My baby wakes at night and can't fall back asleep; what should I do?

Waking at night and not falling back asleep is common in 5-month-old babies. At this age, sleep cycles are shorter than adults (45-60 minutes) and light wakefulness at the end of each cycle is normal. The problem is that your baby can't transition back to sleep on their own during these wake periods.

Here are some things you can try:

• Make sleep time consistent: every night at the same time, in dim light, with the same routine (book, calm talk, gentle rubbing) to prepare for sleep. When they wake at night, keep the environment as similar as possible — don't turn on bright lights, don't turn it into playtime.
• Don't jump in right away: wait a minute or two after they wake; watch to see if they can calm themselves. If crying escalates, go to them, but try gentle touch and 'shh' sounds to soothe without picking them up first.
• Adjust daytime naps: A 5-month-old typically needs 3-4 daytime naps. Being overtired or oversleeping during the day can affect nighttime sleep.
• Evaluate feeding: Decide whether nighttime wakings are hunger-related. At this age, nighttime feedings are still normal, but try calming methods before offering milk at every wake.

If things don't improve after 2 weeks, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, gassy, or feverish, check with your pediatrician.