5 Myths About Baby Sleep & the Truths

As a sleep consultant, one of the first things I hear from exhausted parents is, “I thought this was normal…”—usually followed by a story about months (or years!) of broken sleep. The truth? There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to baby sleep.

Let’s clear the air by debunking 5 of the most common myths I hear—and what’s actually true.

Myth #1: “You’ll never sleep again once you have a baby.”

The Truth: Sleep deprivation is common—but it’s not permanent.

Yes, newborns have unpredictable sleep, and the early weeks are an adjustment as the baby needs to be feeding around the clock. But chronic sleep deprivation doesn’t have to be your new normal. With the right support and strategies, most babies can learn to sleep longer stretches and settle more independently.

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s essential for both babies and parents.

Myth #2: “Sleep training means letting your baby cry it out alone.”

The Truth: There are many responsive sleep coaching methods.

“Cry it out” (CIO) is just one approach—and not one that works for every family. I prefer more gradual methods that support both the child and the parent through the transition. This does not mean you eliminate the protest, but it does mean you are able to provide reassurance while the baby is learning this new hard skill. 

Sleep coaching can be tailored to your baby’s temperament, your parenting style, and your comfort level.

Myth #3: “If you sleep train, you’ll break the bond with your baby.”

The Truth: A secure attachment is built through how you respond, not when you respond.

Sleep coaching doesn’t mean ignoring your baby’s needs—it’s about helping them learn a new skill with consistency and support. In fact, many parents report feeling more connected to their babies once everyone is well-rested.

You can be loving, responsive and support independent sleep. It’s not either-or.

Myth #4: “Some babies just don’t sleep well—it’s a personality thing.”

The Truth: While temperament plays a role, sleep is a learned skill.

Yes, some babies are naturally more sensitive or have lower sleep needs—but that doesn’t mean restful sleep is out of reach. With the right environment, routines, and sleep associations, even the “most difficult sleepers” can improve dramatically.

It’s not about luck—it’s about strategy.

Myth #5: “You should just follow your baby’s lead.”

The Truth: Babies thrive with gentle structure and consistency.

While it’s important to be responsive, babies feel secure when they know what to expect. Predictable, sequential routines help regulate their circadian rhythms and make sleep transitions easier.

You can be flexible and baby-led within a consistent framework—and that’s where the magic happens.

Final Thoughts:

The good news? It doesn’t have to stay this way if sleep is a struggle in your house. Sleep isn’t a battle to win—it’s a skill to build.

If you’re ready to explore evidence-based solutions that actually work, let’s chat. A full night’s sleep might be closer than you think.