Evie Summers
Newborns need to feed every two to three hours, which means they need to be awakened for feeds during the first few weeks. This is because newborns have a tiny tummy and a speedy digestion, and they are growing fast. If your newborn is still sleeping after two hours, you should wake them to ensure they are getting the full feedings they need. However, if your baby is gaining weight steadily and staying along their growth curve, you can let them sleep longer stretches at night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to wake a sleeping newborn to nurse | Tickle their feet, undress them, rub their back, burp them, change their diaper, switch to the other breast, or gently compress and massage the breast to encourage more drinking |
| Reasons why newborns fall asleep while nursing | Feedings happen near the end of a wake window, snuggling while eating is comfortable and conducive to sleep, breastmilk includes hormones that promote relaxation, the environment is set up to cue the baby that it's time for sleep, the baby associates feeding with sleep, the baby is looking for closeness and comfort rather than calories, improper latch, day/night confusion, underlying medical conditions, or illnesses |
| Advice on nursing a baby to sleep | Nursing a baby to sleep may make them dependent on nursing to fall asleep, but it is a fast and soothing way to put them to sleep and can help them fall back asleep; it is also relaxing for the parent |
| Other advice on getting a baby to sleep | Put the baby down for naps and bed slightly awake, create a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine, offer a pacifier, keep the room dimly lit and any noises to a minimum, hold the baby for a few minutes before putting them down and keep a hand on their chest for a minute or two after laying them down |
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What You'll Learn
Reasons why newborns fall asleep while nursing
Newborns have days or even weeks when they are very sleepy and hard to keep awake. This is because they are adjusting to life outside the womb, and the transition can be tiring. Plus, newborns may have their days and nights mixed up, causing them to sleep a lot during the day when they are typically fed.
Hormones
The release of the satiety hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in the baby's body as they suckle promotes sleep. CCK levels are highest when the baby has a full stomach. Breast milk also includes hormones that promote relaxation in babies, which often makes them sleepier.
Physical Closeness
The physical closeness with their caregiver and the rhythmic motion of nursing or bottle-feeding can be soothing and help lull a baby to sleep. This sensation mimics the comfort and security they felt in the womb.
Sleep Cues
The environment may be set up to cue the baby's brain that it is time for sleep, such as a dark room or the sound of a lullaby.
Sleep Association
Babies may associate feeding with sleep. They may be seeking closeness and comfort rather than calories, especially if they are nearing the end of a wake window and showing signs of sleepiness.
Full Belly
In the first few months of life, it is practically impossible to keep a nursing baby awake who is satisfied with a full belly.
If you are concerned that your baby is frequently too sleepy to eat well or is showing signs of inadequate feeding, such as insufficient weight gain or a lack of wet diapers, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or lactation specialist. They can help determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or feeding issues that need to be addressed.
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What to do if your newborn falls asleep while nursing
It is very common for newborns to fall asleep while nursing. In the first few months of life, it's practically impossible to keep a nursing baby awake who is satisfied with a full belly. However, if you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough to eat, there are some things you can try to keep them awake during feedings.
Firstly, check that your baby is latching on properly. A good latch means that your baby's mouth is wide open, and they are taking in a good portion of the areola. If they are not latched on correctly, the flow of milk might be too slow to keep them awake. If you are unsure, consider contacting a lactation consultant for assistance. Having skin-to-skin time with your baby is a great way to wake them up to feed. Undress your baby down to their nappy and place them belly-to-belly with you. This allows them to tap into their newborn instincts, such as searching for and locating the breast.
If your baby is still dozing off, you can try a technique called switch nursing. As soon as your baby starts falling asleep, you can try switching them to the other side. This may wake them up, and they may find that the other side has milk more readily available. You could also try sitting them up and, once they are alert enough, switching sides and having them continue feeding on the other side. Tickling their toes is another great way to keep them alert and wake them up if they have fallen asleep.
If your baby is frequently too sleepy to eat during the day but wants to eat all night, they might have day/night confusion. In this case, you should try to wake them every 2.5 to 3 hours from the start of the last feeding. You can also try to put your baby down for naps and bed when they are slightly awake, so they get used to falling asleep on their own. Creating a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine can help with this.
If you are concerned about your baby's feeding behaviours, or if your baby seems difficult to wake, appears lethargic, or is not having wet nappies, you should contact your paediatrician or lactation specialist.
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Concerns about newborns falling asleep while nursing
It is common for newborns to fall asleep while nursing, and this is usually not a cause for concern. Newborns have smaller stomachs and low energy levels, so feeding will tire them out quickly. Breast milk also contains hormones that promote relaxation and sleepiness in babies. In addition, the comfort of being held and hearing their mother's heartbeat can make newborns fall asleep while nursing.
However, there are a few concerns to be aware of if your newborn frequently falls asleep while nursing. One concern is that your baby may not be getting enough milk or enough sleep. If your baby is constantly falling asleep during feeds, it can be challenging to determine whether they are getting adequate nutrition or rest. If you are concerned about your baby's intake, you can look for signs that they are full after feeding, such as pulling away, closing their lips, having relaxed hands, and being content until the next feeding. If you are unsure, you can consult a pediatrician or lactation specialist to assess your baby's weight and overall health.
Another concern is day/night confusion, where newborns are too sleepy to eat during the day but want to feed all night. This can be addressed by gradually teaching your baby to fall asleep independently and creating a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine. Additionally, ensuring that your baby is getting enough daytime stimulation can help regulate their sleep patterns.
In rare cases, excessive sleepiness during feeds could indicate an underlying medical condition. For example, jaundice can cause lethargy and poor feeding, and babies with jaundice may exhibit yellowish skin and have fewer wet or dirty diapers. If your baby seems difficult to wake, appears lethargic, or is not having enough wet diapers, it is important to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible.
To help keep your baby awake during feedings, you can try various strategies such as changing their diaper, tickling their feet, burping them, or switching to the other breast. Additionally, creating a stimulating environment by turning your baby away from you, walking around, or showing them toys can help promote active feeding. However, it is important to note that falling asleep while nursing is normal and expected, especially during the newborn period. As your baby gets older, more efficient at feeding, and develops better sleep patterns, it will become easier for them to stay awake during feedings.
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How to help your newborn fall asleep independently
It is common for newborns to be very sleepy and difficult to keep awake during their first few weeks of life. They are adjusting to life outside the womb, and this can be tiring. Newborns also tend to have their days and nights mixed up, which can result in them sleeping a lot during the day when you're trying to feed them.
While nursing a baby to sleep can be a comforting experience for both you and your baby, it can also create a dependency. As your baby gets older, it's important that they learn to fall asleep on their own and practice an independent bedtime routine. Here are some tips to help your newborn fall asleep independently:
- Create a calm, dark, and quiet sleep environment. This can include using blackout curtains or a sound machine to help your baby sleep better.
- Establish a consistent and familiar bedtime routine. This could include activities such as bathing, reading, and singing, which signal the end of the day. Over time, your baby will start to associate these activities with sleep.
- Put your baby down for naps and bed when they are slightly awake. This teaches them to get used to falling asleep on their own.
- If your baby is falling asleep while breastfeeding, try to keep them awake by turning them away from you, walking around the house, looking in the mirror, or showing them toys.
- Pay attention to signs that your baby is full after a feeding. They may pull away, become uninterested in continuing to feed, close their lips, or have a relaxed body.
- Make breastfeeding more about food. Wear something that's harder to get your breast out of, slightly delaying the nursing. Your older baby may decide it's not worth the wait and settle for a snuggle.
- Talk your baby through the process. Nurse for a little while, then stop and move away briefly, explaining that you need to grab something and will be right back. Gradually make the breaks longer, but always keep your promise to return.
- Offer a pacifier instead of nursing. However, only give a pacifier after breastfeeding is established, ideally no sooner than 3 weeks of age.
- Seek professional help if you're concerned about your baby's feeding behavior or sleep patterns. A pediatrician or lactation specialist can provide guidance and support.
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Benefits of nursing your newborn to sleep
Nursing a newborn to sleep is a natural and effective way to help your baby relax and fall asleep. It can be incredibly comforting for both the baby and the mother, promoting deep bonding through skin-to-skin contact. The sucking motion is relaxing for babies, and the feeling of being securely held against the mother's body can further enhance this sense of comfort and security.
Additionally, there is evidence that evening and nighttime breast milk contains higher levels of sleep-inducing hormones and nucleotides, which can have a sedating effect on newborns. This can help them sleep for longer stretches and promote healthy sleep patterns. Breastfeeding your newborn at night can also help them wind down and relax, creating a bedtime routine that signals it's time for sleep.
Nursing your newborn to sleep can be beneficial, especially during the first few months of their life. It can be a magical time for both mother and child, fostering a strong bond and providing vital skin-to-skin contact. However, as your baby grows, it's important to introduce a bedtime routine that promotes independence and self-soothing. This can include activities like brushing their gums or teeth, reading together, or singing favourite songs quietly and consistently as part of a predictable bedtime routine.
While nursing your newborn to sleep can have its benefits, it's important to be mindful of potential challenges. As your baby gets older, they may develop a dependency on nursing to fall asleep, which can make it difficult to wean them off breastfeeding. Additionally, it may become exhausting for the mother if the baby wakes frequently during the night, requiring constant nursing to fall back asleep. It is important to note that every baby is different, and their sleep patterns can vary.
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Frequently asked questions
It is very common for babies to fall asleep while nursing, especially in the first few days following birth, and this is usually nothing to worry about. Newborns are adjusting to life outside the womb, and this can be tiring. However, if your baby is frequently falling asleep during nursing, they may not be getting enough to eat.
Tickling your baby's feet or toes can help keep them alert. You can also try switching them to the other side as soon as their sucking becomes less frequent. If your baby is not latching well, they may not be getting enough milk, which can make them sleepy. A good latch means that your baby's mouth is wide open, and they are taking in a good portion of the areola.
In the first few months of life, it's practically impossible to keep a nursing baby awake who is satisfied with a full belly. However, if your baby is frequently too sleepy to eat during the day but wants to eat all night, they might have day/night confusion. In this case, you can try waking them every 2.5-3 hours from the start of the last feeding.
Many people believe that nursing a baby to sleep is a terrible habit that will prevent them from learning to sleep independently. However, others find that it is the easiest part of baby sleep and what soothes them the most. There is no research on whether nursing to sleep sets up bad sleep habits, and how well a baby sleeps depends on various factors, including temperament, genetics, and developmental stage.
