As a parent, few things are as exhausting as your baby waking up every hour throughout the night. If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone—many parents face this challenge. Understanding why your baby is waking up so frequently can help you identify the underlying cause and find the right solutions to help both you and your baby get better sleep.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons babies wake every hour, as well as effective strategies to help your baby sleep more soundly and longer.
1. Hunger and Feeding Patterns
One of the most common reasons your baby may be waking every hour is hunger. Babies, especially newborns, have small stomachs, and they may need to feed more frequently during the night.
- Newborns (0-6 weeks): Babies in this age range may need to feed every 2-3 hours, including at night. If your baby is waking every hour, it could be because they are not feeding efficiently. Watch our for babies who are prone to snack feeding (taking small volumes of milk from the bottle or falling asleep frequently at the breast).
- Solution: Ensure that your baby is feeding well during the day. As your baby gets older, you can gradually try to extend the time between feedings at night. If breastfeeding, ensure that your baby is latching correctly, and if bottle-feeding, consider making sure your baby is getting enough milk per feeding.
2. Sleep Associations
Babies can form sleep associations that make it difficult for them to fall asleep without specific conditions. If your baby relies on being rocked, nursed, or held to sleep, they may wake up every hour because they haven’t learned how to fall back asleep on their own without those associations.
- Solution: Gradually introduce self-soothing techniques. Try letting them fall asleep on their own in the crib and if they need support – offer it! Pat their bum, rub their back, or place a hand firmly on their chest to help them settle to sleep easily. As your baby get’s older, try to offer less and less support to help them fall “fully” asleep. Over time, these techniques can help babies learn to self-soothe and transition through sleep cycles without needing external help.
3. Sleep Regressions
Sleep regressions are common during the first year of your baby’s life. A baby may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns due to developmental milestones or changes in their growth patterns. For example, around 4 months, many babies experience a sleep regression where they wake more frequently.
- Solution: Sleep regressions typically last for a few weeks, so if your baby is going through one, it’s important to offer comfort, stick to a solid sleep routine, and be patient. Reassure your baby with comforting gestures like patting or a gentle voice, but avoid picking them up unless necessary.
4. Discomfort or Illness
Your baby may be waking up frequently if they’re uncomfortable or not feeling well. Common causes of discomfort include:
- Teething: Teething pain can cause discomfort, making it hard for babies to sleep.
- Nappy rash: A soiled nappy can make your baby uncomfortable, leading to waking up.
- Cold or congestion: If your baby has a cold, stuffy nose, or is teething, they may be waking up due to discomfort.
- Solution: Check if your baby is experiencing any physical discomfort. If they’re teething, try teething toys, or use gentle pain relief as recommended by your paediatrician. Ensure that your baby’s nappy is dry and clean before sleep. If you suspect illness, contact your doctor to rule out any medical conditions.
5. Sleep Environment
The sleep environment plays a major role in your baby’s ability to stay asleep. Factors like room temperature, noise, and light can all disrupt your baby’s sleep. A room that is too hot or cold can make it difficult for your baby to stay asleep, and excessive noise or light can rouse them from their deep sleep.
- Solution: Make sure your baby’s room is cool, quiet, and dark. Use blackout curtains, a white noise machine, or a fan to create a soothing environment. Keep the room temperature at a comfortable level, around 19-21°C, to help your baby sleep soundly.
6. Overstimulation or Overtiredness
If your baby is overstimulated during the day or is not getting enough sleep, they may become overtired, which can actually make it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. An overtired baby can have difficulty calming down and may wake up frequently during the night.
- Solution: Keep a consistent nap and bedtime routine. Aim for appropriate wake windows depending on your baby’s age. Avoid overstimulating activities close to bedtime, and try to establish a calming bedtime routine to help your baby wind down before sleep.
7. Developmental Milestones
As babies grow and reach new milestones, such as learning to roll over, sit up, or stand, their sleep patterns can be disrupted. These new skills can cause your baby to wake up more often during the night as they process the changes in their body.
- Solution: Developmental milestones are temporary and usually don’t last long. Offer comfort and support, but remember that it’s a phase that will pass. Stay consistent with your sleep routine and provide reassurance when your baby wakes.
When to Seek Help from a Sleep Consultant
If your baby’s frequent night waking continues beyond the first few months, or if you feel overwhelmed, consider seeking the help of a professional baby sleep consultant. An experienced sleep consultant can help assess your baby’s sleep patterns and provide personalised guidance to help both you and your baby get more restful sleep.
Conclusion
It’s normal for babies to wake up during the night, but frequent hourly wakings can be draining. By addressing potential causes like hunger, sleep associations, developmental changes, discomfort, or environmental factors, you can improve your baby’s sleep and get back to more peaceful nights. Patience, consistency, and a little help from a professional can make a big difference in your baby’s sleep patterns.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on how to help your baby sleep through the night, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional sleep support.
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