10 baby sleep tips for utterly exhausted parents
10 baby sleep tips for utterly exhausted parents
Jill Paat, 15/07/2025, Amsterdam
Did you sleep last night? No? Neither did we. But hey, you're not alone. Parenting a baby means entering a whole new universe of night feeds, midnight googling and “please-just-sleep” mantras. So, we asked around, searched high and low, and pulled from our own sleepless lives to bring you 10 honest, practical - and sometimes even funny - tips that actually help your baby sleep better. And yes, you deserve sleep too.
1. Set the scene for sleep
A calm, soft and safe space works wonders. Think blackout curtains, soothing colours and fabrics so soft, you'd nap in them yourself. Our Joolz Bedding Collection is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and is literally as soft as your baby's cheeks. Bedtime bliss!
2. Watch for the subtle signs
Rubbing eyes, zoning out, yawning, whining... these are your cues. Miss them, and you're facing an overtired baby whose sleep switch is now set to “nope.” Spotting tiredness early? That's your superpower.
3. Bedtime routine is your secret weapon
A simple, consistent bedtime routine gives your baby a sense of calm and predictability. Bath, nappy, feed, song, book, bed. Boring? Excellent. Babies love boring - when it means sleep is coming.
4. Teach the difference between day and night
Day: lights on, chatting, active. Night: quiet, dark, minimal interaction. The clearer you make the difference, the sooner your baby learns that night is for sleeping (not for raving).
5. Use the tools - they're made for a reason
Sometimes, the right gear is the difference between chaos and calm. A comfy stroller for daytime naps (we love the Joolz Day⁵ or Aer²), a soothing pacifier, a white noise machine or a baby carrier that lets you cuddle hands-free. No shame in using smart support.
👉 Find more life-saving ideas at our Parent Hideout
6. Dream feeding: the quiet trick that works
Some parents swear by feeding their baby just before they go to bed themselves. It can help your little one sleep longer in that precious first stretch of the night. Worth a try, right?
7. Focus on your baby - not someone else's
Every baby is different. What works for one might totally flop for yours. Look at your baby, not at the endless scroll of “sleeping through since week 4” on social media. Your journey is yours - and that's more than okay.
" 8. Embrace the chaos (we're right there with you)
Let's be honest: not every night will be smooth. Growth spurts, teething, regressions - they'll all visit. You'll feel like sleep is a thing of the past. But fighting it only makes it harder. Breathe, accept, and ride it out. You're doing great. "
9. Don't forget yourself (yes, you still exist)
Baby asleep? The laundry can wait. Don't scroll through advice forums, but scroll TikTok instead. We don't judge. Make tea, close your eyes and do nothing. Parental self-care isn't indulgent - it's survival. Rested parents cope better. And frankly, if anyone's earned a moment... it's you.
10. Time is on your side
Baby sleep patterns change constantly (honestly, for years). If it feels like nothing works: deep breath. This too shall pass. It's a phase (yes, that cliché is true). They will sleep through eventually. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe in three months. But it will happen.
Until then: hang in there. Laugh where you can. And remember - you're not alone.
