Evie Summers
Waking a sleeping newborn is sometimes necessary, especially if they are sleeping longer than 2-3 hours during the day or are missing feedings. Newborns need to be fed regularly, typically every 3–4 hours, until they show good weight gain, which usually happens within the first few weeks. Waking a newborn can also help teach them to regulate their sleep, establish a circadian rhythm, and differentiate between daytime and nighttime sleep. However, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, and each baby's sleep pattern and needs may vary. If you struggle to wake your newborn or they seem lethargic, it is important to consult a pediatrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wake a sleeping newborn | If the baby has been sleeping for longer than 2.5-3 hours, or if it's about an hour later than their normal wake time in the morning. |
| If the baby is difficult to wake, or seems lethargic, consult a doctor. | |
| If the baby is extra sleepy in the early days, wake them to ensure they get enough milk. | |
| If the baby is still sleeping after 2 hours, wake them to ensure they get full feedings and active awake time. | |
| If the baby is consistently sleeping for longer stretches, wake them to feed every 3-4 hours until they show good weight gain. | |
| If the baby is still asleep at 8/8:30 am, wake them to ensure they don't start relying on morning sleep instead of night sleep. | |
| If the baby is struggling to settle at bedtime or overnight, waking early in the morning, or waking for long periods or multiple times at night, consider regulating their naps. | |
| Reasons for waking a sleeping newborn | To maintain adequate hydration and nutrition, and to ensure restorative night sleep. |
| To help the baby learn the difference between day and night sleep and establish their circadian rhythm. | |
| To ensure the baby gets full feedings and active awake time. | |
| To teach the baby to regulate and consolidate their sleep. | |
| To reinforce the difference between daytime and nighttime sleep. | |
| To ensure the baby gets enough active awake time during the day and to protect a healthy bedtime. |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to nap for 20-120 minutes
Newborns tend to sleep on the go and may sleep best when you're wearing them in a carrier or driving with them in their car seat. However, it is important to ensure that they are sleeping in a safe place. If your newborn falls asleep in their car seat, swing, or bouncer, be sure to move them to their crib or bassinet to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
During the first few months, it is normal and developmentally appropriate for newborns to nap for 20-120 minutes. Short naps are common in the first few months of a baby's life, and longer naps will come as they grow older. Newborns are often very sleepy eaters, and keeping them awake during feedings can make a big difference. It will make full feedings easier and allow for age-appropriate wake windows.
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. You can also consider waking your newborn if it has been longer than 2.5-3 hours for any given nap or if they wake up about an hour later than their normal wake time in the morning. This helps maintain adequate hydration and nutrition and sets your baby up for restorative night sleep.
Each baby has a different sleep pattern, and it may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to know the difference between night and day. It is important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, keeping the lights low and resisting the urge to play or talk with your baby.
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Wake your baby to feed every 3-4 hours
It is generally recommended to wake your baby to feed every 3-4 hours. Newborns have tiny tummies, and they get hungry soon after feeding. They are also growing very fast, so they need to be fed frequently.
Breastfed newborns need to feed every 2-3 hours, while formula-fed babies can go 3-4 hours between feedings during the first month. This is because formula takes longer to digest. If your baby is not getting enough to eat, it can slow down weight gain and affect the mother's milk production.
To wake your baby from a deep sleep, you can try unswaddling them, changing their diaper, singing, stroking their hands and feet, or holding them upright. You can also try dimming the lights, as a bright room might make your baby want to keep their eyes shut.
It is important to note that every baby is unique and may sleep differently. As your baby gets older, they will need to be woken up less frequently. By the time they are 6 months old, most babies will be sleeping through the night.
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Newborns don't know the difference between day and night
To help your newborn establish a sense of day and night, you can create a calm and relaxing bedtime routine that's slightly different from their daytime nap routine. For example, a bedtime routine could include a bath, dimming the lights, reducing noise, a feed, a massage, a diaper change, and a bedtime song. You can also expose your baby to natural light during the day and take them outside to help them establish their circadian rhythm and adapt to a 24-hour cycle.
Additionally, you can engage your baby in stimulating activities during the day, such as tummy time, gentle play, and interaction with family members. This will promote alertness and make your baby more tired at nighttime. It's also important to ensure your newborn doesn't nap too much during the day, as this can contribute to day and night confusion. If your newborn sleeps for longer stretches during the day, you may need to wake them up after a couple of hours to preserve a longer stretch of sleep for nighttime.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it may take time for your newborn to adjust to life outside the womb and develop their own sleep patterns.
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A consistent bedtime and routine are important
However, you should aim to establish a routine and consistent bedtime for your baby. For example, if your goal bedtime is 7 pm, and your baby is still sleeping at 5 pm, you should wake them up to ensure they build up enough sleep pressure before bed. This will ensure that their last nap of the day doesn't get confused with nighttime sleep.
Waking your baby at a consistent time in the morning, such as 7 am, will also help them establish a healthy sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. This will teach them to regulate and consolidate their sleep, reinforcing the difference between daytime and nighttime sleep.
Additionally, limiting daytime naps to 2-3 hours and waking your baby to feed once they're close to the three-hour mark will help them figure out the difference between day and night sleep. Newborns should be fed regularly throughout the night in their first few weeks to ensure they are gaining enough weight. After they have shown good weight gain, usually within the first couple of weeks, it is okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night.
It's important to pay attention to your newborn's sleepy cues and wake windows to set them up for successful naps. If your newborn is consistently sleeping longer than 2-3 hours during the day or seems lethargic and difficult to wake, it's recommended to consult your pediatrician.
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If your newborn is difficult to wake, contact a doctor
Newborns follow their own schedule and tend to sleep around the clock, waking every few hours to eat. They do not have a sense of day and night, and it may take a few weeks for their brains to develop this distinction. During this time, newborns may experience day-night confusion, sleeping all day and staying awake at night.
If you consistently struggle to wake your newborn or notice that they rarely seem alert and active, it is important to contact your pediatrician. While there is no definitive duration for newborn naps, ranging from 20 to 120 minutes during the first few months, if your newborn is still sleeping after two hours, it is recommended to wake them to ensure they receive adequate nourishment and stimulation.
If your newborn is much sleepier than usual, difficult to wake, or appears lethargic, it is advised to consult a doctor. This could indicate a growth spurt, developmental progression, or an underlying illness. Similarly, if your newborn seems uninterested in eating during the day or consistently drifts off during daytime feedings, it is important to seek medical advice.
It is crucial to prioritize your newborn's safety and well-being. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about their sleep patterns or overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to limit daytime naps to 2-3 hours and wake your newborn up to eat once they're close to the three-hour mark. This helps maintain adequate hydration and nutrition and sets your baby up for restorative night sleep.
Newborns need to be fed regularly throughout the night to ensure they are gaining enough weight. Sleeping longer than 4-hour stretches at a time, even at night, is usually too long for newborns unless your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
Here are some tips to wake your newborn for feeding:
- Undress and unwrap your baby and hold them skin-to-skin.
- Express a little colostrum by squeezing your areola and let a few drops fall into your baby's mouth.
- Change your baby's nappy.
- Give your baby a warm bath.
- Place your baby on your lap with their legs near your tummy and head on your knees. Gently support your baby, raise them into a sitting position, and repeat a few times.
- Gently massage their back in circular motions.
- Stroke their feet and hands.
You should wake your newborn if they are consistently sleeping longer than 2.5-3 hours during the day or if they are sleeping an hour later than their normal wake-up time in the morning. Additionally, if your newborn is still sleeping after 2 hours, you may want to wake them to ensure they are getting full feedings and active awake time.
