Herbie Murray
It can be tough to know when to wake a sleeping newborn to feed, and it's understandable that parents may be reluctant to disturb their peaceful slumber. However, it is important to ensure that newborns are getting the nutrition they need for their rapid growth. During the first few weeks, newborns should be fed frequently, about every 2-4 hours, depending on the feeding method. Breastfed babies typically feed more often than formula-fed or bottle-fed babies as they digest milk faster. Newborns who sleep for longer stretches should be awakened for feedings to ensure adequate nutrition and weight gain. This can be challenging, as newborns don't initially distinguish between day and night, and parents may need to correct day-night confusion. There are various techniques to gently wake a sleeping newborn, such as skin-to-skin contact, singing, and stroking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often should newborns feed? | Breastfed babies: every 2-3 hours. Formula-fed babies: every 3-4 hours. |
| When to wake a sleeping newborn to feed | If they sleep for more than 4-5 hours at a time for the first two weeks. |
| How to wake a sleeping newborn | Feed during REM sleep. Undress and unwrap your baby. Hold them skin-to-skin. Change their diaper. Give them a warm bath. |
| When to let the newborn sleep | If they are gaining weight steadily and staying along their growth curve. |
| Newborn sleep duration | 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| Newborn sleep pattern | Newborns don't have a set sleep pattern. They don't know the difference between day and night and will sleep during both. |
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What You'll Learn
- Breastfeeding newborns need to feed every 2-4 hours, even if they're sleeping
- Babies shouldn't go without feeding for more than 4 hours
- Babies will need to be fed during the night for a period of time after birth
- Newborns can be sleepier when they're experiencing a growth spurt, developmental progression, or illness
- If your newborn seems to be waking every hour or two throughout the night to eat, you may need to correct their reverse cycling
Breastfeeding newborns need to feed every 2-4 hours, even if they're sleeping
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time for the first two weeks. This is to ensure they are getting enough nutrition and calories, and it is important for your milk supply too. If your baby is formula-fed, they can go a little longer, up to four hours between feedings, as formula takes longer to digest.
There are some gentle ways to wake your baby for feeding. The AAP suggests singing or stroking their cheek. You can also try undressing them and holding them skin-to-skin. A diaper change can also help wake a baby, and you can try singing and making eye contact with your baby. Holding your baby upright usually causes newborns to open their eyes.
If your baby is very sleepy, it's a good idea to check with your doctor. They may be sleepier due to a growth spurt, developmental progression, or illness. Your baby's body is asking for what it needs, and it's important to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
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Babies shouldn't go without feeding for more than 4 hours
Newborns have a tiny tummy, which, at two weeks, is only slightly bigger than a ping-pong ball. This means that newborns have a physiological need to feed about every two to three hours. Breastfed babies need to be fed more frequently than formula-fed babies as they digest breast milk easily and quickly. Formula-fed babies can go three to four hours between feedings during the first month because formula takes longer to digest.
If your newborn is feeding every hour or two throughout the night, you may need to correct their reverse cycling and target full feedings during the day. If your baby is consistently feeding every hour and not sleeping, you should work closely with your lactation consultant and pediatrician. You should also pay attention to your newborn’s sleepy cues and wake windows to set them up for the best chance of nap success.
If your baby is eating full feedings every 2.5 to 3.5 hours all day long, gaining weight steadily, and staying along their growth curve, you can allow them to sleep longer and longer stretches at night. For full-term babies, this means they can typically sleep a maximum of their age in weeks plus one night before they will need to wake for feeding. For example, a 3-week-old baby would need to wake and eat after 4 hours (from the start of their last feeding) in the night. Likewise, a 6-week-old can have a maximum 7-hour stretch (from the start of the last feeding to the start of the next feeding) in the night.
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 for the first two weeks. This is important for their health and your milk supply. Newborns are growing fast, and their body can’t take much of a break.
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Babies will need to be fed during the night for a period of time after birth
In the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. This keeps the baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, as bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
It may take a few weeks for your baby's brain to know the difference between night and day. In the meantime, keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and resist the urge to play with or talk to your baby. This will send the message that nighttime is for sleeping. If possible, let your baby fall asleep in their crib at night so they learn that it's the place for sleep.
Most pediatricians recommend that you wake up your baby if they are due for a daytime or nighttime feed. Babies shouldn't go without feeding for more than 4 hours. So while most of the time your baby will let you know when they are ready to eat, it’s okay to wake them up if they snooze past the 4-hour mark. The AAP recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time for the first two weeks.
If your baby is sleepy, it will be easier to pick up their feeding cues if you keep them close to you. If your baby is extra sleepy in the early days, you may need to wake them to make sure they get the milk they need. You can try undressing and unwrapping your baby and holding them skin-to-skin. You can also change their nappy, give them a warm bath, or place them on your lap with their legs near your tummy and their head on your knees.
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Newborns can be sleepier when they're experiencing a growth spurt, developmental progression, or illness
Newborns are known to be sleepy, especially if they are experiencing day-night confusion or a growth spurt. During a growth spurt, your baby may be more restless, clingy, and weepy than usual. They may also sleep more than usual, taking longer naps and waking up less at night. This could be because they are channeling their energy into growing.
However, some babies may experience sleep regression during a growth spurt, sleeping less than usual, and becoming fussier and hungrier. They may also wake up more frequently at night, wake up earlier, or take shorter naps. This may be because they are hungrier and are waking up to eat more frequently.
Growth spurts can happen at any time, but they typically occur a few times over the first year of a child's life, commonly around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. They usually last for a few days, after which your baby's routine should go back to normal.
If your newborn is sleeping through feedings, it is recommended to wake them up to ensure they are getting the full feedings they need. This is especially important for the first two weeks, where the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep more than four to five hours at a time. Breastfed newborns need to feed every two to three hours, while formula-fed babies can go three to four hours between feedings during the first month.
If your newborn is consistently sleeping through feedings and rarely seems alert and active, it is best to contact your pediatrician.
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If your newborn seems to be waking every hour or two throughout the night to eat, you may need to correct their reverse cycling
To correct reverse cycling, the key is to shift your baby's caloric intake back to the daytime. This means gradually reducing night feedings while increasing the frequency of daytime feeds. During the day, try to create a calm and focused environment for feedings by turning off lights, closing the door, and putting away distractions like your phone. This will help your baby concentrate on feeding and take in more calories during the day, reducing their hunger at night.
It's important to be patient and understand that breaking reverse cycling patterns can be challenging. Both you and your baby are likely tired from changes in your schedules, so go easy on yourself and take things one step at a time. Remember that newborns tend to be sleepier when they're experiencing growth spurts or developmental progression, so consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's overall intake or if they seem lethargic and hard to wake.
To help with day and night confusion, aim to feed your baby every 2-3 hours during the day. Newborns need to feed frequently, and it's recommended to wake your baby to feed if they sleep through a scheduled feed, especially during the first two weeks. If your baby is gaining weight steadily and staying on their growth curve, you can let them sleep for longer stretches at night. For example, a 3-week-old baby can sleep for up to 4 hours before needing to wake and eat, while a 6-week-old can sleep for up to 7 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns should feed every two to four hours, depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. Breastfed babies feed more often, about every two to three hours, while bottle-fed babies tend to feed every three to four hours.
You can watch your baby for signs that they are getting enough milk: look out for lots of poos and wet nappies, and increasing alertness.
Babies shouldn't go without feeding for more than four hours. So, if your baby snoozes past the four-hour mark, it's time to wake them up. In the first few weeks, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking your baby to feed if they sleep for more than four to five hours.
