14 Common Baby Sleep Myths Debunked

The world of baby sleep is vast, complex, and beautiful. But with that comes a lot of misinformation about how babies should (or shouldn’t) sleep. What’s really true, and what’s not? We’ve debunked some of the most common baby sleep myths to give you clarity.

If you're preparing for your first baby or giving yourself a reminder for your next, we have 14 common baby myths that you need to know about – from common old wives' tales (that you might have heard of), to sleeping environments for babies, and much more – so you can give your baby the safest, healthiest start to sleep possible.

We'll also discuss the fact that contradicts the myth in detail, so you can be fully prepared on your first night as parents.

4 Old Wives' Tales to Get Babies to Sleep at Night

There is an old wives' tale for just about everything, and while some are widely believed, it's important to remember that they are just that – a tale.

Old wives' tales tend to have no real scientific evidence behind them, and they're usually just a tradition passed down by generations.

But today, we're going to debunk some of the tales that are said to get babies to sleep at night, so you can be safe when helping your little one drift off.

#1 Put Butter in Their Bottle or Food to Help Them Sleep

This is an old wives' tale about parents adding butter to baby bottles or feeding their children some on a spoon, before they go to bed.

It has recently gained a lot of popularity on TikTok, and for all the wrong reasons.

Added to a bottle, the butter can actually cause choking or digestive issues, which can seriously harm your baby.

Feeding them butter on a spoon is less harmful, but it's still not a recommended method for getting your baby to sleep.

There’s no evidence to suggest that adding the fat helps with sleep. Babies sleep better with consistent routines, not rich food, especially if they're younger than 6 months old.

#2 Add Rice Cereal to Their Bottle to Keep Them Full Overnight

This is very outdated advice that suggests adding rice cereal to a bottle of milk will keep your baby full throughout the night to decrease wake-ups.

But you shouldn't add any food to your baby's bottle, especially if they are under 6 months, because it risks choking and unnecessary early weaning.

The NHS recommends introducing solids when the baby is around 6 months old. Any younger, and the baby could suffer from dietary problems, asthma, allergies, and more.

Sleep quality is linked more to sleep associations, like a dim room, bath time, and lullabies, than fullness.

#3 A Warm Bath With Lavender Guarantees Better Sleep

While lavender may help some babies relax, as it does with some adults, it’s not a cure-all and may irritate sensitive skin.

We understand why the lavender method is believed to work – aromatherapy has been around for centuries.

But if your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it could irritate it, causing an even more restless night's sleep.

A consistent bedtime routine, including a warm bath, can definitely help, but not because of specific oils.

#4 Brandy or Whiskey on the Gums Will Knock Them Out

This one is extremely dangerous because giving alcohol to a baby can cause serious harm.

Not only does the alcohol not soothe the baby or aid with sleep in any way, but babies' bodies are not developed enough to handle the effects of alcohol, and even in tiny amounts, can cause damage to the gums and liver.

So, to be on the safe side, there is no safe amount of alcohol to give to a baby – even if their screams can be heard on spaceships.

Teething pain should be treated with safe, baby-approved remedies. Not alcohol.

4 Myths About Sleep Environments for Babies

Misinformation about babies' sleeping environments always makes the rounds, but we're here to set the record straight.

Here's what you need to know to ensure your baby is sleeping in the safest, healthiest environment.

#5 Babies Sleep Best in Silence & Pitch Black

We understand parents might think babies need total darkness and deafening silence to sleep, and we think this is because most adults prefer it that way.

You've probably been to friends' or family members' houses in total fear that you're going to wake up the baby, but the reality is, babies are used to wombs where they can hear noises and see low light.

Don't be afraid to go about your usual day, especially during daytime naps. You'll never get anything done if you don't!

Babies will learn to get used to household noises. We're not talking about blaring heavy metal, but subtle sounds of whatever podcast you're listening to won't hurt.

As for light, it's recommended you have a pretty dark room at night with a dim nightlight for a reassuring ambience.

But during the day, if it's impossible to put them in a dark room, they can still get a valuable nap, and according to the NHS, they'll actually learn that darker rooms are for longer sleeps.

#6 The Warmer the Baby, the Better They Sleep

Nope. Overheating is actually a huge risk factor for SIDS, which is why it's recommended that babies sleep in minimal clothing with no covers, even when it's cold outside.

A room temperature of 16–20°C with breathable layers and organic cotton sleepwear is safest.

On extra warm nights, just a nappy will be perfect, and on super cold nights, we recommend a sleeping bag with an appropriate tog rating.

Babies should never sleep in direct sunlight, near a radiator, or with a hot water bottle or electric blanket.

#7 Sleep Positioners & Cot Bumpers Help Them Sleep Better

Again, this is a big no-no because products like this can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.

Babies should sleep on a flat, firm mattress with no extras, just a well-fitted sheet that the baby can't move.

Anything like bumpers, toys, sleep positioners, and unnecessary bedding can be dangerous for a small baby who can get stuck underneath them.

#8 Babies Sleep Better on Their Stomachs

It is recommended never to put your baby to sleep on their stomach or even their side, as this can increase the risk of rolling over.

Of course, there's no need to worry if your baby rolls by themselves from back to their stomach while sleeping. If you notice, you can move them, but if not, it's okay.

According to the NHS and Lullaby Trust, the safest sleep position for a baby is on their back on a firm, flat surface without soft toys, pillows, or loose bedding.

Stomach sleeping has been strongly linked to an increased risk of SIDS, so it's extremely important to never put a baby to sleep in this position.

3 Myths About Sleep Training & Night Waking

Sleep training and night waking are two of the toughest aspects of parenting when you have a newborn or young baby.

It makes it even tougher when misinformation slips through the cracks and is deemed gospel.

So, to ensure you aren't listening to the wrong advice, here are three myths you need to be aware of.

#9 Good Babies Sleep Through the Night by 3 Months

Every baby is different and, of course, will have different sleeping habits, so it's not a set fact that 'good babies' sleep through the night by 3 months of age.

In fact, babies' circadian rhythm would have only just developed by this age, so sleeping through the night is only just on the horizon.

Plus, most babies wake up to feed well into the first year anyway. Night wakings are developmentally normal and definitely not a sign of parenting failure.

#10 Letting Them Cry Out is Cruel

Again, with babies, there's no one-size-fits-all, and what might work for someone else's baby might not work for yours.

Controlled crying and other sleep methods have been shown to be safe if done with care.

Gentle, responsive sleep strategies can improve sleep for babies and parents.

Whatever sleep method you choose, be sure to do your research, and if it isn't working, it's not a failure. Your baby might just be better suited to something else.

#11 Naps Interfere With Nighttime Sleep

While naps definitely interfere with an adult's sleeping schedule, babies tend to sleep longer than their wake periods, meaning naps are essential.

Overtired babies will actually struggle to settle at night, so by stopping them from napping in the day, you'll be doing more harm than good.

Age-appropriate nap schedules support better overnight sleep.

Just remember that these schedules will constantly change as your child grows, so keeping a keen eye on your baby's sleeping habits will be extremely useful, so you know when and how long to provide naps.

3 Myths About Feeding & Sleeping

Understandably, there can be a lot of confusion about feeding and sleeping for babies. Feeding is often assumed to be the key to sleep, but that actually oversimplifies things.

So, here are the misconceptions you need to be aware of, so you know how to handle feeding before and during sleep.

#12 Hungry Babies Wake More, So Feed More

Yes, hungry babies do wake up through the night so they can be fed, but this is totally normal and should be expected.

Feeding may soothe your little one, but there can be other reasons your baby wakes up, so feeding more isn't always required.

Babies also wake due to teething, sleep regressions, or simply out of habit. By all means, you can try feeding, but if this doesn't soothe them, it could be another of these reasons.

#13 Weaning Early Will Help Baby Sleep Through

It is only recommended to start weaning your baby when they reach 6 months old and appear ready to move onto solid food.

You should never wean your baby simply for the sake of sleep. This can be dangerous and cause your baby problems later in life, like allergies, skin issues, and childhood obesity.

There’s also no proven link between solid foods and longer sleep.

#14 Topping Up With Formula At Bedtime Helps Breastfed Babies Seep Longer

Many parents are told that formula is “heavier” and will keep babies full for longer. However, research doesn’t support a clear link between formula top-ups and longer sleep stretches.

Sleep patterns in infants are more closely tied to developmental stages and routines than to the type of milk.

In fact, introducing formula too early can affect breastfeeding supply and digestion. A consistent bedtime routine and good sleep associations are more effective than changing milk types.

Conclusion: Understanding Fact from Myth to Help Your Baby Sleep Safely

Getting to grips with sleep for babies isn't always easy, and once you're doing it, it can seem overwhelming. But, as long as you understand that what you read online isn't always true, and you've done your research, you can't go wrong.

If you ever feel unsure, you should refer to the NHS website or helpful resources like the Lullaby Trust to confirm. Your baby's safety should be your top priority, so don't be afraid to ask questions and get help if needed.

Remember, every baby is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. Trust your instincts as a parent, and always put your baby's well-being first.

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