It’s Not Just About Nighttime Sleep: Why What Happens During the Day Matters Too

For the longest time, all I could think about was one thing: "How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?"I was doing all the things — the gentle soothing, responding right away, trying different sleep sacks, playing white noise, and walking around like a zombie with a cup of coffee permanently in hand.

Relying on coffee because nights are rough

But no matter what I did in the middle of the night, those long stretches of sleep just weren’t happening.

What I didn't realize back then was this:✨ Nighttime sleep doesn’t start at night. It starts during the day.

Looking back, it’s so clear now. I was laser-focused on those nighttime hours and completely lost track of what was going on during the day.

My baby was taking short naps, and they were all over the place. Sometimes way too late. Sometimes in a noisy, overly lit room. Bedtime was creeping past 9:00 p.m., and I was just hoping this would be the night things magically fixed themselves.

But there was no magic. And no amount of white noise was going to undo the daytime chaos.

Eventually, I learned to zoom out and look at the whole picture. Because when you support your child’s sleep during the day, nights start to change too. 🌙

Here are five key areas I now guide families to focus on when building healthy sleep habits:

1. The Right Amount of Daytime Sleep

Babies and toddlers need naps — but not too many and not too few. Too little daytime sleep can leave your child overtired, wired, and fussy by bedtime (hello, bedtime battles and night wakings). Too much can lead to skipped meals, late bedtimes, and those dreaded early morning wake-ups.

It’s all about balance. And the right amount of sleep will change as your baby grows, so staying tuned in to their age and needs is essential.

2. Wake Windows Matter

I used to think, “Maybe if I keep her awake a little longer, she’ll crash and sleep better.”

Nope. That backfired every single time.

When babies stay up too long, they become overtired, and their stress hormones (like cortisol) actually make it harder for them to settle — and stay asleep. Following age-appropriate wake windows helps your little one fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

3. Sunlight and Movement Are a Must

Our internal clocks — and our babies’ — are regulated by exposure to natural light and physical activity. A stroll outside, a bit of tummy time, or a play session on the floor can do wonders for sleep. It helps their body know when it’s time to be awake… and when it’s time to wind down.

This isn’t just for the kids either — trust me, a little sunshine and movement helps us moms too.

4. A Consistent, Calming Bedtime Routine

A relaxing bedtime routine is like a big “you’re safe, and it’s time to rest” sign for your child. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just a few simple steps done in the same order each night — like a warm bath, a quiet book, a song, and some snuggles — can go a long way in helping your little one settle peacefully into sleep.

Consistency creates security, and kids thrive on that.

Not sure where to start? Download my FREE bedtime routine chart

5. Emotional Connection Before Bedtime

This one’s easy to forget when you’re tired and just need them to sleep — but emotional reassurance before bed is so powerful.

A few extra cuddles, some one-on-one playtime, or even just holding them close while talking softly can make all the difference. When your child feels connected, seen, and loved, sleep becomes a lot less scary and a lot more doable.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of focusing only on nighttime and wondering why nothing’s improving — you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I get it.

But sleep doesn’t start at bedtime. It starts from the moment your baby wakes up in the morning.

If you’re ready to look at the full picture and build daily habits that lead to better sleep for both of you, I’d love to help. 💛

✨ Book your free discovery call [here] and let’s work together to make restful nights your new reality.