5 Sleep Traps Thoughtful Parents Often Fall Into
- Gina Gersh
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
And how overthinking might be making things harder, not better
You care so deeply about your baby’s sleep. You want to get it right—and you’re willing to put in the effort. So you read, research, save Reels, tweak wake windows, try again...
But sometimes, trying harder leads to more confusion. More second-guessing. More exhaustion.
In my work with hundreds of parents, I see a familiar pattern: when we care deeply, we overthink everything—and sleep quickly becomes one of the biggest sources of stress.
Here are 5 common sleep traps I see thoughtful, well-intentioned parents fall into—and what to keep in mind instead.
1. Trying Every Tip You See Online
There’s no shortage of advice out there. Reels, blogs, TikTok “experts,” charts, comments sections—it’s endless. But when you try everything, you often end up more confused than when you started.
Not every strategy fits your baby—or your values.
Instead of drowning in options, find 1–2 trusted voices that align with your approach. Tune out the rest. You don’t have to research your way to a solution.
2. Assuming Every Wake-Up = Hunger
It’s a common spiral: your baby wakes, and your first thought is, “They must be hungry. I can’t deny them food.”
But here’s what’s often true: if your baby is over 4 months, growing well, and feeding consistently during the day, they likely don’t need to eat more than once overnight (and by 6 months, possibly not at all).
Wake-ups are usually about sleep habits or schedule issues—not hunger.
When sleep is consolidated and feeds are predictable, your baby’s cues become easier to read—and you spend far less time guessing.
3. Constantly Tinkering With Wake Windows
A short nap or an off day doesn’t mean your whole schedule is broken. But for many tired parents, the instinct is to change everything.
The truth? Babies are not robots. There will be fluctuations. Growth spurts. Developmental leaps. Days that just don’t go to plan.
Don’t overhaul your routine after one or two tough days. Look for patterns that show up at least 5 days a week for 2 weeks before adjusting wake windows.
4. Reading Into Every Cry or Fuss
It’s natural to worry when your baby cries—but crying doesn’t always mean something’s wrong.
Sometimes it means, “This is new. I’m adjusting.” Or, “This feels hard right now, but I’m figuring it out.”
When we over-interpret every cry, we can accidentally disrupt learning or progress. Yes, offer comfort. But also trust that sleep is a skill—and your baby can learn it with support and space.
5. Avoiding Boundaries Because of Guilt
Many parents worry that setting sleep boundaries will damage attachment or cause distress. They fear being “too firm,” or feel guilty expecting their child to sleep independently.
But clear, loving limits actually create safety. Predictable routines help babies feel secure, not abandoned.
💛 You can offer connection and structure. It’s not harmful to expect sleep. It’s helpful. And it's essential for everyone in the family—including you.
Let’s Step Out of the Sleep Spiral
Overthinking sleep won’t get you the rest you're hoping for—it often leads to more anxiety, not better nights. We live in a world that critiques every parenting move. The pressure to “get it right” is real. So is the exhaustion that comes from trying to do it all alone.
But here’s the thing: You’re not supposed to have all the answers. A clear, responsive sleep plan—rooted in your baby’s needs and your parenting values—makes all the difference.
If You’re Feeling Stuck, I’m Here
There’s no shame in needing support. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re ready to stop guessing and start moving forward.
I offer free 15-minute discovery calls if you want to talk through what’s going on and see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, just support.
You’re doing more right than you think.
—Gina Gersh
Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach & Child Behaviour Specialist