It could be because their internal body clock is not synchronised with the 24-hour day.
Firstly, it's important to determine if your baby understands that nighttime is meant for sleeping. If they don't, you'll have a challenging time getting them to sleep.
Most infants don't develop strong, hormonally-driven circadian rhythms until they reach around 12 weeks of age, and some may take even longer. This means that their internal clock is not fully established yet (Jenni and Carskadon 2005; Jenni et al 2006).
While it may seem like a developmental phase that you have to wait out, evidence suggests that there are ways to help babies adjust more quickly. By laying the right foundation early on, you may prevent some sleep problems in the future.
Here are some tactics you can try:
Encourage your baby to wake up at the same time every morning and expose them to natural daylight in the morning and afternoon. This helps regulate their internal clock.
Involve your baby in everyday activities and social interactions. The stimulation and busyness of daily life can help establish their inner clock.
Avoid exposing your baby to artificial lights, especially LED lights and other sources that emit blue light, before and during bedtime. These lights can disrupt their sleep patterns.
By implementing these strategies, you can assist your baby in synchronizing their internal clock with the natural day-night cycle, making it easier for them to fall asleep at bedtime.
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