{"id":321,"date":"2025-10-08T23:45:18","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T23:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alkahealth.com.au\/?p=321"},"modified":"2025-10-28T23:57:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T23:57:24","slug":"why-your-baby-wakes-at-night-and-what-you-can-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alkahealth.com.au\/?p=321","title":{"rendered":"Why your baby wakes at night and What you can do about it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What\u2019s Normal, What\u2019s Not<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n

Babies wake often for a mix of reasons: to feed, to be close to you, for comfort, or simply because their systems aren\u2019t mature yet. Waking every few hours is typical in the first year of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if your baby is waking more frequently than every 2 hours, seems constantly unsettled, or never seems satisfied with feeds, it might be helpful to talk to a health professional. Things like feeding issues or a disrupted sleep rhythm could be involved, and they can often be improved with the right support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Babies Wake So Often<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. They Need to Be Close<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Babies are born needing closeness and connection<\/strong>. Being near a parent helps regulate their temperature, breathing, heart rate, and stress levels. It also supports secure attachment, which is a strong foundation for emotional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when your baby wakes and needs you, it\u2019s not a \u201cbad habit.\u201d It\u2019s part of how they\u2019re wired to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. They\u2019re Hungry<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Breastfed babies feed 8\u201316 times in 24 hours<\/strong>, including during the night. Their tummies are small and they digest milk quickly, especially in the first few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Night feeding is not only normal, it\u2019s important. It helps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Meet your baby\u2019s nutritional needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Support healthy growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Maintain your milk supply<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Boost sleep-promoting hormones like melatonin<\/strong> and CCK<\/strong>, which help both of you fall back asleep\u2078<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In fact, breastfeeding parents often get more restful sleep<\/strong> than those using formula, because it\u2019s quicker to settle the baby and get back to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    3. They\u2019re Seeking Comfort<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Waking for comfort is just as valid as waking for food. Babies wake for connection<\/strong>, reassurance, and safety. These needs don\u2019t disappear just because it\u2019s night-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This isn\u2019t your baby trying to manipulate you, it\u2019s a developmentally appropriate<\/strong> way to build emotional security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Who Can Help?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed or unsure whether your baby\u2019s night waking is typical, talking to the right health professionals can really help<\/strong>. Consider reaching out to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)<\/strong> \u2013 to check feeding mechanics, milk transfer, and feeding frequency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A Paediatrician<\/strong> \u2013 to rule out medical causes like reflux, allergies, or sleep-related conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • An NDC (Neuroprotective Developmental Care) Practitioner<\/strong> \u2013 trained to help with infant sleep, crying, feeding, and sensory needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A Perinatal Mental Health Specialist<\/strong> \u2013 if you\u2019re feeling persistently anxious, low, or exhausted, support is available for you, too<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      What About Sleep Training?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      \u2018Sleep training\u2019 often involves methods like controlled crying or letting a baby \u2018self-settle\u2019 without comfort. While some families see short-term sleep improvement, research raises concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Babies may show reduced crying, but still experience elevated stress hormones like cortisol<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Repeated lack of comfort during distress can impact secure attachment development<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Evidence shows no long-term benefit<\/strong> to infant sleep or maternal wellbeing when used in the first 6 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Some parents report increased guilt or anxiety<\/strong> if sleep training feels unnatural or doesn\u2019t \u2018work\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Many health professionals now support responsive approaches<\/strong> that improve sleep without ignoring a baby\u2019s needs<\/em>. These methods help build trust, emotional security, and healthier outcomes over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        What Can Help Instead?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Some parents manage night waking more smoothly, not because their babies wake less, but because they\u2019ve found strategies that support both their baby’s biology and their own wellbeing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Here are some helpful options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Safe co-sleeping<\/strong> or room-sharing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Side-lying breastfeeding<\/strong> for easier night-time feeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • A consistent, calming bedtime routine and sleep environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Rest opportunities for parents (naps, sharing duties, reducing pressure)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Support from professionals who take a whole-baby, whole-family approach<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          You don\u2019t need to \u201ctrain\u201d your baby to sleep better, but you can<\/em> create a sleep setup that helps everyone get more rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
          \n
          \n

          Frequent night waking is normal<\/strong> in infancy. It supports growth, emotional regulation, and healthy attachment.<\/p>With the right support, knowledge, and strategies<\/strong>, you can make night waking more manageable, and even restful, for your whole family.<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n
          References<\/summary>\n

          Ball, H. L. (2022). Parent\u2013Infant Sleep: From Biology to Social Practice<\/em>. Infant Mental Health Journal<\/em>, 43(1), 6\u201322.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Douglas, P., & Hill, P. (2013). Behavioral sleep interventions in the first six months of life do not improve outcomes for mothers or infants. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics<\/em>, 34(7), 497\u2013507.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Moore, T. G., Arefadib, N., Deery, A., Keyes, M., & West, S. (2016). The First Thousand Days: An Evidence Paper<\/em>. Murdoch Children\u2019s Research Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Middlemiss, W., Granger, D. A., Goldberg, W. A., & Nathans, L. (2012). Asynchrony of mother\u2013infant HPA axis activity following extinction of crying. Early Human Development<\/em>, 88(4), 227\u2013232.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment<\/em>. Basic Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation<\/em>. Lawrence Erlbaum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Kent, J. C., Mitoulas, L. R., Cregan, M. D., Ramsay, D. T., Doherty, D. A., & Hartmann, P. E. (2006). Volume and frequency of breastfeedings. Pediatrics<\/em>, 117(3), e387\u2013e395.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Cohen Engler, A., Hadash, A., Shehadeh, N., & Pillar, G. (2012). Breastfeeding may improve nocturnal sleep and reduce infant crying. Early Human Development<\/em>, 88(7), 519\u2013522.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          If your baby is waking up a lot during the night, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, waking every 2\u20133 hours is completely normal for babies in their first year. Over half of toddlers still wake during the night well into their second year.
          \nKnowing what\u2019s normal, and when to ask for support, can make a huge difference in how you experience this stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-settling"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy your baby wakes at night and What you can do about it - ALKA Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/alkahealth.com.au\/?p=321\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why your baby wakes at night and What you can do about it - ALKA Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If your baby is waking up a lot during the night, you're not alone, and you're not doing anything wrong. 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