A Gentle Guide for Tired Parents
If your baby is waking every hour during the night, please know, you are not alone. It can feel exhausting, confusing, and even a little defeating, but rest assured: you are doing nothing wrong. Frequent night waking is incredibly common, and many parents go through this phase. Let’s explore what’s normal, what might be going on, and how you can gently support your baby (and yourself) through it.
Why Do Babies Wake So Often at Night?
In the early weeks, it’s completely normal for babies to wake frequently. Newborns have tiny tummies and need to feed often. Their sleep cycles are much shorter than adults, typically around 45 to 50 minutes, and they often stir as they transition between these cycles.
By about 6 to 10 weeks, many babies begin to have at least one longer stretch of sleep at night, usually 2 to 4 hours. If your baby is still waking every hour beyond this stage, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
Common Reasons for Hourly Waking
Sleep Associations
Does your baby need rocking, feeding, or another form of help to fall asleep at bedtime? This is completely normal in infancy, but if they rely on these associations, they may struggle to fall back asleep on their own during the night. Gently supporting your baby to settle more independently can help when they’re developmentally ready.
Feeding Issues or Discomfort
If your baby has reflux, allergies, or feeding challenges (like a tongue tie or latch issues), they may wake frequently due to discomfort or hunger. Signs like excessive wind, congestion, or seeming unsettled after feeds are worth discussing with a healthcare provider such as your GP, paediatrician, infant feeding specialist, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
Developmental Changes
Rolling, crawling, teething – all of these milestones can disrupt sleep. The good news? These changes are usually temporary.
Environmental Factors
Is your baby too hot or too cold? Is the room too bright or noisy? Sometimes small tweaks, like darkening the room, dressing your baby in more breathable sleepwear, or adding white noise can make a big difference.
What’s Normal When It Comes to Night Waking?
Waking 1 to 3 times a night is very common for babies up to 12 months old, especially if they’re still feeding. But waking every hour, night after night, can take a toll on everyone’s well-being.
When to Consider Support
If your baby is beyond the newborn stage and hourly waking has become a regular pattern, it’s okay to seek help. Ask yourself:
• Is the sleep environment as calming and supportive as it could be?
• Are there any feeding or physical issues that might be affecting sleep?
• Does your baby know how to settle themselves to sleep – at bedtime and overnight?
If you’re unsure where to start, that’s where support can really help. You don’t need to navigate this alone.
Gentle, Responsive Sleep Support is Available
Improving sleep doesn’t mean ignoring your baby’s needs. With gentle, evidence-based strategies, you can guide your baby toward longer, more restful stretches of sleep – and finally get some rest yourself.
If you’d like support tailored to your baby and family, get in touch with Doula Lou. You're not failing – you're just in a tough season, and help is available.
The 4-Month Sleep Regression: What to Expect
Around 4 months of age, many parents notice a sudden shift in their baby’s sleep. Just as things were settling down, nights seem to go haywire. Sound familiar? Welcome to what’s commonly known as the 4-month sleep regression.
This period marks a permanent change in your baby’s sleep structure. Their simple newborn sleep cycles mature into more adult-like phases, including lighter sleep stages. This transition is a sign of healthy brain development, but it can be challenging!
Even babies who previously slept well may begin:
• Waking more frequently at night
• Taking shorter naps
• Struggling to fall asleep
• Needing more help to resettle
It’s a tough phase, but also a sign of growth. How your baby falls asleep and how they're supported to settle again will make a big difference in how this regression affects their sleep overall.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll dive deeper into the 4-month sleep regression and share practical tips to navigate it with confidence and compassion.
You’re doing an amazing job. Rest (even if it’s in small doses) is on the horizon.
