12 Reasons Your Baby Wakes Up at Night and What Helps

It’s 2 am. You are a new mom and finally you fall asleep after a tiring day, and suddenly you hear your baby cry. For a moment, you might feel you are dreaming, but then you realise it’s the small human sleeping next to you looking for you. You slowly wake up, feed your baby and put them back to sleep…and just when you lie down, they wake up again.

Many parents start worrying and start assuming that there is something wrong with the baby. But the truth is, night waking is common in newborns. And it’s always mistaken that the baby gets up only for feeding. In the first few months, babies wake up many times during the night and it may be for different reasons. Their sleep cycles are different from adults and they are slowly learning how to sleep for longer periods.

Let’s see 12 common reasons why babies wake up at night and what you can do about it.

1. Your Baby Is Hungry

Newborn babies have very small stomachs. So, they need to feed frequently. The initial few months demand feeding every 2 to 3 hours. This is because breast milk digests quickly and they start feeling hungry again.
As the babies grow, their sleep pattern changes. If they are full enough, sometimes they sleep throughout the night. For very young babies, night feeding is necessary.

2. Wet or Dirty Diaper

A wet or dirty diaper can make babies uncomfortable which disturbs their sleep. Some babies are very sensitive to even a little moisture.
Check the diaper when your baby wakes up. There are overnight diapers available, they help baby stay comfortable longer without disturbing their sleep.

3. Baby Is Too Hot or Too Cold

Babies cannot control their body temperature. If the room is too warm or too cold, they may feel uncomfortable and wake up.
Dress your baby in comfortable sleepwear and keep the room at a pleasant temperature. A light blanket is enough to give them the comfort.

4. Growth Spurts

Babies go through many growth spurts, especially during the first year. During this time, they may wake up more often because they feel more hungry hungrier.
During such times, offer extra feeds. Growth spurts usually last only a few days.

5. Gas or Tummy Discomfort

Gas issues are very common in infants. Sometimes babies wake up because they feel uncomfortable due to gas or digestion problems.

Burp your baby well after feeding. Gentle tummy massage or hold the baby upright for a few minutes after feeding.

6. Sleep Cycle Changes

Baby sleep cycles are much shorter than adult sleep cycles. Babies move from deep sleep to light sleep more often, which can make them wake up easily.
Give your baby a few moments before picking them up. Sometimes they may fall back asleep on their own.

7. Teething Pain

When babies start teething, their gums may become sore. This pain can disturb their sleep.
A teething ring or gentle gum massage can help ease the discomfort.

8. Illness or Discomfort

If your baby has a cold, fever, or any other health issue, they may wake up more frequently during the night.
If your baby seems unwell, it is best to consult your doctor.

9. Overtired Baby

It might sound surprising, but babies who are too tired may actually not sleep well.

When babies stay awake for too long, their bodies release stress hormones that make it harder for them to sleep. Follow a simple bedtime routine and try to put your baby to sleep before they become too tired.

10. Sleep Associations

Sometimes babies get used to certain habits like rocking, feeding or being held to fall asleep. When they wake up during the night and those conditions are not there, they may cry.
Slowly help your baby learn to fall asleep in the crib. It might look a bit difficult for some time, but once the baby gets used to it, you will get your space.

11. Developmental Milestones

As babies grow, they learn new skills. These milestones can sometimes disturb their sleep. Give your baby enough time to practice these new skills during the day.

12. Separation Anxiety

Around 6 to 9 months, babies start understanding emotions and start feeling that their parents can go away. This may cause them to wake up at night looking for comfort.
Reassure your baby with soft touches and gentle words during bedtime routine.

A Gentle Reminder for Parents

Every baby is different. Some babies sleep longer while others take more time.

Try not to compare your baby with others. With time, your baby will learn to sleep longer at night.