The Latest Research on Infant Sleep

Understanding the Latest Research on Infant Sleep

Sleep is one of the biggest mysteries of early parenthood. You expect sleepless nights, but the details of why babies sleep the way they do, or what’s considered “normal,” can feel confusing. Fortunately, new studies are helping parents and caregivers better understand infant sleep patterns, safety, and development.

In this post, we’ll explore the latest research on infant sleep, what it means for you and your baby, and how postpartum doulas help families navigate those long nights and unpredictable naps.

Why Infant Sleep Matters So Much

Sleep plays a critical role in brain development, physical growth, and emotional regulation during the first year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns spend nearly 16–18 hours a day sleeping, but not all at once. Their sleep cycles are shorter and lighter, which is nature’s way of ensuring they wake to feed frequently.

Understanding the latest research on infant sleep can help you make sense of your baby’s patterns and avoid unnecessary stress when things don’t look “perfect.”

What the Latest Studies Reveal About Infant Sleep Patterns

New research continues to challenge some long-held assumptions about how and when babies should sleep. Here are a few of the most fascinating findings from recent years:

1. Infant Sleep Varies More Than We Thought

A 2023 study from the Sleep Medicine Reviews Journal found that “normal” sleep duration and consolidation vary widely among babies, even within the same age group. That means one 3-month-old might sleep 10 hours a day while another sleeps 16, and both can be completely healthy.

The takeaway? Don’t stress over averages. Your baby’s sleep needs are as unique as their personality.

2. Parental Presence Affects Sleep Quality

Research from the University of Notre Dame’s Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Lab suggests that infants who sleep in proximity to their parents (for example, room-sharing without bed-sharing) experience better physiological regulation and reduced nighttime stress responses.

This supports the AAP’s recommendation to keep babies in the same room, but not the same bed, for at least the first six months.

3. Night Wakings Are Developmentally Normal

A 2022 longitudinal study in Developmental Psychobiology found that frequent night wakings are not necessarily a sign of a sleep problem. They often correspond to developmental milestones, like learning to roll, crawl, or talk.

So, if your baby suddenly starts waking more often, it’s not regression, it’s progress.

The Science Behind Safe Sleep

No discussion of the latest research on infant sleep would be complete without addressing safety. Decades of study have transformed how we approach safe sleep environments, significantly reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

According to the AAP and the National Institutes of Health, the most up-to-date safe sleep recommendations include:

• Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back for naps and nighttime.
• Firm, flat sleep surface: Use a fitted sheet on a firm mattress—no pillows, blankets, or toys.
• Room-sharing without bed-sharing: Keep the baby’s sleep space in your room for at least six months.
• Avoid overheating: Dress your baby in light layers and keep the room comfortably cool.

Recent research has also emphasized the importance of avoiding soft surfaces and inclined sleepers, as these increase the risk of airway obstruction.

What New Research Says About Sleep Training

Sleep training has long been a hot topic among parents, but the science behind it continues to evolve. The latest research on infant sleep suggests that there isn’t a single “right” approach.

A 2020 study in Pediatrics found that gentle, responsive sleep training methods (like gradual check-ins or consistent bedtime routines) can help improve sleep for both parents and babies—without long-term negative effects on attachment or emotional development.

However, other research reminds us that babies develop sleep independence at different rates. Some babies may need extra support and nighttime care well into their first year, and that’s completely normal.

The key takeaway? Trust your instincts and your baby’s cues. Sleep training isn’t mandatory—it’s one option among many.

Feeding and Sleep: What’s the Connection?

Feeding and sleep are closely linked, especially in the early months. The latest research on infant sleep highlights that breastfed babies tend to wake more frequently than formula-fed babies—but they often fall back asleep faster.

Studies also show that frequent night feeding supports healthy weight gain and milk supply. So while those early wakeups can feel exhausting, they serve an important purpose for your baby’s growth.

If you’re struggling to balance feeding and sleep, a postpartum doula can help create a sustainable routine that supports both.

The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Infant Sleep

You’ve probably heard the term “circadian rhythm,” but did you know babies don’t have a fully developed one at birth? Research from the National Sleep Foundation shows that circadian rhythms—the internal clock that tells us when to sleep and wake—start forming around 8 to 12 weeks of age.

To help your baby’s internal clock develop, you can:

• Expose your baby to natural light during the day.
• Keep nighttime feedings calm and dimly lit.
• Establish a gentle bedtime routine.

These small cues help your baby learn the difference between day and night over time.

How Doulas Incorporate the Latest Research on Infant Sleep

Postpartum doulas stay up-to-date on the latest research on infant sleep to support families with evidence-based care. At Elite Postpartum Doulas, our team helps parents understand normal infant sleep patterns, practice safe sleep habits, and create realistic nighttime routines.

We don’t promote a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on helping parents tune in to their baby’s cues and find what works best for their family. This might include:

• Setting up a safe, comfortable sleep space.
• Offering hands-on guidance with nighttime soothing techniques.
• Teaching parents about normal infant sleep cycles.
• Supporting feeding and sleep balance.
• Providing overnight care so parents can rest and recover.

By blending professional expertise with empathy, doulas help families navigate those foggy nights with more confidence and less worry.

Addressing Common Myths About Infant Sleep

Even with all the new research, plenty of myths still circulate about how babies “should” sleep. Let’s clear up a few of the biggest ones:

• Myth 1: Babies should sleep through the night by 3 months.
  Research shows that most babies don’t sleep consistently through the night until closer to 9–12 months. And even then, occasional wakings are normal.
• Myth 2: Holding your baby too much spoils their sleep habits.
  Actually, responsive care promotes better emotional security, and often leads to better sleep in the long run.
• Myth 3: White noise is bad for babies.
  Not true! When used safely (at a moderate volume and distance), white noise can mimic the soothing sounds of the womb and help babies settle.

Understanding the latest research on infant sleep helps parents let go of outdated advice and focus on what truly supports their baby’s wellbeing.

Practical Tips for Supporting Healthy Infant Sleep

Here are a few simple, research-backed ways to encourage better sleep for your baby (and maybe a little more for you too):

1. Follow your baby’s cues: Look for signs of tiredness like eye rubbing or fussiness.
2. Create a bedtime routine: Even a short, consistent pattern, like bath, feed, cuddle, helps signal it’s time to sleep.
3. Encourage daytime naps: Well-rested babies sleep better at night.
4. Limit stimulation before bed: Keep evenings calm and screens off.
5. Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on support, partners, family, or a postpartum doula, to share the load.

The Bottom Line

The latest research on infant sleep reminds us that there’s no universal schedule or perfect routine. Every baby’s sleep journey is different, and that’s okay. By staying informed, creating safe sleep environments, and getting the right support, parents can feel more confident navigating those early months.

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post, “The Latest Research on Infant Sleep” For more helpful tips and tricks on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, click here!