Gina Johnson
Waking a sleeping baby can be a difficult decision for parents, especially when they seem so peaceful. However, it is sometimes necessary to wake them to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition and calories, which will help them sleep better at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking a baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time during the first two weeks. This is because newborns grow fast and have a physiological need to nurse about every two to three hours. Breast milk is quickly digested, and a newborn's tummy is tiny, so they need to feed frequently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wake a sleeping infant | If it's been longer than 3-3.5 hours since the last feeding, or if the baby is taking two or more naps a day, or if the baby is a newborn and seems to sleep all day and be awake all night. |
| How to wake a sleeping infant | Try undressing and unswaddling the baby, changing their diaper, singing a song, stroking their hands and feet, holding them skin-to-skin, or giving them a warm bath. |
| Benefits of waking a sleeping infant to feed | It helps set them up for overall sleep success, ensures they get the calories they need, and helps accommodate real life. |
| Concerns about waking a sleeping infant | It can be difficult to wake a baby from a deep sleep, and it may be preferable to let them sleep and find their own schedule. |
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What You'll Learn
- If your baby is lethargic, difficult to wake or much sleepier than normal, consult a doctor
- Babies should not go without feeding for more than 3-5 hours
- Breastfed babies need to feed more frequently than formula-fed babies
- Keep your baby close to you to better pick up on feeding cues
- Babies need less waking for feeds as they get older
If your baby is lethargic, difficult to wake or much sleepier than normal, consult a doctor
It is understandable that parents may be hesitant to wake their baby when they are sleeping peacefully. However, there are several reasons why you may need to wake your sleeping infant to feed. Firstly, newborns need to feed every two to three hours, even if they have been sleeping, as they are growing rapidly and their bodies cannot take a long break from nourishment.
Secondly, if your infant is taking multiple naps a day, it is important to ensure that none of these naps exceed two hours, as this can interfere with their overall sleep and feeding schedule. This is especially important during the first few months when naps can range from 20 to 120 minutes. By starting your day no later than 8:00 am, you can ensure your baby gets the active awake time they need and promote a healthy bedtime.
Additionally, if it has been longer than three to three-and-a-half hours since the start of the last feeding, it is recommended to wake your baby and offer a feeding. This will help them get the necessary calories and nutrition, supporting their growth and development.
However, if your baby is lethargic, difficult to wake, or much sleepier than normal, it is important to consult a doctor. This could be a sign of underlying medical issues such as colic or reflux, or it may indicate that your baby is not getting adequate nutrition during the day. By consulting a doctor, you can ensure that your baby is healthy and receiving proper care.
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Babies should not go without feeding for more than 3-5 hours
It is important to ensure that your baby is getting adequate nutrition and calories during the day to help them sleep better at night. For the first one to two weeks of life, newborns need to feed every two to three hours, and they should be woken up to feed if they sleep for longer stretches. This is important for their health and the mother's milk supply.
After the first couple of weeks, when babies surpass their birth weight, most healthy babies don't need to be woken to feed as long as they are growing and feeding well. This means they are gaining weight as expected and producing at least four wet diapers and three dirty diapers per day. If your baby is healthy, has passed their birth weight, and is feeding and growing steadily, you usually don't need to wake them to feed, and they will let you know when they need to eat.
However, if your baby hasn't surpassed their birth weight, or if they were premature or aren't growing as expected, you should wake them to feed if they sleep for more than four hours straight. This is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the first two weeks. Additionally, if your baby is taking two or more naps, each nap should not exceed two hours, and if they are only taking one nap a day, it should be limited to three hours.
By maintaining a consistent feeding and sleeping schedule, you can help your baby establish healthy sleep habits and ensure they are getting the nutrition they need.
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Breastfed babies need to feed more frequently than formula-fed babies
It is understandable that parents may be reluctant to wake up a sleeping newborn baby. However, it is important to ensure that newborns are getting adequate nutrition and calories during the day to help them sleep better at night. Breastfed babies need to feed more frequently than formula-fed babies. This is because breast milk is easily and quickly digested, and breastfed babies have a physiological need to nurse about every two to three hours. On the other hand, formula-fed babies can go three to four hours between feedings during the first month because formula takes longer to digest.
Breast milk is often referred to as "nature's perfect food" and is considered the healthiest option for both mother and baby. It contains the ideal balance of nutrients that a baby requires, including lactose, protein, and fat, which are easily digestible for newborns. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other germ-fighting factors that strengthen the baby's immune system, reducing the risk of infections, hospitalizations, and certain health problems such as allergies, eczema, and ear infections. Additionally, breastfed babies experience less constipation and gas.
Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, may have firmer bowel movements and more gas. However, formula feeding offers convenience and flexibility for parents. Either parent or another caregiver can feed the baby, allowing for shared feeding duties and a more involved partner or caregiver. There is no need to pump, schedule around the baby's feeding timetable, or find a private place to nurse in public.
In conclusion, while breastfed babies need to feed more frequently than formula-fed babies, the benefits of breast milk for the baby's health and development are significant. It is important to prioritize the baby's nutritional needs and ensure they are getting enough feedings throughout the day, even if it means occasionally waking them up during a nap.
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Keep your baby close to you to better pick up on feeding cues
It is understandable that you may be reluctant to wake your baby when they are sleeping peacefully. However, it is important to ensure that your baby is getting adequate nutrition and calories during the day, which will help them sleep better at night.
To better pick up on feeding cues, keep your baby close to you and be attentive to their behaviour. In the first few weeks of life, newborns need to feed often, about every 1.5 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times a day. Breastfed babies may need to feed more frequently as breast milk is digested more quickly. Be aware of hunger cues such as lip-smacking, rooting, finger-sucking, or crying. Responding to these cues will result in better feeding sessions and healthy weight gain for your baby.
If your baby is not showing any hunger cues, it is important to wake them at least every three hours to encourage feeding. Keep in mind that some very young babies may not have the strength to wake up and demand to be fed, so it is important to monitor their feeding patterns and overall intake.
By keeping your baby close, you can more easily observe their behaviour and respond to their needs. This will help you establish a feeding routine that works best for your baby and promotes their growth and development.
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Babies need less waking for feeds as they get older
It is understandable that parents may be reluctant to wake up a sleeping newborn baby. However, it is crucial to ensure that newborns receive adequate nutrition and calories during the day to promote healthy sleep patterns at night. During the first few weeks, newborns may need to be fed as frequently as every two to three hours, even if they are sleeping. This is because they are growing rapidly and have a physiological need to nurse often due to their tiny stomachs. Breastfed newborns, in particular, may need to feed more frequently as they digest breast milk quickly.
As babies grow older, their feeding needs change, and they may not need to be woken up as frequently for feeds. Formula-fed babies, for example, can go three to four hours between feedings during the first month, as formula takes longer to digest. Additionally, as babies get older, they may start to display hunger cues such as lip-smacking, rooting, finger-sucking, or crying when they are hungry, making it easier to determine when they need to be fed without relying solely on a feeding schedule.
It is important to note that every baby is unique, and their feeding and sleeping patterns may vary. Some babies may continue to need frequent feedings, while others may start sleeping for longer stretches at night. It is always best to consult with a pediatrician if there are any concerns about a baby's overall intake or if they seem lethargic and difficult to wake.
In general, as babies get older, they will require less frequent feedings and will be able to go longer periods without needing to be woken up specifically for feeds. This progression is a normal part of their growth and development. However, it is still important to remain attentive to their feeding and sleeping patterns to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and adequate sleep for their age and stage of development.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns need to feed every two to three hours, or every three to four hours if formula-fed.
Babies will usually send out hunger cues like lip-smacking, rooting, finger-sucking, or crying.
It depends on their age, weight, and health. In the early weeks, newborns may need to be awakened to feed if they sleep through a scheduled feed. After the first month, it's best to let them sleep and feed them when they wake up.
Try undressing and unwrapping your baby, changing their nappy, giving them a warm bath, or holding them skin-to-skin. You can also try singing, stroking their hands and feet, or massaging their back.
