If there’s one thing new parents talk about most, it’s sleep. Or rather… the lack of it! Your baby’s first year is full of magical moments, but it can also feel like a never-ending cycle of night feeds, early wakings, and unpredictable naps. The good news? Every challenge is temporary, and there are ways to make things easier for both you and your little one.
Here are the top 5 sleep challenges most families face in the first year, plus some gentle tips to help you through.
1. Frequent Night Wakings
It’s completely normal for babies to wake multiple times in the night, especially in the first 6 months. Their tiny tummies need regular feeds, and they’re still learning to connect sleep cycles.
💡 Tip: Keep the nursery dark and quiet during night feeds to encourage your baby back to sleep. A calm, consistent bedtime routine - bath, story, cuddle, bed - helps set the tone for the night.
2. Short Daytime Naps
Some babies love a long nap, while others are “cat nappers.” Short naps often happen because babies find it hard to transition between sleep cycles.
💡 Tip: Try using blackout blinds and soft white noise to create a soothing nap environment. Putting your baby down drowsy (but not fully asleep) helps them learn to settle themselves.
3. The Dreaded Sleep Regressions
At around 4 months, 8 months, and sometimes 12 months, many babies suddenly start waking more or resisting naps. These “regressions” are actually signs of big developmental leaps - like learning to roll or crawl.
💡 Tip: Stick with your routine as much as possible. Offer comfort, but try not to introduce new habits (like rocking to sleep every night) that could be hard to break later.
4. Moving from Cot to Cot Bed
One big milestone is transitioning from a cot to a cot bed, usually between 18 months and 3 years. Some little ones love the newfound freedom, while others struggle with the change.
💡 Tip: Make the move exciting with familiar bedding and a bedtime story ritual. Choose a safe, sturdy cot bed that grows with your child - like our KUB cot beds, which transform into toddler beds when your baby is ready.
5. Separation Anxiety at Bedtime
Between 9–12 months, many babies suddenly want to be glued to you - day and night. Bedtime can become a battle if your little one cries the moment you leave the room.
💡 Tip: Introduce a consistent “goodnight routine” - the same words, song, or cuddle each evening. A comforter or soft toy can help, as long as it’s safe for their age. Remember, this phase will pass.
Final Thoughts
Sleep in your baby’s first year is a journey - with ups, downs, and the occasional all-nighter. Be gentle with yourself, and remember: every challenge is a sign your baby is growing and developing.
At KUB, we design nursery furniture to make life easier for parents - from cot beds that adapt as your child grows, to changing units that keep everything within reach. Because the better your baby sleeps, the more rest you’ll get too.