For new parents, one of the most challenging aspects of caring for a newborn is the lack of sleep. Babies are notorious for waking up frequently during the night, leaving parents feeling exhausted and sleep-deprived. If you’re a new parent wondering how many times a night your newborn might wake up, today will provide some insight and tips for coping with frequent nighttime wake-ups.
Why Do Newborns Wake Up at Night?
Before we discuss how many times a night newborns wake up, it’s essential to understand why they do so. Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, which means they need to wake up often to feed. In fact, a newborn’s stomach is so small that they may need to eat every two to three hours, even during the night. This need for frequent feeding is especially true for breastfed babies because breast milk is easier to digest, and it gets processed more quickly in a baby’s system than formula. They also have immature circadian rhythms, which means they haven’t yet developed the ability to distinguish between day and night. This lack of distinction means that they may wake up more frequently during the night than during the day.
How Many Times a Night Does a Newborn Wake Up?
On average, newborns wake up between two and three times per night to feed. This number can vary depending on several factors, including the baby’s age, weight, and feeding habits. For example, a newborn who is exclusively breastfed may need to eat more frequently than a newborn who is formula-fed. Additionally, some babies may have a higher appetite than others, which means they may need to feed more often.
It’s important to note that newborns don’t just wake up to eat; they may also wake up for other reasons. For example, they may wake up because they’re wet or uncomfortable, or because they need a diaper change. Some newborns may also wake up because they need to be held or comforted. If your newborn wakes up for reasons other than feeding, it’s important to address these issues promptly so that they can return to sleep quickly and peacefully.
As your baby gets older, they will likely start sleeping for longer stretches at night, and the number of times they wake up will decrease. By the time your baby is six months old, they may only wake up once or twice per night to eat.
Tips for Coping with Nighttime Wake-Ups
Coping with the frequent wake-ups of a newborn can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to make it easier:
- Sleep when your baby sleeps:
When your baby naps during the day, take advantage of the opportunity to rest as well. This can help you get the rest you need to cope with nighttime wake-ups.
- Create a sleep-conducive environment:
Make sure your baby’s sleeping environment is conducive to sleep. This means keeping the room dark and quiet and making sure your baby is comfortable and not too hot or cold.
- Get help:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends. If you have a partner, consider taking turns with nighttime feedings and diaper changes. This can help alleviate some of the burden and ensure that both parents get adequate rest.
- Practice good sleep hygiene:
Establish good sleep habits for your baby early on, such as a consistent bedtime routine. This can help your baby learn to distinguish between day and night and sleep for longer stretches at night.
- Be patient:
Remember that frequent wake-ups are normal for newborns and that they will eventually grow out of it. Be patient and focus on getting the rest you need to take care of your baby.
Conclusion
Newborns typically wake up between two and three times per night to feed, although this number can varydepending on several factors such as age, weight, and feeding habits. It’s important to remember that newborns have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, even during the night. However, there are strategies that parents can use to cope with frequent nighttime wake-ups, such as sleeping when the baby sleeps, creating a sleep-conducive environment, getting help, practicing good sleep hygiene, and being patient.
