Surviving Sleepless: Expectations Of Your Little One's Sleep Journey

“How’s the baby sleeping?”

It’s the question you hear everywhere — from relatives, friends, shop assistants, even strangers in the queue at the café. It’s asked with curiosity, nostalgia, or sometimes sympathy. And if your little one sleeps “well enough,” people will immediately want to know your secret.

But here’s the thing: every baby’s sleep journey is different. And so are the expectations we have for it.

Why Sleep Expectations Can Trip Us Up

As adults, we’ve adapted to consolidate our sleep into one long stretch at night. We work, we eat, we wind down, we sleep. Then along comes a tiny human — a miniature version of us who doesn’t share that schedule. Newborns wake frequently because they need to feed, be comforted, and feel safe. It’s biology, not bad habits.

The result? Many parents find themselves blindsided by sleep deprivation, because no one truly prepares us for it. Instead, we just get asked that familiar question once the difficult nights are already here: “So… how are they sleeping?”

Different Parents, Different Paths

There’s no single “right” way to approach baby sleep:

• Some parents accept unpredictable nights for what they are, however long they last.

• Others look for changes early on to protect their own rest, health, and mental well-being.

Both approaches are valid. Every family finds its own rhythm — doing what’s needed to cope, survive, and create a bedtime routine that feels right for them.

Why You’re Not Failing if Sleep Isn’t Perfect

Babies aren’t robots, and their sleep isn’t a reflection of your parenting skills. Sleep changes with developmental leaps, teething, illness, and growth spurts. Even babies who “sleep through” can suddenly start waking again — and that’s normal.

The key is giving yourself grace. Avoid comparing your nights to someone else’s highlight reel. Focus on what works for your family in this season. Perfection isn’t possible — but finding a balance between your needs and your baby’s is.

The Takeaway

One day, you’ll answer that question — “How’s the baby sleeping?” — with a smile, because you’ll realise you’ve both found your rhythm. Until then, remember: surviving sleepless nights is still a success.

💛You’re doing better than you think.