleep problems in babies and toddlers?

In my consulting services, parents repeatedly report similar sleeping problems that often involve falling asleep, napping, or waking up at night:

• Constant night-time sucking
• Falling asleep only with help (nursing, carrying, physical contact)
• Long time to fall asleep, often with restlessness or crying
• Frequent night-time awakenings
• Short daytime naps (30–40 minutes, from the 8th month)
• Longer awake periods during the night
• Waking up well before 6 a.m.
• Naps only possible in a carrier, cradle swing, or stroller
• Putting down in bed hardly possible without waking up
• Connecting sleep cycles only with parental support

These challenges are not unusual—and often related to development. Nevertheless, many parents experience the recurring interruptions as a real sleep problem that can significantly affect daily 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 steps take place that influence sleep – but also require sleep. A child who sleeps appropriately for their age is often more balanced during the day and can better recover according to their need for sleep.

When does a stable day-night rhythm develop?

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

How you can specifically support your baby in falling asleep:

  • Sleep environment darken early – not only at night, but also before naps or short sleeps

  • Establish consistent bedtime rituals – rituals provide security and promote falling asleep

  • Sleepwear can also be used during the day to help your baby distinguish between awake and sleep phases

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

  • TIP

    If you are unsure about signs of fatigue, use our sleep needs chart. ⬇

The ideal sleeping environment

For a restful sleep, a quiet, darkened, and low-stimulation sleep environment is essential. Make sure your child takes as many naps as possible in bed – not on the go. This not only supports 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 there is no fixed rule here either:

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

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

Why sleep companionship is a need

Especially in the evening and at night, falling asleep is stressful for many children – it means separation. Sleep support provides closeness, security, and comfort. It is a basic need of your child – not a "habit" you need to break. Structured days and loving rituals help reduce stress and make falling asleep easier. Keep in mind: every child has their own sleep needs, which change continuously as they grow.

Will your child ever sleep through the night?

A common wish – and at the same time a big misunderstanding. Because sleeping through the night usually doesn’t mean eight hours without interruption for babies.
Guidance for nighttime sleep phases:


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

Even in the second or third year of life, there can 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, seeking closeness, or processing new experiences. Teething, health issues, or an unfavorable sleep environment can also disrupt sleep. Stress and sensory overload during the day also negatively affect sleeping through the night.

Nighttime feeding is completely normal during the first 12 months—especially considering your child's enormous brain development and physical growth.

From the 13th month onward—assuming normal development and good food intake during the day—you can consider gently reducing nighttime feedings. Always make sure to approach this with a focus on bonding.

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 waking up at night.

Typical timing:
Sleep regressions usually occur during certain 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, as well as the 22nd–24th month. During these phases, sleep behavior and needs change significantly – often accompanied by new motor, language, or cognitive developmental milestones. Many parents observe such a phase again in the second year of life.

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

What helps with a sleep regression?

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

Important: This phase will pass too – we promise.

When should you see a pediatrician?

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

  • Reflux

  • shortened frenulum

  • Allergies

  • Breathing problems

  • physical pain

If this plays a role, you should definitely consult a pediatrician. Complementary approaches such as osteopathy or naturopathy can also be helpful.
Because: Care also means having the cause of possible complaints examined in time.

Where to turn for persistent sleep problems?

Many parents report that they do not always feel well advised by medical professionals – especially when it comes to needs-based child sleep.

My advice:
Turn to a certified, attachment-oriented sleep consultation that addresses your individual needs. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person – trust is the foundation for successful cooperation.

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Finally: You’re doing great!

If you think about sleep associations, rituals, or waking up at night – please don’t be afraid. Habits develop gradually, usually starting around the 5th month. And you can change them – but only if they are causing you stress.

You are the best mom or dad for your child. Trust yourself – and your gut feeling. Together, you will 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) and is also a mother herself. She supports parents as a professional, empathetic contact person for questions and challenges related to baby and child sleep.

Mehr Informationen über Katrin Stötter findest du hier.

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