Feeling Confused by Conflicting Sleep Advice?
If you’ve ever Googled “how to get my baby to sleep” and ended up more confused than comforted—you’re not alone. With so many opinions out there, it’s hard to know who to trust.
That’s why I want to introduce you to a unique resource: the Pediatric Sleep Council—a global team of pediatric sleep specialists including doctors, psychologists, and researchers. Their goal? To provide parents with free, evidence-based, expert-backed advice on all things baby sleep.
Here at Sleepy Little One, we believe that well-informed parents are empowered parents. So let’s explore some of the essential truths this panel of experts wants you to know.
1. Baby Sleep Is Highly Individual
Not sure where to start? Discover your baby’s personalized plan.
Plan My Baby's Sleep (Free)One of the most reassuring messages from the Pediatric Sleep Council is this: your baby’s sleep is not supposed to look exactly like anyone else’s.
Yes, there are patterns and developmental stages—but within that, there is a wide range of normal.
From short sleep bursts in the newborn phase to longer stretches around 7–8 months, your baby’s sleep is a reflection of growth, development, and their own unique rhythm.
So if your baby isn’t “sleeping through the night” yet, that doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It simply means they’re human—and still learning.
2. There Are Predictable Stages (But They Look Different for Every Baby)
The Council provides age-specific sleep expectations—month by month—which can be incredibly helpful for setting realistic goals.
What’s especially supportive is how they tie these expectations to real developmental milestones. Learning to roll, sit, or stand? That may temporarily disrupt sleep. But it’s not a regression—it’s progress.
This expert perspective encourages parents to zoom out and see the bigger picture. Your baby isn’t falling apart—they’re growing.
3. Sleep Safety Is Always the Priority
No matter what sleep approach you follow, safety must come first. The Pediatric Sleep Council reinforces the gold standards:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep
- Keep the sleep space free from blankets, bumpers, and toys
- Room-share (not bed-share) for the first six months
- Consider a pacifier after breastfeeding is established
These guidelines align with what I teach in the Sleepy Little One course, because safe sleep isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
4. Routines and Environment Matter More Than “Perfect” Sleep
Want to know one of the most powerful things you can do to improve sleep—without any formal training?
Create a consistent, calming bedtime routine.
The Council’s research echoes what I share in my course: even simple steps like dimming the lights, reading a book, or singing a lullaby can create sleep cues your baby learns to recognize and rely on.
Pair that with an environment that supports sleep—cool, dark, and quiet—and you’ve built a solid foundation.
5. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Sleep Solution
What I appreciate most about the Pediatric Sleep Council’s approach is their respect for the parent journey.
They provide clear, research-backed insights—without prescribing rigid “rules.” Their tone matches my own: informed, flexible, and focused on helping families thrive—not just survive.
Whether you’re navigating night wakings, naps, or wondering about sleep training, their message is clear: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts—And Yourself
In a world full of conflicting advice, the Pediatric Sleep Council stands out as a beacon of clarity—offering research-based guidance from a team of global experts.
But here’s what I want you to remember: even the best advice is only useful when it honors your baby’s unique needs—and your family’s values.
You’re the expert on your baby. The fact that you’re here, reading, learning, and showing up night after night?
That makes you the kind of parent every baby deserves.
