Evie Summers
Newborns can sleep through their feeding alarms, so parents often need to wake them up to ensure they are getting enough to eat. A newborn's sleep cycle lasts for about 50-60 minutes, with half of this time spent in light sleep and the other half in deep sleep. It is much harder to wake a baby during a deep sleep phase, so parents should try to wake them during REM sleep, which is marked by fluttering eyelids, sleep grins, clenched fists, and movement of the limbs. If you struggle to wake your newborn, contact your pediatrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to wake a newborn during REM sleep | Look for fluttering eyelids, sleep grins, clenched fists, and moving limbs. Undress the baby and place them skin-to-skin against your tummy and breast, while covering their back and head with a lightweight blanket. Hold the baby upright and talk to them. Massage their hands, feet, arms, back, and shoulders. |
| How to wake a newborn during deep sleep | Slowly unswaddle the baby. Undress them. Change their diaper while singing a song or stroking their hands and feet. Hold the baby upright. Dim the lights. Talk and sing to the baby. |
| General tips | Expose newborns to natural sunlight, play with them, and give them a bath. Keep them awake with gentle touches, such as rubbing their back or tickling their feet. Keep the room at around 64ºF (18ºC). Feed the baby 8-12 times in 24 hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Try to wake your baby during REM sleep
It is important to try to wake your baby during REM sleep, as this lighter stage of sleep is easier to rouse your baby from. You will be able to recognise REM sleep when your baby moves their arms and legs, makes different facial expressions, and has fluttering eyelids.
Firstly, try slowly unswaddling your baby. If this does not work, you could try undressing them. Change their nappy while you sing a song or stroke their hands and the soles of their feet. Holding your baby upright usually causes newborns to open their eyes. Dim the lights, as if the room is too bright, your baby may be more comfortable keeping their eyes shut.
Be social with your baby. Talk and sing to them, and once you get their eyes open, make eye contact. You can also try massaging your baby's hands, feet, back, arms, shoulders, and the soles of their feet. Your touch can help wake your baby up. Try placing your baby skin-to-skin against your tummy and breast, while you drape a towel or lightweight blanket over their exposed back and head. Your body heat should keep them warm, but not so warm that they fall back asleep. If this doesn't work, try holding your baby upright and talking to them to encourage them to open their eyes.
Instead of the usual bonding positions, which relax babies, straighten out their body and extend their arms—postures that perk up the brain.
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Expose them to natural sunlight
Exposing your newborn to natural sunlight is a great way to help them wake up from a deep sleep. Here are some tips to make the most of this method:
Natural sunlight exposure is an effective way to gently rouse your newborn from their slumber. Aim for early morning sun exposure, preferably before 8 am. This helps to regulate their circadian rhythm and establish a healthy sleep-wake cycle. It's beneficial to ensure your newborn receives sunlight exposure early in the day, as it contributes to their overall sleep quality and can aid in gradually reversing any day-night confusion they may be experiencing.
Create a comfortable and safe space for your newborn to soak in the sun. You can place them in a bassinet, crib, or playpen near a window that lets in ample sunlight. Make sure the room temperature is pleasant, as newborns can lose body heat quickly and become chilly. Maintain a room temperature of around 64ºF (18ºC) to keep them comfortable.
If possible, take your newborn outside to benefit from the natural sunlight. A morning walk in the stroller or some playtime in a park can be an excellent way to expose them to sunlight while also providing them with fresh air and a change of environment. Remember to dress them appropriately for the weather and always follow sun safety guidelines, such as avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours and using appropriate clothing, hats, and sunscreen to protect their delicate skin.
You can also bring natural sunlight into their space by opening curtains and blinds. If your home has limited natural light, consider investing in a sunlight lamp or light therapy box designed to mimic natural sunlight. These can be particularly useful during shorter winter days or if you live in an area with reduced sunlight.
Exposing your newborn to natural sunlight is a gentle and effective way to help them wake from deep sleep and establish a healthy sleep schedule. Remember to be consistent in your routine and always ensure your baby's comfort and safety during sun exposure.
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Undress them
Undressing your newborn is a great way to wake them up from a deep sleep. Being too hot can make a baby sleepy, so removing blankets and clothing can help them stay awake. Keep the room at around 64ºF (18ºC) to ensure they don't get too warm.
If your baby is swaddled, try unswaddling them first. You can do this by slowly unwrapping the swaddle. If that doesn't work, move on to undressing them. Undressing your baby can be a great way to keep them cool and help prevent them from falling back asleep. You can also try undressing yourself and placing your baby against your skin, using your body heat to keep them warm. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much warmth can make them sleepy again.
When undressing your baby, you can also try changing their diaper. The cool air from the open air and the physical stimulation of changing their diaper can help wake them up. Sing a song or stroke their hands and feet while you change them to provide extra stimulation.
If your baby is still not waking up, try holding them upright and talking to them. This change in position and the sound of your voice can encourage them to open their eyes. You can also try straightening their body and extending their arms, which can help perk up their brain.
Undressing your newborn can be a gentle and effective way to wake them from a deep sleep. By combining it with other techniques, such as singing, talking, and touching, you can help your baby transition from a deep sleep to a more awake state. Remember, it's important to ensure your newborn is getting enough feedings and active awake time throughout the day.
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Feed them at least every 2-4 hours
Newborns have tiny tummies, which means they need to be fed frequently. Breastfed babies need to feed every two to four hours, while formula-fed babies can go a little longer, between three to four hours. This is because breast milk is digested more quickly, so babies need to feed more often.
It's important to feed your newborn regularly, even if they are sleeping peacefully. Newborns grow quickly and are essentially little "eating machines". The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours at a time during the first two weeks. This is to ensure they are getting enough nutrition and your milk supply is maintained.
If your baby is sleeping through feedings, you will need to wake them. Try to wake them during REM sleep, which is a lighter stage of sleep. You'll know your baby is in REM sleep if they are moving their arms and legs, changing facial expressions, and fluttering their eyelids. If they are in deep sleep, they will be harder to rouse. You can try undressing them, changing their diaper, and singing or talking to them. Holding your baby upright and making eye contact can also help to wake them.
If your baby is consistently sleeping through feedings and is difficult to wake, be sure to consult your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and advice tailored to your baby's needs.
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Keep them awake with gentle touches
It is completely normal for newborns to nap anywhere between 20 to 120 minutes during the first few months. However, if your newborn is still sleeping after two hours, it is recommended to wake them to ensure they are getting the full feedings and active awake time they need.
If your newborn is in a deep sleep, you can try to rouse them with gentle touches. You can start by slowly unswaddling them and, if that doesn't work, try undressing them. Change their diaper while singing a song or gently stroking their hands and the soles of their feet. Holding your baby upright usually causes newborns to open their eyes. You can also try straightening out their body and extending their arms, which are perking up the brain.
Being too hot can make a baby sleepy, so it is important to unwrap any blankets and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. You can also try feeding your baby, as they may be more alert when they are hungry. If your baby is breastfeeding, wait for them to open their mouth wide, as this will ensure they are getting enough milk and gaining weight appropriately.
If your baby is consistently struggling to wake up or rarely seems alert and active, please contact your pediatrician.
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Frequently asked questions
Your newborn is in a deep sleep if they are not moving much. They are in REM sleep if they are moving their arms and legs, changing facial expressions, and fluttering their eyelids.
Try to wake your baby during REM sleep, as it is a lighter stage of sleep. If they are in deep sleep, you can try undressing them, changing their diaper, or holding them upright. You can also try skin-to-skin contact, stroking their hands and feet, or singing and talking to them.
Newborns should feed every 2-3 hours, or every 3-4 hours if they are formula-fed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep more than 4-5 hours at a time during the first two weeks.
Newborns may sleep more during growth spurts, developmental progression, illness, or if they are experiencing day-night confusion.
