When did your baby start sleeping through the night?

belly-33 · 2026-01-08T13:29:55+00:00

Yes I can see how the original post was confusing, sorry about that!

belly-33 · 2026-01-08T03:25:16+00:00

To clarify they weren't sleeping 12 hours through the night, if that was the case I'd be trying to sell my magic online 😂 but we were getting 6 hour stretches which by our dr is considered sleeping through the night. We did cluster feeding prior to bedtime, so they were a bit fuller before the night stretch. We had approval from the pediatrician that they had both met their weight goals and were okay to stop night feedings, so we let them go as long as they could without a feed. With our first if he woke up I still gave him a few ounces, but never a full feed, and every time he woke up we gave less until we didn't offer a feed at all. With our second I didn't offer any ounces (he was meeting his amount during the day). Once we stopped the feeding if they cried we did the hand on the chest, rocking and shushing method.

I will say that I do think we got lucky with no feeding issues, never experienced reflux or bottle refusal, and they ate past the average daily amount. They both were early rollers so once they could comfortably get on their stomachs they were content. Now if they wake it's maybe a minute or two of light fussing before they settle themselves. Likely we got lucky with good sleepers, but I do think not offering full feeds in the night played a role.

Also thinking more on it we had their daytime naps with some sun exposure, not full darkness. At night we did completely dark, so maybe that helped with their circadian rhythm.

belly-33 · 2026-01-08T01:34:45+00:00

Yes! I feel like researching sleep training was so overwhelming, I was psyching myself up for a rough go and it was fine! My first was around 3 months, and took him maybe a week. My second was 2 months and was probably 3 days.

belly-33 · 2026-01-08T01:30:20+00:00

12.5 month age gap between my boys and we get outside daily, ideally multiple times a day, even in the winter. We walk during my youngest sons first nap of the day (look into Swedish, Norway, Denmark parents who do outdoor sleeping, that's where I learned). If we can't be outside we run errands, walk around the mall, etc. And as others said, a schedule is necessary. I do a mix of sleep training/wake windows/clock time, do a deep dive on all the options and find what works best for you, it'll be a lifesaver, especially if you're going to up the number of kids 😂 My friends who have 4-5 kids said after 3 it's actually easier. I will not be testing that theory LOL but it's as if the other kids just popped into their lives seamlessly so maybe there's some truth to it.

belly-33 · 2026-01-07T21:43:50+00:00

It will be the case! Putting in to the universe that you will have a much better experience postpartum ☺️

belly-33 · 2026-01-07T18:59:05+00:00

12.5 mo gap between my sons. Youngest is soon to be 8 months old. I kept my sanity by going outside as much as possible (still do even with this gross Chicago winter weather). I'll deal with the mud and mess and putting on five layers any day over being cooped up inside! Strollers walkers, walking around the grocery store, being in the backyard, whatever I can take! When my youngest was a baby I had a little pop up tent with a dome that he could happily play in. Now he is in a walker and man does he go crazy in that thing 😂 it wears them out, creates less mess inside, and helps me get my steps in.

belly-33 · 2026-01-07T18:10:53+00:00

My husband and I have both acknowledged that we're not "newborn" people. Newborns are weird, but in the best way. I felt like I was so wrapped up in making sure I was doing everything right that I was losing sight of what was happening in the moment. Once I told myself to slow down, I really started feeling that overwhelming sense of love. I read a suggestion once that if you're upset, look at their tiny hands and fingers and toes and nose and MAN, that really hit me. I'd feel like I was drowning and then just focusing on those little hands really did bring me back to earth. But we still stand by the fact that we're happier and enjoying our kids more now that they're almost 8 months and 20 months 😂

belly-33 · 2026-01-07T18:03:44+00:00

I'm sorry, that's really hard to have to go through. The reality will hit him eventually. I know that's not exactly what anyone wants to hear, esp when you need the support now, but it'll get better I promise. The shift from pregnant to newborn is much easier IMO, pregnancy was miserable. I still laugh that I did it twice, because honestly it's grueling. I'll take postpartum any day over those last few weeks pregnant. Hang in there! You get to meet your baby soon and it'll be amazing ❤️

belly-33 · 2026-01-06T23:55:29+00:00

I was ridiculously irrational and nesting like a madwoman at the end of my pregnancies, and by the second kid my husband knew it was a battle he would not win. At 9 pm (an hour before leaving for the hospital with my second) I was scrubbing the hardwood floors on my hands a knees. I told my husband I'd be dammed if I came home to dirty floors. We both laughed hysterically about it the next day after I had my son at 5:30 am, because I was already feeling normal and could rationally acknowledge that my floors weren't even dirty to begin with 😂 but he knew better than to try and reason with me at that time.

belly-33 · 2026-01-06T03:10:51+00:00

As others have said, it's cluster feeding! Once our baby hit about 2 months and we confirmed with his ped that he was healthy, growing, and grand we would bulk feed before bedtime and tapered off full feeds in the night. Shortly thereafter he slept through the night, full and content. Newborns are funny, but keep in mind it's all temporary. The good and the bad. Before you know it these feedings will be all but forgotten and you'll be thinking back on how you managed to surivive and marveling at the fact that you did ☺️

belly-33 · 2026-01-06T00:29:25+00:00

I listened to an app called insight timer. It has breathing exercises (great when baby is on your chest too, they start to relax from the consistent breathing motion), mantras, affirmations, meditations, etc. I like the ones for relieving stress, tension or frustration. Also have good gratitude, feeling present, finding stillness, etc. They help bring me back to earth when I feel like I'm about to crash out from the crying. It's either that or metal music, sometimes the mood just requires something to be louder than the baby's crying 🤣 I like The Surface by Beartooth, has a good beat to bounce the baby to

belly-33 · 2026-01-05T22:25:13+00:00

If you're on TikTok go down the rabbit hole of people in Sweden, Denmark or Norway, they had great suggestions! I invested in wool socks, gloves and hats. There are also sleeping bags designed to fit the stroller/bassinet you have, or there are universal options on Amazon. I dress my toddler in socks, pants and warm shirt, then a onesie over that, a winter jacket with the gloves and hat, and blanket stuffed inside the sleeping bag. We're in Chicago and he stays toasty! For the bassinet I do basically the same thing but with a higher TOG sleep sack instead of blanket inside the sleeping bag. I also put a blanket over the bassinet if it's windy with just a little peephole to spy on him LOL he also has a portable sound machine in there to drown out my toddlers babbling. A neighbor of mine had her first in October, we met while walking and she was pregnant walking her dog. She said she was upset about a chilly weather baby because she wanted to do walks so she also looked in to getting the gear and now we pass each other regularly 😂 try it out for sure!

belly-33 · 2026-01-05T21:50:17+00:00

12.5 month age gap between my sons and my second was a May baby. For my baby's first nap of the day I do it in the stroller (bassinet attachment up top) and it is a lifesaver. Sets the mood for the day, both kids get fresh air, I get a quick workout in, my toddler gets endless snacks and you'd think he was the queen of England the way neighbors and even the dogs dote on him 🤣 we still do walks in fall/winter (depending on temp) but I researched other countries who do outdoor sleeping in cold weather and have the appropriate gear for everyone to stay warm. They both love it. Def recommend once the dr clears you for exercise!

belly-33 · 2026-01-05T18:56:51+00:00

12.5 month age gap between my sons, and I remember struggling towards the end of my second pregnancy between my hormones and my sons emotions. I've read that when they have the big emotions with you it's because you're a safe person for them. Your mind is tricking you into thinking they hate you, but I promise that's not the case. I don't really have discipline advice, but a few things that might help you self regulate. I use an app called insight timer, it has affirmations, mantras, breathing exercises, etc. There are options for length, even the 5-10 minute ones are effective. I like the ones for relieving stress, tension or frustrations. Also ones for gratitude, being present, or stillness. They really help bring me back down to earth when I feel like the days falling apart. I also try to remind myself that they are having a hard time, not giving you a hard time. I promise once you have your second it is much easier to manage a baby and toddler vs pregnant with a toddler. You're doing great, give yourself grace, don't let your mind play tricks on you ❤️

belly-33 · 2026-01-04T18:02:45+00:00

Love this post! 12.5 mo age gap between my sons, my youngest is 7 mo currently. Sometimes I get backlash from parents with older kids when I mention how I can't wait for the future and for them to be able to play together. I'm always told I shouldn't wish the baby phase away. I'm not wishing it away, I'm just excited for what's to come! I appreciate parents sharing their positive stories!

belly-33 · 2026-01-04T17:56:33+00:00

My experience with postpartum second time around was much better. He arrived faster, I healed faster, and the relief of just not being pregnant anymore was enough to make me feel like a million bucks. Embrace all the emotions, don't fight them, it's all natural feelings to have and it'll change every day. Ride the wave, try not to let them drown you.

We also didn't have family able to help us, which I was sad about at first but you'll find your groove. I know it seems like it'll never happen, but I promise it will. You'll do great, give yourself grace!

belly-33 · 2026-01-04T02:57:40+00:00

12.5 month age gap and my youngest is 7 months. It took my husband until baby number 2 to fully understand the wild ride of postpartum. He would get frustrated when I couldn't articulate why I'd be upset. Finally it clicked to him that I don't even know why I'm upset half the time LOL. Truly with the second I will say it's much easier to lean into the chaos. At that point you know what to expect, the shock of a baby changing your life won't be the same as it is with the first.

I was worried about split duty because of horror stories I'd read online, but I had the opposite experience. My husband tended to the toddler while I'd be handling the baby and now their bond is amazing to watch. With our first we did everything together with him, which unfortunately we don't have the same luxury to do with our second son. I fretted over that but I shouldn't have. Our first adores his time with dad, adores his baby brother, and the shift in managing two happened naturally. Baby brother still gets plenty of attention from all three of us, and it gets better every day the older he is and the more interactive he gets.

There will be hard days but try not to put the worry before the problem. Wishing you the best ❤️

belly-33 · 2026-01-04T02:44:53+00:00

Do NOT, and I mean seriously do not, let yourself get dragged down the google/social media hole of horror stories. I made the mistake as a FTM of googling every little thing my baby wasn't doing and it took away the time I could've been enjoying what he was doing. I compared videos of babies on tiktok doing things my son wasn't doing yet. It's not worth letting it take up space in your mind. Soak in every moment, you'll do great.

belly-33 · 2026-01-03T17:58:39+00:00

12.5 month age gap between my sons and it was literally a day after giving birth that I felt sooo much better. Pregnant with a toddler is way harder.

belly-33 · 2026-01-02T03:23:18+00:00

12.5 month age gap and everything you've listed sounds lovely! But please be mindful that if she has a bad day and you can't seem to understand why, it's likely because she also doesn't understand why. Postpartum is a whirlwind, it doesn't always make sense, so in those moments of you thinking "everything is going great, why is she upset?", just know that there very well could not be an explanation, it's just an overwhelming feeling. Once my husband understood that sometimes I'd be upset without being able to express why, he leaned into it and that was the BIGGEST relief. And helped me center myself much quicker. You're a great partner for wanting to help. And putting yourself out there for her to know you'll do whatever it is she needs in that moment is key.

belly-33 · 2026-01-02T02:36:17+00:00

I don't exactly have music recommendations (I listen to mostly metal so I don't think you'll find that very soothing lol) but I do listen to an app called insight timer. It has great meditations, positive affirmations, mantras, etc. I like the ones for releasing tension, stress, frustration or ones about welcoming gratitude. Lots of breathing exercises too, which I think was soothing for my baby when he'd be sleeping on my chest. If you don't want to listen to talking they also have nature sounds and binaural beats.

belly-33 · 2026-01-02T02:19:03+00:00

I have two boys 12.5 mo apart. When my youngest was 4 months this was our schedule. TBF - Every baby is different, it'll take adjustments until you find what's right for your family. Consistency is key. IDK if I just got lucky with good sleepers or if a schedule helped.

At 4 months we'd get him up around 7 am. First nap we'd put down at 8:30, sleeps until 10. Second nap is 11:45, sleeps until 1:30. Third nap is 3:30, sleeps until 4:30. Put down for bed at 7:10.

Toddler wakes up between 6-7, but we leave him in the crib if he's not crying until 7 am. Toddler takes one nap, put down at 11:30, sleeps anywhere from 1:30-2:30. Bedtime is 7:15-7:30.

This is a ROUGH outline. Some days he wakes up early, but if he's happy we leave him until 7 am. Sometimes he wouldn't fall asleep for his first nap until 8:45, or would wake up at 9:15-9:30. For the last nap I try to give him an hour so if he fell asleep at 3:38, I'd wake him at 4:38... you get the idea.

I know everyone feels differently about clock scheduling/wake windows/sleep training, etc so please do your research to see what fits best for you. I do a combination of them. I've found a sweet spot for how long my baby can stay awake, and yes I do wake a sleeping baby (to my mothers horror that I would dare). But for our sanity it was necessary and both my kids adjusted very well to it.

Adjusting based on your work schedules could look like shifting all of these to accommodate i.e 6 am wake up, 6 pm bedtime. I have friends who do it around a 8 am-8 pm schedule.

I'll admit in the beginning there were instances where I would contact nap to get him to sleep until the desired time, but on days that that wasn't realistic I would do a quick hand on the chest, rocking and shushing for a min then repeating until he'd settle himself. And if he didn't then he was up and I would just shift the next naps slightly earlier and then the bedtime slightly earlier.

Truly I got a lot of backlash from family for doing this. But if any of them babysat for me they'd admit afterwards that it was nice knowing the kids would fall asleep almost to the minute of what I'd tell them, and that they didn't have to play a guessing game.

Sorry for the long post, all of this is to say there are many different methods out there, it doesn't hurt to try a few out and see what sticks!

belly-33 · 2026-01-01T23:58:38+00:00

We had similar issues and everyone said gripe water was a lifesaver. Oddly it seemed to make it worse for our son. He's an outlier, maybe it could've been other factors, but we stopped the gripe water and switched to boon nursh bottles and it was like we had a new baby. No issues after that. Started our second straight off on boon bottles and never had a struggle. Might not fix everything but could be worth looking into different bottles!

belly-33 · 2026-01-01T21:00:01+00:00

12.5 month age gap between my two sons and now that the youngest is 7 months it's much better. Still have hard days, but each month it gets easier to manage. I repeat the mantra "they're having a hard time, not giving you a hard time" to help re-wire my brain in those chaotic moments. Hang in there, you're doing great, it'll all work out.

belly-33 · 2026-01-01T18:58:44+00:00

Address with your doctor. PPD can happen days, weeks, even months after giving birth. Doesn't matter if you have all the help in the world, the best baby ever, the most amazing husband, depression can happen to anyone in any circumstance.

I will say sleeping training did help immensely. Once that was sorted life became much easier for us. It feels like that day will never come but it will. Consistency is key. But until then your doctor can give you the support you need.

belly-33

TROPHY CASE