It’s the question that’s baffled new parents for centuries: If babies are so tired, why don’t they just… go to sleep?
Alas, there are so many reasons why it’s not quite that simple. Maybe they’re overtired. Maybe they’re undertired. Maybe they’re hungry, or maybe they’re gassy, or maybe there’s a big poo in the works or maybe they’ve actually eaten too much and need to spew.
Maybe they’re learning a new skill, or going through a "leap" or getting a tooth. Or maybe they simply enjoy being wide awake between midnight and 4 am.
Although there’s nothing more lonely than trying to settle a baby in the early hours of the morning, the good news is that you’re not actually alone, because stressing over sleep is basically a rite of passage for new parents.
The even better news is that I’ve asked a bunch of mums who’ve valiantly trod this path ahead of you for their top tips on getting newborns to sleep, so you’ll have their expertise on your side for your next witching "hour" (especially if that "hour" tends to actually last, um, the entire night?).
But first, I’ll share my own secret weapon: a sleeping bag.