Updated on
January 31, 2025
A tiny chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, their lips forming the faintest hint of a smile. Tiny fingers curl softly, and for a moment, the world feels perfectly still as you watch your baby sleep. It’s a scene of pure innocence and peace, one you could marvel at for hours—if it weren’t for that lingering question every parent wrestles with:
Should I wake my baby to feed them?
The thought of disturbing their slumber feels almost cruel, but ensuring your newborn gets enough to eat is essential to support their growth and development, especially in those early weeks. Many parents find themselves caught in this delicate dilemma. Let’s explore when to gently nudge your baby awake for a feeding and when it’s okay to let them continue dreaming.
You might have heard the saying, "Never wake a sleeping baby," and wondered if it’s really true. The answer? It depends
Let’s break it down and explore when, why, and how to wake your baby for feedings— because, yes, sometimes you’ll need to!
After giving birth, it’s a whirlwind of emotions for mums—love, joy, exhaustion, and yes, a bit of anxiety too. Caring for this tiny human can feel overwhelming at times, and questions like, “Am I doing this right? Is my baby eating enough? Should I wake my baby for feedings?” are all part of the parenting journey. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
When it comes to the weight of babies, here’s what you need to know: it is completely normal for most newborns to lose about 5-10% of their birth weight within the first few days after birth. Understandably, this can feel like added pressure for new mums, but rest assured, it’s only temporary. Most newborns regain their birth weight within 1-2 weeks if they are fed every 2-4 hours, day and night. It sounds a lot but regular feedings help your baby regain a healthy weight. So feeding during this period isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about helping your baby to regain healthy weight. If you still have concerns or questions, ask your midwife or pediatrician for guidance on the right feeding schedule for your baby.
Here’s a rule of thumb to guide you: If your baby has been sound asleep for more than 3-4 hours, wake them up and offer a breast or bottle feed.
On that note: “Hello, dear breastfeeding mums! ”To support your baby’s weight gain, maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. But don’t feel guilty if you have a sweet tooth; indulge mindfully and enjoy the journey.
Once your baby has regained their birth weight, let them wake up naturally for feedings when hunger strikes. However, it’s always best to check with your paediatrician to confirm what’s best for your baby. And don’t worry; we’ll discuss baby hunger cues in more detail further in the blog.
Feeding your newborn helps them gain a healthy weight, but let’s understand more about how often your baby needs feedings.
Newborns have tiny tummies, the size of cherry stones to be exact, which means you need to feed your baby often and in small amounts. What does it mean for you? Feed your newborn 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, even if it means disrupting their peaceful sleep. We know it can be a lot for you initially, but feeding frequently is important so that you can provide healthy nutrition to your baby. Trust us; with time, the frequency of feeding your newborn will decrease once they regain weight.
Wondering how to stay on top of your baby’s feeding schedule? The Happy Baby App makes it simple! Track the number of feedings, duration, and even which side you last fed on—all in one convenient place. Take the guesswork out of feeding and ensure your little one is getting exactly what they need. Download the Happy Baby App today!
Read More: Newborn Sleep Schedule
To sum it all up, waking your baby is something that you need to do in order to feed them, but you can also look for signs they show when they awake and hungry.
It can be difficult for new parents to identify cues when their newborn is hungry. This is new for you, too, but we have listed some ways that can help you understand your baby’s hunger before it takes them away!
It is also known as responsive feeding means observing and responding to your baby’s early hunger cues. It fosters trust and helps you avoid the stress of dealing with a hungry, crying baby.
Guess what: Responsive feeding involves paying attention to your baby’s early signs of hunger and meeting their needs accordingly, rather than sticking to a strict schedule.
Just watch out for these cues, and don’t worry if you don’t see these signs at first. As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to understand your baby’s needs, but eventually, you’ll learn that too!
Your baby's feeds might change depending on the time of day. Some feeding sessions may be long, and others short because babies only take feeding until they are full. And that is okay!
It is recommended to feed your newborn every 2-3 hours, so 10-12 sessions in 24 hours. But here’s a hack: These intervals are flexible as long as your baby is getting enough feedings.
Don’t worry! Eventually, these feedings become less, though it is a slower process. But always remember, it is helping your baby’s growth and nourishment.
Now you know how much feeding your baby needs. In order to feed them properly, you need to learn about techniques that can help you gently wake your baby for feeding.
Are you feeling overwhelmed about keeping track of your baby's feedings? Don’t worry. It’s normal to lose track of things with those sleepless nights. Happy Baby can help you track your baby’s feedings, learn your baby’s routine and adapt your routine to them.
Waking a peacefully sleeping baby might feel wrong, but your baby must get proper feeding to grow. You can try these gentle methods to rouse your little one:
Read More: Wake Windows by Age
Just remember to keep the lights dim and noise levels low to maintain a calming atmosphere while feeding your baby.
Premature or low-birthweight babies often have unique feeding needs. They may require smaller or more frequent feedings to support their development. It's essential to consult with your paediatrician to develop a feeding plan tailored to your baby's requirements and understand how you can help them grow.
Learning and using these techniques to wake your baby for feedings, can help them sleep better and full. But you need to observe your baby’s growth and weight gain.
Regular feeding helps ensure steady weight gain, which is a key indicator of your baby’s health. Discuss growth patterns and feeding habits with your paediatrician to stay on track.
A feeding journal can be a lifesaver for those sleep-deprived days, helping you monitor your baby's feeding schedule or use Happy Baby to understand your baby’s sleep behavior by monitoring your baby’s sleep and wake times. It’s an easy way to identify patterns and adjust routines to fit your baby’s unique needs.
Remember, every baby is different. Understanding your baby's needs and consulting with your paediatrician can help you navigate these feeding challenges with confidence and care, creating a more comforting and bonding experience for you both.
Feeding your newborn isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about love, care, and growth. While it may seem counterintuitive to wake your peacefully sleeping baby, frequent and responsive feeding is essential during these early weeks.
Remember, every baby is different, so feed your little ones according to their needs, and always consult your paediatrician if you’re unsure.
You’re doing an amazing job, even during those 3 AM feeding sessions. Trust your instincts, follow your baby’s cues, and don’t forget—Happy Baby is here to support you every step of the way. It gives personalized, adaptive sleep schedules tailored to each baby’s unique needs.
Do you want to better understand your baby’s sleep patterns? Happy Baby learns from your baby’s sleep behavior and creates personalized sleep schedule to help you navigate through these challenging phases.
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