Updated on
7.3.25
It’s the middle of the night, and you’ve just gotten your newborn to sleep after what feels like an endless round of feeding and rocking. You finally settle in, hoping for at least a couple of hours of rest—when suddenly, there it is again. The crying. The wide-eyed baby staring at you like you’ve personally betrayed them.
You check the clock. It’s only been an hour.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Newborns waking up every hour at night is a common struggle for parents. But why does it happen? Is it hunger? Discomfort? Something else entirely? And most importantly—is there anything you can do about it?
The good news? This is normal. But understanding why it happens (and how to handle it) can make those sleepless nights feel just a little easier.
In this post, we’ll dive into the most common reasons newborns wake up so often, from hunger to discomfort. You’ll also get some practical tips for creating a sleep environment that helps your baby—and you—rest a little better. Here’s what we’ll cover:
As a new parent, you might wonder, "When do they sleep?" and "Why are they up every hour?" Newborns have a very different sense of time than adults. From birth to about three months, they typically need between 11 and 19 hours of sleep per day [1]. However, their sleep is spread out in short bursts, both during the day and night, since they haven't fully developed their internal clock yet.
This means your little one might sleep more during the day and be awake more at night, leaving you wondering if you'll ever get a full night’s rest. But don't worry—this is totally normal! Your newborn’s sleep patterns constantly evolve, and those wake-ups every hour (or so it seems) are just part of the process. Remember, this won’t last forever, and the unpredictable nature of their sleep is just a phase of their development.Why is my newborn waking up every hour?
Newborns do sleep a lot—just not when you want them to! Their sleep is far from predictable—especially in the first two months. Instead of long stretches, they snooze in short cycles, waking up for feedings and brief periods of alertness. It’s not exactly the rest you were hoping for, but it’s totally normal during this stage!
Your little one might sleep anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours at a time [2], followed by 40 to 90 minutes of wake windows in between before they go back to sleep. During this time, they transition between light and deep sleep stages, which means they often wake up and need your help to get back to sleep.
There are a few key reasons why your little one might be waking up so frequently:
At this stage, your baby’s tiny stomach needs frequent refueling. Breastfed newborns typically wake every 2–3 hours for a feed, and formula-fed babies usually follow suit, needing a feeding every 3–4 hours.
Hunger is the main culprit behind many middle-of-the-night wake-ups for babies under 4 months. While this can feel exhausting for parents, it’s completely normal and necessary for their growth.
Your newborn's digestive system is still developing, which means gassiness can lead to pain and discomfort. Even if there’s no milk intolerance, your baby may struggle to fully digest breast milk or formula.
As a result, your baby may wake up squirming, fussing, or crying as they try to relieve the discomfort. If you notice your baby scrunching their legs or making distressed facial expressions, gas might be to blame.
A disrupted sleep environment can also cause your baby to wake up frequently. A dirty diaper, a too-warm or too-cold room, or uncomfortable crib sheets can all lead to a cranky baby. Keep an eye on the room temperature (it should be between 68-72°F) and check to make sure your baby is dry and comfortable.
Newborns go through frequent growth spurts, and this means more hunger. During these periods, they may feel extra sensitive and wake up more often wanting to nurse or bottle-feed.
A growth spurt typically lasts only 2-3 days, so it’s likely temporary. However, if nothing seems to satisfy their hunger, it's likely just their body needing a little extra energy to grow.
A sudden change in your baby’s behavior—like suddenly waking up crying more than usual—could also indicate they feel unwell. If your baby has a fever, a runny nose, or seems uncomfortable in other ways, they may be experiencing an illness. It’s important to check for signs of sickness and consult your pediatrician if needed.
If your newborn is waking up every hour, you probably feel stuck in an endless loop of diaper changes, feedings, and soothing. The good news? You’re not doing anything wrong—this is completely normal in the early months. Newborns have short sleep cycles and still need time to develop their internal clocks. But you can make things a little easier on both of you.
In this section, we’ll walk through some practical, actionable methods that can help you handle the midnight (and 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.!) wake-ups so you can both get more sleep—and maybe even feel human again.
We all know that hunger is the main culprit behind those frequent night wakings—newborns just need to eat a lot! Their little tummies don’t hold enough to keep them satisfied through the night, and that’s totally normal. So, here’s how to handle feeding during the night in a way that can help both of you get a bit more sleep:
By working on these small adjustments, like adding a dream feed and ensuring enough daytime milk, you can help your baby (and yourself) get some much-needed rest!
Due to their immature digestive systems, newborns can experience tummy issues. Gas and reflux are common, leading to discomfort and frequent nighttime wakings. Thankfully, there are several ways to ease these discomforts and help your baby sleep more soundly.
Note: Tummy time should start once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area has healed, usually around 1 to 2 weeks or up to a month after birth. Until then, newborns can still get similar benefits by lying on their caregiver’s chest while being supervised.
If your baby has trouble burping, you can try switching positions or holding them in a more upright position during feedings to prevent excessive air intake.
To help, try holding them upright for about 20 minutes after each feeding. You can also elevate the head of their crib (by about 30 degrees) to help with digestion and prevent acid from rising.
Note: These tips are for informational purposes only. Please consult a pediatrician for personalized advice.
With time and consistency, you’ll start to see improvements in your baby’s sleep and overall comfort.
Your baby’s sleep environment greatly affects how well they sleep, especially during those early months. With their circadian rhythms still developing, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere will help them transition through their sleep cycles and get the rest they need. Here’s how you can make your baby’s sleep space as comfortable as possible:
Invest in blackout curtains to block out any unwanted light that might disturb their rest, especially during naps or early morning hours.
This is particularly important for babies who are still developing their ability to distinguish between day and night. It’s also helpful if your baby’s room faces a street, as it blocks out headlights, street lamps, or any other light disturbances.
White noise machines can mimic these sounds and provide that same comforting environment. This sound soothes your baby and helps block out other noises in the house or from the street. It’s a simple way to ensure your little one stays relaxed and asleep throughout the night.
Swaddle your baby or use a sleep sack to keep them cozy and safe. Establishing a consistent, safe space for your baby to sleep will help reinforce healthy sleep associations.
By making your baby’s sleep environment as calming and soothing as possible, you can help them feel secure and comfortable, ultimately leading to better sleep for both of you. A consistent, peaceful sleep environment will go a long way in helping your baby (and you!) get the rest you need.
A sleep schedule helps create consistency by setting a routine for your baby’s sleep, feeding, and wake times. When you establish a routine for sleep, it provides structure and predictability, which can reduce the stress of the unknown. Here’s how it helps:
Image Title: "Sample sleep schedule for newborns"
Caption: "A sample newborn sleep schedule to help establish a consistent routine."
A calm, consistent bedtime routine is one of the best ways to help your newborn sleep better. Babies thrive on predictability, so creating a soothing pre-sleep routine signals to your baby that it's time to wind down. Here's how you can help your little one get ready for dreamland:
A simple, predictable routine combined with the calming power of the 5 S’s will make bedtime smoother for both you and your baby.
Growth spurts are a common part of your newborn's development and can often lead to more frequent night wakings. Here's how to handle these natural phases of growth without losing your sleep (too much, anyway):
Curious to learn more about growth spurts and their impact on your baby’s sleep? Check out our blogs on the 4-month sleep regression and the 8-month sleep regression.
While it’s a short-term disruption, know that it’s completely normal and part of your baby’s development. Just hang in there—this too shall pass!
When your newborn is sick, whether it's a cold, fever, or just general discomfort, their sleep can be deeply affected. Here's how to handle those restless nights when your baby is under the weather:
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a pediatrician for personalized advice.
Sick nights can be tough, but with plenty of love, comfort, and a bit of patience, you can help your baby through these challenging times.
It’s completely normal for your newborn to wake up during the night—they’re still getting used to the whole "sleeping through the night" concept. But as much as you want to rush in and comfort them immediately, it’s important to avoid creating habits that could become harder to break down the road.
This approach can help them gradually learn to fall back asleep without relying on you to step in each time, setting the foundation for more restful nights in the future.
It can be tough when your baby’s sleep patterns are all over the place, and sometimes, no matter what you try, it doesn’t seem to improve. So, when should you reach out to a healthcare provider?
Establishing a consistent and healthy sleep routine for your newborn can feel like a never-ending challenge, but hang in there! The secret to getting through those sleepless nights lies in two key ingredients: consistency and patience.
Start with a consistent bedtime routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a few soothing steps like a warm bath, some quiet cuddle time, or a gentle lullaby. Doing the same thing every night signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down, helping them feel secure and ready for sleep.
When night wakings occur, be consistent in how you handle them. Whether it’s giving your baby a few moments to self-soothe or offering a gentle pat, try to respond the same way each time. This will help your baby understand what to expect and gradually encourage them to settle themselves.
And here’s the thing—patience is key. It might take some time for your little one to stretch those sleep cycles. They’re still learning how to sleep for longer periods, and that’s totally normal. Keep at it, stay consistent, and in time, those longer sleep stretches will come. You’re doing great! Keep it up.
Handling your newborn waking up every hour can feel like a marathon, but remember, it’s all part of the journey. From tiny tummies to developing sleep patterns, your baby’s world is constantly changing—and sleep is no exception. Consistency and patience are your best friends as you help your little one settle into longer sleep stretches. Trust me, this phase won’t last forever.
Every baby is different, but with the right strategies, you'll both be catching some much-needed zzz’s before you know it. Keep calm, stay consistent, and soon enough, those hourly wake-ups will be a thing of the past.
You're doing an amazing job—keep it up!
If you're looking for a way to help your baby sleep longer and more peacefully, Happy Baby is here to help. With personalized sleep schedules, soothing sounds, and expert-backed tips, you can confidently guide your baby through those early sleep challenges. Try it today and start building better sleep habits for you and your little one!
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