When Do Babies Get Easier? 13 Ultimate Tips On How To Get There Faster 2024

“When do babies get easier?” I remember Googling this many times as a new parent to a newborn. It was a question I desperately wanted an answer to, especially during those extra challenging moments like when my son was fighting his naps or cluster feeding at 1 am.

Parents, I promise you – it does get easier!

I am a mom to a 20-month-old wild and energetic boy now, and I would choose this toddler life over the newborn life any day!

Surprisingly, I learned that there’s a common debate among seasoned parents about which is harder – newborn or toddler stage. And there is quite a divide! Some parents prefer the newborn stage since newborns generally sleep and eat the majority of the day while toddlers are very active and need to eat real food instead of just drinking milk. Why do some parents think the newborn stage is harder while some think the toddler stage is harder? Well, it really depends on each baby and honestly, each stage has its pros and challenges. Whether the pros outweigh the challenges really depends on the family and various personal circumstances.

However, I think most parents would agree that once you get your sleep back, caring for your babies feels much easier!

But when do babies start sleeping through the night and how do you prepare for caring for your baby at each stage? In this post, we will explore the various stages of your little one’s early development, highlighting the milestones, joys and obstacles, and tips on how to get to that “easier” stage sooner.

Remember, you are doing an incredible job, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

The Joys and Challenges At Each Stage (Month Breakdown)

During your baby’s first year of life, they go through a whirlwind of developmental milestones and each milestone can be both exciting and tiring for some parents. While it can be overwhelming to keep up with a growing baby, it’s important to remember that each stage passes by so quickly! Although the adjustment to new parenthood can be hard, try to cherish all the moments and tiny triumphs because before you know it, your baby will be a toddler (a whole set of new challenges!).

Let’s break down the joys and challenges at each stage month by month. Please note, this is a generalization of milestones for each stage and can vary with each child.

Newborns 0-3 months

The newborn stage, spanning from 0 to 3 months, is a period of immense joy but also a big adjustment for both parents and their little ones. While it is a time filled with precious moments and unforgettable milestones, it also brings a set of challenges you have never experienced before. When I tell parents having a baby is hard, it is difficult to even describe the true challenges ahead – from physical exhaustion to mental shifts of being new parents.

What makes the newborn stage easy?

They have simple needs. At this stage, babies primarily require nourishment, sleep, love, and care. Their needs are relatively straightforward, including feeding, napping, diaper changes, and comforting.
They sleep most of the day. Newborns are still adjusting to life outside of the womb and need a lot of sleep so they usually spend most of their day taking frequent naps. This allows parents to rest during the day, especially with the exhaustion that comes from sleepless nights.
You don’t have to entertain them much. Again, they’re usually asleep and if they’re awake, they are content just observing their surroundings. You don’t have to do much in terms of entertainment, just a simple book or play mat time and they’re down for another nap!

What makes the newborn stage hard?

You are sleep deprived. Newborns have tiny stomachs that can only hold a small amount of milk at a time. Their rapid growth and high metabolic rate require frequent feedings to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients and hydration. Newborns need to be fed every 2-3 hours, even during the night so it’s no wonder that every new parent (especially the breastfeeding moms) experiences sleep deprivation.
You don’t know a lot and are learning as you go. Sure, there are a lot of books and resources out there to prepare you for new parenthood but when you actually have a baby in your arms and they are randomly crying or screaming, it’s hard to figure out what you could do to help them in that stressful moment. Every baby is also different so not every method will apply to your baby. The adjustment to new parenthood is SO hard even if you have an “easy” baby. They have a lot of needs and require constant care 24/7.
Your baby only communicates by crying. Infants can only communicate their needs through crying, which can be hard to decipher in the early months. Some babies may experience colic, resulting in extended periods of inconsolable crying.
You are still recovering from birth. For mothers, the postpartum recovery phase can be physically demanding. Whether you gave birth vaginally or through C-section, both require weeks of recovery and can make caring for a newborn baby very challenging. Adjusting to hormonal changes, healing from childbirth, and coping with potential breastfeeding challenges can be difficult.
Your baby eats and sleeps around the clock, but the schedule can be very inconsistent. If you thrive under a routine and do not like spontaneity, it can be hard to adjust to the surprises of a newborn baby. Sometimes they cry for milk every 3 hours, but sometimes they want milk every hour (see Cluster Feeding). They might nap for 2 hours but they might also decide to just have a quick cat nap. The inconsistent schedule can be hard to plan for your days or any outings.
If you are breastfeeding or pumping, it’s exhausting and you have to be ready to feed around the clock. Breastfeeding is not something we naturally know how to do and requires some time to get used to as a new mom. It’s tiring to be an on-demand food source for a newborn who needs a lot of nutrition. Some babies don’t latch well which can result in moms having to pump milk every 2-4 hours throughout the day.
You are busy all day with chores and childcare. Newborns eat and need diaper changes often in the early months. It can mean a lot of bottle washing, pumping, diaper changes, laundry (blowouts are common!), and cooking meals for yourself.
Your mental health can be affected. Postpartum depression and anxiety are very common for new moms. Becoming a mother involves a significant life transition and brings a lot of new responsibilities, challenges, and identity adjustment. There’s also coping with less freedom in your days and the pressures of societal expectations. It can all be so overwhelming and stressful!

Babies 3-6 months

In my opinion, babies at the 3-6 months stage will get easier for the parents.

As babies pass the 3-month mark, some parents find caring for their baby becomes more manageable as they are finding their rhythm and gaining a better understanding of their baby’s needs. The initial challenges of the newborn phase gradually become less overwhelming and babies at 3-6 months tend to become more interactive and curious with the world around them.

What makes the babies 3-6 months stage easy?

You and your baby have a more established routine. By 3 months, many babies have settled into a more established routine in terms of feeding and sleeping patterns. The days are more predictable and parents can better anticipate naps and milk feedings if they want to plan for outings or people visiting.
Your baby sleeps for longer stretches. Babies in this stage often begin to sleep longer stretches at night, allowing parents to get more restful sleep themselves. While night wakings may still happen, they tend to be less frequent. Babies also understand the distinction between day and night better at this stage, contributing to longer night sleep. Some babies can also start sleeping through the night at this stage!
Your baby has more mobility. As babies develop physically and gain more strength in their neck and body, they can start holding their head up, roll over, and even sit with support at this stage. This can be relieving for some parents as you won’t need to constantly provide physical support and allow them to engage in independent play for short periods (with supervision).
Your baby becomes more curious about their surroundings. Babies at this stage become more curious about their surroundings. They begin to reach for objects, explore textures, and show interest in toys and their surroundings. This curiosity opens up opportunities for interactive play and learning, something you can do together with your baby! For example, you can take your baby out for walks which can be beneficial for both parent and baby for stimulation and better mental health.
Your baby starts becoming more vocal. Babies become more expressive during this stage, using a variety of vocalizations such as coos and laughter to communicate. They may start responding to their caregivers with smiles, making interactions more engaging and enjoyable for both parents and babies.
You are now a pro at breastfeeding. You should now have gotten the hang of breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. It is still a busy task to do around the clock but you should have figured out a process and hopefully resolve any latching or supply issues at this stage.

What makes the babies 3-6 months stage hard?

You have to start entertaining them between their naps. Babies don’t nap for most of the day now compared to the newborn stage. They are usually awake for 1-2 hours between each nap so they need to be entertained by their caregivers. It can require effort from parents to keep their babies happy and curious while they are awake such as going on walks, reading books, and doing tummy time.
You might have to deal with sleep regressions. Some babies experience sleep regressions around this time, where previously established sleep patterns may become disrupted. This can result in more frequent night awakenings or difficulties in getting them to settle down for sleep, leading to sleep deprivation and exhaustion for parents.
You will start feeding solids. Most pediatricians recommend parents to allow babies 4-6 months old to start trying solids in addition to continued breastfeeding or formula feeding. Although this can be fun to see your babies experience new flavors and textures, it can add more work on the parents’ plates to prepare baby-safe food and clean up the mess afterward. Parents also have to be cautious with babies’ varying preferences, digestive issues, choking hazards, and potential allergies which can be stressful.
You might have to deal with teething troubles. A lot of babies start teething during this stage, which can cause discomfort and irritability to the baby and as a result, stress for the parents. The process of teething can lead to disrupted sleep, fussiness, and an increased need for soothing and comforting.
Your baby is on the move and will need more supervision. As babies gain more control over their movements, they may become more active and mobile. This can mean constant supervision and a need for baby-proofing the house to ensure their safety. It may also require parents to be more vigilant and cautious as babies are constantly curious and exploring their surroundings.

Babies 6-12 months

Babies beyond the 6-month mark bring a whole new set of joys and challenges compared to 0-6 months. Babies are hitting many exciting developmental milestones involving better mobility and communication skills. With more independence in exploration, it requires parents to be constantly supervising and effort in supporting their learning and growth.

What makes the babies 6-12 months stage easy?

You have more fun with a mobile, curious, and independent baby. Babies at this stage become even more mobile. They can start to sit unassisted, crawl, and even take their first steps. This means more active fun with your baby and the mobile activity can also help tire them out for nap time! Babies can also start holding their own bottles at this age with new physical and cognitive development.
Your baby can start eating the same foods as you. A lot of babies at this age are interested in trying solids. This can be fun for parents to allow babies to try new flavors and textures especially if it’s just small bites from your own food.
Your baby is learning more communication skills. At this stage, babies start to communicate more effectively. They may use gestures, sign language, point at objects, and even attempt simple words. This new communication allows parents to understand their baby’s needs and preferences more easily, reducing frustration and guesswork.
You can find more fun outings to do with your baby. With your baby’s new mobility and curiosity, there are a lot of fun activities you can do with your baby. You can bring your baby out on a picnic where they can roll or crawl around under the sun, attend library book readings, playgrounds, or play gyms. Having more outing opportunities can bring more fun and interaction to your days and boost your mental health.
Your baby should continue to have consistent sleep patterns. By 6-12 months, many babies have developed more consistent sleep patterns. They tend to have longer stretches of sleep at night, which means parents can also enjoy more restful nights. Established nap times during the day can provide parents with predictable breaks and time for self-care or household tasks.

What makes the babies 6-12 months stage hard?

You are tired from chasing around or wrestling your mobile baby. As babies gain more mobility during this stage, they become more curious and explorative. This can lead to situations where they may crawl or walk into unsafe areas, putting themselves at risk. You will need to provide constant supervision and baby proof the environment to ensure your baby’s safety. Babies at this stage also hate staying still for diaper changes and you will need to wrestle them for every change!
Your baby could be going through sleep regressions. While sleep patterns generally improve during this stage, some babies may experience sleep regressions due to various factors such as developmental milestones, teething, or separation anxiety. These regressions can disrupt previously established sleep routines and lead to night awakenings, resulting in sleep deprivation for both parents and babies.
You have to put in additional effort to feed baby solids, in addition to milk. Introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or formula can be a complex process. Babies may display preferences, refuse certain foods, or experience allergies. Parents may face difficulties in finding a balance between offering a variety of nutritious foods and meeting their baby’s individual needs and preferences.
You are still going through teething troubles. Teething can intensify during the 6-12 months stage, causing discomfort, irritability, and disrupted sleep. Babies may experience sore gums, increased drooling, and a strong urge to chew on objects. Parents may find it challenging to soothe their baby’s teething-related discomfort and manage the associated symptoms.
Your baby might be going through separation anxiety. Around this time, babies often develop separation anxiety, becoming distressed when separated from their main caregivers. This can make it challenging for parents to leave their baby’s sight, resulting in heightened clinginess and challenges in attending to other responsibilities.

13 Ultimate Tips On How To Get To The “Easier” Stage Faster

Every baby stage brings its own set of challenges and joys, and it’s important to embrace each phase of your little one’s development. However, many parents can attest to a turning point where it starts to feel like things are getting easier compared to the demanding newborn days. Here is a list of ultimate tips on how to get to the “easier” stage faster:

Teach your baby the difference between day and night – Expose your newborn baby to daylight for naps and have them sleep in a pitch-dark room for night sleep to help them establish healthy sleep patterns and regulate their internal body clock.
Consider sleep training your baby – This can be a controversial one but teaching your baby to fall asleep independently will help parents regain their sleep and energy way earlier in your baby’s first year of life.
Create a consistent bedtime routine – Babies thrive on routine so setting a bedtime routine such as incorporating a diaper change, song, or book, to signify to your baby that it is nap time or bedtime will create healthy sleep habits.
Figure out your baby’s preferred soothing method – Babies sometimes fight their sleep and it’s okay, it happens. What we don’t want to do is create an overtired cycle (when your baby is too tired to fall asleep) so we want to be able to soothe them ASAP to sleep. Every baby has a different preference but it can range from bouncing or using a special white noise sound. Sleep training will help resolve this as well as by teaching babies how to self-soothe.
Help your baby control their moro reflex – Newborns have a moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, which is an involuntary startle response to sudden movements or noises. This response can disrupt their sleep so it’s best to help your baby control it by using proper swaddle sacks such as the Zipadee-Zip Swaddle to prevent frequent night wakings.
Practice tummy time with baby – Tummy time is essential for your baby’s physical and cognitive growth. It helps strengthen their muscles and encourages head control which leads to early development in important motor skills such as sitting and crawling.
Encourage full feeds to minimize cluster feeding – Cluster feeding refers to a pattern of feeding where a baby feeds more frequently within a short period of time. This can be exhausting to feed on demand back to back, so in order to minimize cluster feeding, it is best to encourage full feeds by making sure your baby stays awake for their feeds and to feed often in the daytime.
Teach your baby sign language – Baby sign language allows babies to communicate their needs and desires such as milk or more food, before they are able to talk. This helps parents understand their baby’s needs and reduce frustration and tantrums from babies.
Teach self-soothing and try not to use a pacifier – Pacifiers are a lot of parents’ go-to method when it comes to soothing a baby. It is definitely an easy solution but I recommend trying to avoid it as it can become a habit that is hard to break for babies leading to toddlerhood. If your baby needs a pacifier to stay asleep, you might need to keep re-inserting it in their mouth during the night. Pacifiers can also contribute to dental issues down the road.
Give baby age-appropriate toys and practice independent play – Age-appropriate toys engage babies’ senses and curiosity. By encouraging independent play, parents can gradually build their baby’s ability to entertain themselves, giving parents some time to complete household tasks or self-care.
Baby-led weaning with solids – Baby-led weaning involves allowing babies to self-feed and explore foods at a young age, rather than relying solely on purees or spoon-feeding. Practicing baby-led weaning encourages independence, fosters fine motor skills, and promotes healthy eating habits. The practice also allows babies to eat independently without parents needing to spoon feed, which can give parents a moment to eat their own food or complete household tasks.
Prioritize your own self-care – Parenting requires constant attention, energy, and patience, which can be draining both physically and emotionally. By taking care of your own well-being, you replenish your own reserves and maintain a sense of balance and mental clarity. Your mental health is super important to tackle each day as a parent with energy and positivity!
Ask for help and divide responsibilities with your partner early on – Raising a child is demanding and sharing the responsibilities allows both parents to have a well-deserved break, preventing exhaustion and burnout. Communicate with your partner early on about your needs, concerns, and expectations so you both can create a supportive parenting dynamic. This shared responsibility benefits the whole family in creating a healthy balance and a better you for your baby.

Final Thoughts On When Do Babies Get Easier

It’s natural for parents to wonder when babies get easier, especially during the challenging newborn stage. While every baby and parenting experience is unique, it is often said that things start to get easier after the first three months. As babies grow, parents begin to establish a rhythm, gain more confidence, and adjust to the demands of parenthood. However, despite the exhaustion and everyday challenges, it’s important to remember to cherish the moments with your baby. Time passes quickly, and before you know it, your little one will be a toddler! So, while the days may feel long, try to savor the precious moments, the snuggles, the first smiles, and the tiny triumphs. Embrace the journey, knowing that even during the tough times, the love and joy of raising a child make it all worthwhile. The years may be short, but the memories and bonds formed with your baby will last a lifetime.

When Do Babies Get Easier? 13 Ultimate Tips On How To Get There Faster