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Forbes
23-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 8 Best Sleep Sacks To Keep Babies Safe And Cozy All Night Long
I consider myself some what of a sleep sack connoisseur after putting all three of my kids in sleep sacks for years and testing out various brands and styles. I've found the best sleep sacks are soft, cozy and safe. When picking one out, look for the appropriate size and thermal overall grade (TOG) rating, which refers to how warm the sleep sack is. Our top pick for the best sleep sack is the Kyte Baby Sleep Bag —it's made of super soft bamboo fabric that parents rave about and is available in three different TOG ratings, helping you find an option that's appropriate for the temperature of your home. The best sleep sacks are soft and cozy, helping babies (and parents) get peaceful rest. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers For babies under 12 months who can't yet sleep with blankets due to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep standards, a sleep sack—sometimes referred to as a wearable blanket—is a good alternative. 'The enclosed feeling of a sleep sack can mimic the womb, providing a sense of comfort and security that can help babies feel more settled and sleep better,' says Dr. Daniel Ganjian, pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Other top picks include the Halo Baby Sleep Sack Swaddle , which transitions from a swaddle to a sleep sack, and the super lightweight Aden + Anais Muslin Baby Sleeping Bag , ideal for warmer months. Kyte Baby Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Material: 97% bamboo rayon, 3% spandex | TOG: .5, 1, 2.5 | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 50+ | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 The ultra-soft and cozy Kyte Baby Sleep Bag, made from bamboo fabric, is popular among parents—and it comes recommended by Ganjian as well. With temperature-regulating, breathable fabric, this sleep sack has all the makings of a good night's rest for your little one. You can unzip it from the top or the bottom, and the 'zipper garage' keeps it from rubbing against your child's skin. It also zips up around the side, so it won't bother your child's tummy if they're old enough to roll over onto their belly overnight. For safe sleep, it's important to always place your baby down on their back, but if they can already roll both ways and end up on their tummy, it's okay to leave them. In addition to the quality functional design, the aesthetics of this sleep sack are great, too. It's available in over 50 colors and designs including limited edition and seasonal options. Though your baby might not yet appreciate a cute Barbie or Harry Potter print, it can help bring some joy to you while you're changing a midnight diaper or tucking in a sweetly sleeping baby. Material: 100% organic cotton (.5 TOG), 100% organic cotton shell, 100% poly-fill (1.5 TOG) | TOG: .5, 1.5 | Sizes: S to XL | Colors: 20 | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton I've used plenty of Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blankets over the years, and they remain one of my favorites. Ganjian also recommends them thanks to their affordability and availability. I used the .5 TOG with my kids and found the fabric to be soft and lightweight. Each sleep sack is made of organic cotton, which is part of what makes these affordably-priced sleep sacks such a value. A two-way zipper makes middle of the night diaper changes simple, and the zipper is covered at the top to prevent it from irritating your baby's skin. I handed a few of these sleep sacks down from one child to the next and they continued to be high quality without any holes or major signs of wear. Material: Merino wool lining, organic cotton outer | TOG: None (temperature-regulating fabric) | Sizes: One size fits 2 to 24 months | Colors: 23 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Woolmark and RWS certified merino wool, GOTS certified organic cotton Recommended by Ganjian, the Woolino 4 Season Sleep Sack is worth the splurge for a good reason: adjustable snaps around the arms create a universal size that grows with your child from 2 months up to 2 years. Additionally, the merino wool fabric is temperature regulating, to keep baby comfortable in room temperatures between 63 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you won't need to switch between various sleep sacks from one season to the next. It's also available in a variety of soothing colors and prints, including night sky and teddy bear. To get the sleep sack on and off, use the snaps at the shoulders and the two-way zipper. The versatile zipper also makes diaper changes easy, and zipper pull guards help protect your baby's skin. For extra support and temperature safety, each purchase also comes with a nursery thermometer and dressing guide. Amazon Halo Baby Sleep Sack Swaddle Ideal Temp Material: Polyester-rayon blend | TOG: 1.5 | Sizes: Newborn, Small | Colors: 4 | Certifications: Design recognized as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute All of my babies were given a Halo Baby Sleep Sack Swaddle at the hospital when they were born and it quickly became our go-to swaddle and sleep sack for newborns. When using it as a swaddle before babies are able to roll, the hook and loop closure makes it incredibly easy to use. Then, when they're ready to transition to using it as a sleep sack with their arms out, you can still softly secure the hook and loop closure with their arms out to create a snug feeling. Though Halo has many sleep sack and swaddle options, this particular one is made of their special 'Ideal Temp' fabric to help regulate your baby's body temperature by absorbing heat when they're warm and releasing heat when they're cold. The brand notes that the fabric on this swaddle is slightly more stretchy than other Halo swaddles, so it might fit a bit larger than other Halo swaddles. It has a double zipper so you can just zip up from the bottom for convenient nighttime diaper changes, while zipper covers help prevent it from bothering your baby's skin. Amazon Love To Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag Material: 93% cotton, 7% elastane | TOG: .2, 1, 1.5 | Sizes: M to L | Colors: 10 | Certifications: Design recognized as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute The Love To Dream Swaddle Up Transition Bag helps babies transition from swaddling to sleeping in a sleep sack by maintaining that snug feeling infants love. For young infants who are not yet rolling and can still safely be swaddled, it keeps their arms in a snug up position. You can remove the arms once they're able to roll and can no longer safely be swaddled. The sleep sack has a twin zipper, making nighttime diaper changes simple. It also has a zipper cover to help protect your baby's skin. When I used this swaddle with my babies, I found the fabric to be thin yet soft and flexible. Some babies sleep better with their arms up, so this type of swaddling is definitely worth trying if your baby isn't yet rolling. This is also a good choice for parents and caregivers to try if their baby tends to break out of their swaddle. Amazon Aden And Anais Muslin Baby Sleeping Bag Material: 100% organic cotton muslin | TOG: 1 | Sizes: 0 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 36 months | Colors: 14 | Certifications: None My babies tend to be hot sleepers, so I like the lightweight feel and breathability of the Aden And Anais Muslin Baby Sleeping Bag. The fabric is nice and soft, and I was able to hand them down from one baby to the next. They're made of 100% organic muslin cotton, which is a very breathable and loosely woven fabric. The sleep sack opens from the bottom, so you can quickly change a nighttime diaper and put them back to bed. It's available in a variety of muted and whimsical colors and prints, making it a beautiful addition to your baby's nursery. It's worth noting that some reviewers have trouble with the zipper, though I never had any issues with mine when I used these sleep sacks. 'We live in a place where the summers are often triple-digits, and both my summer babies lived in these super lightweight sleep sacks their first few months,' says Forbes editor Esther Carlstone. 'They're easy to get on and off and can be tossed in the washer to clean.' Loulou Lollipop Loulou Lollipop Tencel Sleep Bag 2.5 TOG Material: 94% Tencel lyocell, 6% spandex or 68% Tencel lyocell, 26% organic cotton, 6% spandex | TOG: 2.5 | Sizes: 0 to 6 months, 6 to 18 months, 18 to 36 months | Colors: 5 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 If you keep your home on the cool side or need something warmer for winter, a 2.5 TOG sleep sack like the Loulou Lollipop Tencel Sleep Bag is a great choice. It's specifically designed to keep babies comfortable in rooms between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a two-way zipper that wraps around the side of the sack, making diaper changes easy and preventing the zipper from bothering your baby's belly if they roll onto it while they're sleeping. Just remember to always place babies on their back when you set them down for sleep. The zipper also has a cover at the top to prevent irritation. While there are only currently five patterns available, they're all precious, including an 'All Aboard' print that features trains and a cozy forest print. In addition to the soft outer fabric, Dupont Sorona insulation helps keep your baby warm. Amazon Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Walker Material: 97% rayon made from bamboo, 3% spandex (exterior), 100% polyester (filling) | TOG: 1 | Sizes: M to XL | Colors: 43 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 'Many toddlers continue to use [sleep sacks] for comfort and warmth, especially if they kick off blankets,' says Ganjian. This was certainly the case for all three of my kids, who wore sleep sacks well into toddlerhood. The Kyte Baby Sleep Bag Walker has leg holes with ankle cuffs so your toddler doesn't get tripped up trying to walk in a traditional sleep sack. Because toddlers grow at a slower rate than babies and they might stay in the same size for longer, I like that this option is so high-quality and durable. It has a dual zipper, which is helpful if your toddler is still having overnight diaper changes or needs to use the toilet in the middle of the night. There's also a zipper cover to help protect your baby's skin. There are 43 colors and patterns available, including limited edition and seasonal prints. At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team spends countless hours testing and researching products. We also regularly speak to experts in the baby and kids gear industry and pediatric experts such as sleep consultants and pediatricians. We chose the best sleep sacks based on a combination of experience, research and expert insight. We considered our own experience using sleep sacks with our babies and toddlers. Betz has used the Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket , Halo Baby Sleep Sack Swaddle , Love To Dream Swaddle Up and Aden + Anais Muslin Baby Sleeping Bag sleep sacks with her kids. , , and sleep sacks with her kids. We compared features of different sleep sack options, including materials, TOG ratings and zipper function. Especially for sleep sacks we haven't used ourselves, we considered customer reviews and only included options with an overall star rating of at least four out of five stars. We included sleep sacks for a variety of different needs and purposes, including a value choice, options for different seasons and ones for different ages. What To Look For In The Best Sleep Sacks TOG Rating TOG stands for thermal overall grade. 'This indicates the warmth of the sleep sack. Choose a TOG rating appropriate for your home's temperature and the season. Higher TOG ratings are for colder rooms, lower for warmer,' says Ganjian. Typical TOG ratings for sleep sacks range from .2 to 2.5. Recommendations for TOG ratings, sleepwear and room temperature can vary from one sleep sack brand to the next. It's important to consider the specific recommendations of the brand you choose. However, this chart serves as a general guideline for TOG rating and room temperature. Choose the appropriately-rated sleep sack, and consider what your baby will be wearing under their sleep sack as well. For warm rooms, your baby may only need a onesie and a lower TOG sleep sack, while babies sleeping in a colder room might need long-sleeve pajamas and a higher TOG sleep sack. Ganjian also cautions that overheating is a risk. 'Signs of overheating include sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks and rapid breathing,' he says. Fit And Sizing The right fit and sizing helps ensure your baby is safe and can't wiggle out of their sleep sack at night. 'Ensure the sleep sack is the correct size for your baby's weight and height. It should be snug enough around the chest and neck to prevent the baby from slipping down inside, but allow plenty of room for leg movement,' says Ganjian. Though it can sometimes be tempting to buy the next size up so your baby can grow into a product, this can be unsafe with sleep sacks. Ganjian warns parents to 'never use a sleep sack that is too big, as the baby could slip down into it." Material You want your baby's sleep sack to be soft, cozy and breathable. 'Look for breathable, soft fabrics like cotton, organic cotton, bamboo or muslin. Some sleep sacks also come in fleece for colder environments,' says Ganjian. Ease Of Use Some sleep sacks are easier to get on and off than others, and when you're trying to change a baby or toddler in the middle of the night, ease of use is incredibly important. 'A two-way zipper can be very convenient for diaper changes, as you don't have to fully remove the sleep sack. Look for zippers with protectors to prevent irritation,' says Ganjian. What Sleep Sacks Are The Best? The best sleep sacks fit your baby well and keep them comfortable while they're sleeping. Our top pick is the Kyte Baby Sleep Bag because it's made of soft, high-quality material, it's durable and it's available in a variety of sizes, TOG ratings and colors. Do Pediatricians Recommend Sleep Sacks? Many pediatricians recommend sleep sacks. 'They provide a safe alternative to loose blankets, which can pose a suffocation hazard for infants,' says Ganjian. The AAP also recommends sleep sacks (wearable blankets) for parents who are worried about their baby getting cold at night. Which Is Better Halo Or Kyte Sleep Sack? The Kyte Sleep Sack is better than the Halo because it's so soft and durable. However, the Halo sleep sack is a good option, too. We recommend the Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle as the top pick for newborns because of its ability to transition from a swaddle to a sleep sack.
Forbes
03-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
How Do You Get A Newborn To Sleep In A Bassinet?
Getting my babies to actually sleep in their bassinets was one of the most unexpectedly frustrating things I faced as a new parent. Babies sleep a lot, but they can take some convincing to sleep anywhere but on top of you. Though it can be difficult, it is possible to get a newborn to sleep in their bassinet, and we gathered some tips from a certified sleep consultant and a pediatrician to help all you bleary-eyed caregivers. Getting a baby to sleep in their bassinet often requires plenty of patience and practice. Many of the things that make sleep safe for babies can also make it difficult. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), parents are encouraged to place their baby flat on their back in a bassinet or crib with a firm crib mattress, including by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Extra items like blankets, pillows and stuffed animals can pose a suffocation and strangulation hazard, so babies should sleep in their bassinets alone using a swaddle, sleep sack or pacifier without any extra comfort items like stuffies and loose blankets. This also means lying in a bassinet probably won't feel as cozy as being nestled against their parent's chest. 'Think about it: in the womb, they are constantly being held and cradled, gently moving with their mother,' says Rachael Shepard-Ohta, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. 'It's one of the most primal and basic instincts for infants to want to stay close to their caregiver. It's literally hardwired for them to attach to us immediately for their own survival. When you think about it this way, sleeping on a separate surface seems pretty unnatural.' Here are some reasons your baby might be struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep in their bassinet. 'I often validate my patient families' concerns that following these safe sleep recommendations seems to make it harder to sleep,' says Dr. Christopher Culler, associate chief of pediatrics at Nemours Children's Health. 'It is true that it is often easier for a baby to sleep on their stomach than on their back,' he says—but that doesn't make it safe. Other factors can make your baby feel uncomfortable, too, including a dirty diaper, hunger and temperature. Babies lose heat more quickly than adults, so they might be cold even if you're comfortable. On the flip side, sometimes parents overcompensate and dress their baby too warmly for sleep. (Discover more tips on how to dress your baby for sleep.) If you've had the distinct displeasure of having heartburn while you were pregnant with your baby (or if you've ever experienced heartburn at all), you know how uncomfortable and downright painful it can be. For a baby who is experiencing everything for the first time, feeling stomach acid creep up and burn their chest while they're lying down can not only be painful but scary, too. They don't know what is happening; all they know is they are in pain and away from you. Babies are used to being warm, close to you and hearing your heartbeat at all times. When they're suddenly thrust into the world and expected to sleep alone, this can be difficult. 'A common myth I hear about a baby's seeming unwillingness to sleep in their bassinets is that they are trying to 'manipulate' their caregivers into holding them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Infants aren't capable of manipulation, they simply have needs,' says Shepard-Ohta. Most babies want nothing more than to be snuggled up to you, so it's natural that they might protest sleeping in their bassinet. That super cute reflex that causes your baby's arms to fly out to the sides can also make it more difficult for them to sleep in their bassinet. This can be triggered by loud sounds or by sudden motion changes, like when you lower them into their bassinet. Though getting your baby to sleep in their bassinet can feel next to impossible, there are a lot of strategies that can help. As a mom of 3-year-old twins, there were times in the early days when I felt like I would never sleep again. However, many of these tips helped me as I learned how to support my babies so that they—and I—could get some quality rest. Shepard-Ohta recommends trying low-pressure practice. 'This means offering the nap in the bassinet, but not forcing it or getting too attached to it. Think of each nap as an opportunity for practice. If they sleep for five minutes in the bassinet, great! Maybe they'll go for longer tomorrow,' she says. Sleepy cues are signs that your baby gives you to tell you they're tired. These can include yawning, rubbing their eyes and staring into space. Some parents even notice their baby's eyebrows get red when they're sleepy. 'If you catch the timing just right, your baby will resist a little less. We want that zone where they're sleepy but not overly tired and fussy,' says Shepard-Ohta. 'When they get to this point, you can offer a feeding, rock to sleep and transfer them down or try placing them down in their bassinet before they are fully asleep. Don't be discouraged if they don't fall asleep on their own, though, that's normal.' Your baby loves nothing more than you, and one way to make them feel more safe and comfortable in their bassinet is to make it smell like you. Shepard-Ohta recommends sleeping with their bassinet sheet or their swaddle for a few nights so these items smell like you. Because a swaddle gently secures your baby's arms, it can help prevent the startle reflex from waking them up. It also feels cozy and secure. Just be sure to stop swaddling once they show signs that they're going to roll over. As an adult, there are probably things you do before bed that signal to your brain that it's almost time to sleep, whether that's brushing your teeth or doing your skincare routine. Routines are key for babies, too, letting them know that it's time to wind down for sleep. For a baby, this might include reading a baby book or singing a lullaby while rocking them or stroking their head. It can be hard for babies to sleep when their environment isn't conducive to sleep. Though many newborns can sleep through almost anything, setting up a calming environment from the start can be helpful. Consider playing white noise, dimming the lights and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. When possible, it can also be helpful to keep the room free from distractions like pets, other kids and noises from other areas of the house. If your baby is already sleeping or close to being asleep when you set them in their bassinet, sudden movements can trigger their startle reflex. Before setting your baby down, try holding them upright for at least 15 minutes if they have recently eaten. This can help prevent them from spitting up once you set them down. When it's time to put your baby down, Shepard-Ohta recommends lowering them down at an angle with their butt first before lowering their back and head. You can also try keeping your hand on their chest for a few minutes after you set them down. If your baby wakes up when you try to set them down or after they've already been asleep for a bit, you might be able to soothe them back to sleep by picking them back up and rocking them or placing your hand on their chest. Though it's very common for babies to struggle to sleep in their bassinet, sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that is making sleep more difficult. 'Ruling out potential red flags like feeding issues, reflux or fussiness can also be helpful to make sure your baby isn't actually uncomfortable or in pain when they are lying flat in their bassinet,' says Shepard-Ohta. Sometimes, babies have trouble sleeping when they're sick or have an ear infection, too. For most babies, struggling to sleep alone in the bassinet is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are worried that your baby might have more going on, check in with their pediatrician. The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is comprised of parents who have decades of experience writing and editing parenting content. In addition to testing and reviewing products like the best travel cribs, we also provide education to parents, like whether you should buy a bassinet or a crib. Why Won't My Newborn Sleep In Their Bassinet? Common reasons that newborns struggle to sleep in bassinets include discomfort, desire for closeness, their startle reflex and acid reflux. Safe sleep practices can make it difficult for some newborns to sleep, too. These include placing your baby to sleep on their back in a bare bassinet. When they're used to constant motion and closeness, this transition can be difficult. What To Do If A Newborn Only Sleeps When Held? To help a newborn who only sleeps when held, try practicing just one nap per day in their bassinet. Even a short nap is a win. You can also try sleeping with their sheets to make them smell like you, establishing a consistent sleep routine and swaddling your baby. How Can I Get My Baby To Sleep In Their Bassinet Without A Swaddle? To transition away from the swaddle, which is important to do once they're showing signs of rolling, you can try making the change gradually. Start swaddling them with one arm out for a few nights and then both arms out. You can also try using a sleep sack instead of a swaddle, which is still warm and cozy but doesn't restrict their arms.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Bassinet Vs. Crib: Which Is Best For A Baby?
Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. They provide a firm, flat surface for the essential sleep your baby needs, which is about 16 or 17 hours per day for the average newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While bassinets are designed specifically for newborns and young infants, cribs can be used for newborns, older babies and even toddlers. As long as your baby is small enough to safely sleep in a bassinet, determining which is best is a matter of preference, budget and space. 'Bassinets are a smaller sleep space designed specifically for newborns,' says Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann. They're often designed to be in the parent's or caregivers' bedroom, and they can also be found on travel cribs, pack and plays and strollers. Most bassinets are only safe for babies until around 6 months. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, though you can purchase a smaller mini crib as well. Because they're bigger and the mattress can be lowered, cribs can be used for years, while most babies outgrow even the best bassinets within a few months. To help you determine which is best for you, here are some pros and cons of each. Pros Cons Pros Cons Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. However, bassinets can become an unsafe space more quickly than cribs. Many babies outgrow bassinets around four to six months, often when they reach 15 to 20 pounds or when they are able to roll over, at which point the surface becomes unsafe. When it comes to cribs, safety and use can be extended by simply lowering the mattress once your baby starts to roll or pull up. Many cribs have three mattress height settings. 'The thing to remember with both bassinets and cribs is always check the safety specifications that are on the product that you buy because there may be a little variability. Those specifications will give you the weight and length limits for mattresses,' says Taylor-Cox. It's important to make sure you use the right crib mattress size for your crib, too, since cribs and mattresses are usually sold separately. When choosing a bassinet, be sure to choose one that provides your baby with their own sleep space. 'The bassinet should be self-contained, not a co-sleeping item or bed extender,' says Culler. Although it can be tempting to sleep with your baby, it's not considered a safe practice. 'You can lay down with your baby, you can do all that wonderful stuff, but do not fall asleep with your baby in your bed or next to you. Unfortunantely, there's always the risk of a very tired parent rolling onto their baby,' says Taylor-Cox. Regardless of which you choose, use a tightly fitted sheet, and don't put anything else in their sleep space—no blankets, pillows, stuffies or bumpers. When you set your baby down, always put them on their back. These are all ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ultimately, if you have the means to use a bassinet first for your newborn and then a crib when your baby outgrows it, that's often the best option. 'My recommendation is to use both—bassinet for the first several months and a crib thereafter,' says Culler. If you need to squeeze a safe sleep area into a tight space, a bassinet is probably your best bet. However, if space is not a concern, you can start with a crib and skip the bassinet altogether if you want. For newborns and very small babies, a bassinet is a good investment. 'We typically use a bassinet for newborns until about six months of age, or the rule of thumb that we use [as pediatricians] is when the baby starts to roll over, then you need to move on to a crib and get them out of the bassinet,' says Taylor-Cox. If your baby is already nearing 15 pounds or is starting to show signs of rolling, then it might be best to skip the bassinet altogether since they'll likely outgrow it soon. In the long run, choosing a crib will save you money since it reduces the amount of baby gear you need to buy. While bassinets are often more affordable than cribs, your baby will still eventually need a crib even if they start off in a bassinet. 'The main thing I want to add for parents is it's not time to bargain shop when it comes to cribs and/or bassinets,' says Taylor-Cox. She explained that a used crib may not be safe. It may have unseen damage and may not meet the most recent safety standards. If you need to save money, the best way to do that is to only buy one product and make it a good crib. 'A lot of cribs can be lowered and converted to toddler beds, which is really economically feasible,' says Taylor-Cox. If you want something small that allows you to keep your newborn in your bedroom, a bassinet is the best choice. If you're looking for a one-time purchase that your baby can sleep in well past their first birthday, opt for a crib. 'Parents should remember both bassinets and cribs are safe. If you're lucky enough to have a bassinet then we say start in the bassinet, but a bassinet isn't required like a crib is,' says Taylor-Cox. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted has combined decades of experience in both parenting our own kids and covering parenting topics. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to make the right decisions for our babies when it comes to major purchases like bassinets, cribs and crib mattresses.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The real reason your baby is waking up at 4am despite you following the ‘correct' bedtimes – there's sleep science to it
A GENTLE sleep consultant has revealed the reason why your baby might be waking up at 4am, even if you're following what you believe to be the 'correct' bedtime routine. Hannah Hiles took to her TikTok account ' ittakesavillagebabysleep ' to explain the sleep science behind it and how to overcome the problem. 1 Speaking to her followers, she said: 'If you're putting your baby to bed at 7pm and expecting them to sleep until 7am, you might be in for a surprise when they wake up as early as 4 or 5am.' She continued: 'I've helped hundreds of families get sleep with no sleep training. I've never used Ferber method, cry it out or any extinction method, only sleep science." The Ferber method, for those unfamiliar, is a sleep training technique where parents gradually increase the time they wait before comforting a crying baby or child. The aim is to help the baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently by allowing them to cry for short, increasing periods before receiving external comfort. Hannah explained: 'So babies under six months old, their average night-time sleep is nine to 10 hours. 'So if you are putting your baby to bed at 7pm it is very reasonable that they wake up at 4am. 'Now over six months the average night-time sleep is 10 to 11 hours. Same thing if you put your baby to bed at 7pm it's reasonable that they wake up at 5am. 'Or what can happen is they can be super super restless and wakeful throughout the night and then sleep a little bit later in the morning. 'But either way you are either going to get a very busy night or start the day before the birds. What you want to do is push out that bedtime." Hannah explained that one of the reasons parents struggle to do this is because their babies either have too few naps for their age or their naps are too close together and often too short. Molly-Mae swears by £22 Dunelm buy she 'can't go anywhere without' for great sleep & says it's the 'best thing' she owns She said: 'So what you want to do is stretch out your wake windows. 'In the morning it is fine to stretch out your wake window, depending on your little one's age but over six months they should be able to go 2.5 to 3 hours at least and then stretch out the second one. 'And then that third nap of the day you are going to have that as a super short even 15 to 30 minutes depending on your little one's age. 'The closer they are to 6 months, [then] 30 minutes, the further from 6 months they are, [then] around 15. 'And that's going to be your bridge nap. 'Now you can have that as late in the day as like 5pm because if your little one is under 6 months old, like this one is four months old, you want to be having that nap at like 6pm so that they are going to bed at like 9pm. 'Don't try to get rid of naps because what can happen is if you get rid of a nap too early then they go to bed too early and then they can have a false start because they think that's a nap or they can just be super restless." Hannah believes it is better for parents and their babies to have a slightly later bedtime to allow for a more restful night. She said: 'Late bedtimes are temporary, that bedtime will become earlier. 'Now my two sons are nearly 4 and nearly 2 and they both fall asleep around 8, 8.15 and they sleep to around 7, 7.30 the next morning. Bedtime 'You will get nights like that whenever they get a little bit older but I have never had a bedtime any earlier than like 8pm really with either of them." She added: 'So that's reasonable for yours as well. 'Some babies will sleep 7 to 7, some babies will sleep 15 hours a night. Those are the unicorn babies, they are not average, trust me." Hannah's video gained 930.9k views and 2,418 comments after just three days, sparking a mix of reactions from viewers. One wrote: 'Well your science is wrong.' A second added: 'This is the opposite of what my night nanny taught me. We did 7-7 and it was amazing.' And a third said: 'This isn't true at all. The earlier I put mine to bed the later they sleep in the mornings!' But speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Hannah responded to the backlash: 'All the negative comments are from people arguing that what I'm saying is not accurate because their baby sleeps 7-7 or 12 hours a night. 'What I'm saying in the video is that the average is 10-11 hours overnight and if your baby does more they are above the average. 'I talk about how sleep training isn't good for babies and show parents a way to get sleep without sleep training, which I've done for hundreds of families. Science sleeping 'These parents whose babies sleep 7-7 either have above average sleeping babies or they've sleep trained their baby and they're triggered by my science stance on this. 'The positive comments are from families who do experience wakefulness and sleep deprivation at night because they're aiming for the 7-7 night sleep which isn't attainable for most babies. 'They feel validated that someone said it so they can figure out their baby's individual sleep needs. 'I take a very factual scientific stance to sleep and sleep pressure and help parents achieve sleep without sleep training and I guess this makes parents who are sleep trained feel exposed and triggered.' The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
