5 Common UK Baby Sleep Myths – Busted by a Mum & Therapist

💤 Busting the Top UK Baby Sleep Myths: What Every Parent Should Know

Becoming a new parent is amazing – but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and full of confusing advice. Everyone seems to have an opinion about how your baby should be sleeping, especially here in the UK.

I remember feeling completely swamped by contradictory tips when my three boys were little and sometimes, I just wanted to scream, “Can someone please tell me the truth?”

So, I’m here to help clear the air. Let’s break down five of the most common UK baby sleep myths that can leave parents feeling unsure or guilty – and look at what the science and expert guidance actually say.

💤 Myth 1: “Babies sleep through the night by 3 months”

This one really got to me. When my eldest was tiny, I kept hearing that by three months, he should be sleeping through the night. But guess what? That wasn’t the case for any of my boys.

In reality, studies show only about 60% of babies in the UK are sleeping through the night by 6 months. And waking up for feeds or comfort in those early months? Totally normal. Every baby is different – some take a little longer to settle into longer sleep stretches.

My advice? Trust your baby’s pace, not the clock.

💤 Myth 2: “Swaddling is safe for all babies”

Swaddling can be a lifesaver in those first few weeks – my boys loved the snug feeling. But I learned quickly it’s not for every stage or every baby.

The NHS and The Lullaby Trust recommend stopping swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling over, usually between 4 and 6 months. Keeping babies swaddled too long can be risky – there’s a chance of overheating, and it might affect healthy hip development.

So, if you swaddle, keep a close eye on your little one’s milestones.

💤 Myth 3: “A baby should sleep in a completely silent room”

I used to tiptoe around the house, afraid a single creak would wake my sleeping baby. But the truth is, babies don’t need total silence.

White noise can actually soothe babies because it reminds them of sounds they heard in the womb. Just be sure to keep the volume low – below 50 decibels – and place the machine away from the cot.

That way, you can live your life without stressing over every little noise.

💤 Myth 4: “The earlier you put your baby to bed, the better”

I remember trying to get my little ones to bed “early” because that’s what all the books said. But every baby is unique, and sometimes forcing an early bedtime just meant a grumpy, overtired baby.

Many UK sleep consultants now suggest tuning into your baby’s sleepy cues instead of sticking rigidly to a schedule. For some families, a slightly later bedtime actually means better sleep all around.

So, watch your baby’s signals – they’ll tell you when they’re ready.

💤 Myth 5: “Breastfeeding mums should avoid caffeine completely”

I gave up my much-loved cuppa when I first started breastfeeding – at least, that’s what I thought I had to do. But the NHS says moderate caffeine (like 1–2 cups of coffee a day) is usually fine.

If you notice your baby getting fussy after your coffee, try cutting back a bit and see how it goes. But don’t stress about giving it up entirely.

✅ What I’ve learned as a Mum and Therapist

With three boys of my own – plus years of experience as a psychotherapist and coach – I’ve come to realise that parenting and baby sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The pressure to do it “right” can feel overwhelming, but the best thing you can do is trust your instincts and seek support when you need it.

Reliable UK sources like the NHS and The Lullaby Trust have your back – and so do I.

You’ve got this. And you’re definitely not alone.

✅ UK-Focused Summary

Here in the UK, sleep myths can put unnecessary pressure on new parents. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is evidence-based guidance, tuning into your baby's individual needs, and getting support when you need it.

💬 We’d love to hear from you!

Have you been told any baby sleep myths that made you doubt yourself?
Did you follow advice that turned out to be unhelpful?
Share your story in the comments or message us on Instagram – let’s break down the myths together.

Take care,
Marie x

P.S. If you're looking for gentle, baby-safe ways to support sleep, I created our sensory bedtime whales based on what helped my own boys. You might also like my post on Helping Your Baby Sleep Naturally – The Role of Melatonin, which explains how you can encourage the body’s natural sleep rhythms without harsh routines.