Why your baby wakes frequently at night and gentle ways to help
Is your baby waking every couple of hours and you just don’t know why? There is so much information out there, it can all become overwhelming, so let me help you out.
Firstly, if you’re Googling “why won’t my baby sleep through the night?” at 3am, you’re not alone. Frequent night wakings are one of the most common concerns I hear from parents. While they can be developmentally normal, they can also be incredibly draining.
Let’s break down why your baby might be waking so often, what’s typical at different ages, and how you can gently support better sleep.
What does “sleeping through the night” actually mean?
Many parents think “sleeping through the night” means 12 uninterrupted hours of sleep. In reality, 10 -11 hours overnight is more realistic. What we’re really aiming for is your baby being able to settle themselves from one sleep cycle to the next. This often looks like 5 - 6 hours of continuous sleep, but it’s a skill that takes time to develop.
Newborns, especially, are not biologically designed to sleep through the night. Their tiny stomachs need frequent feeds, and their sleep cycles are short and light. Expecting a newborn to sleep through the night sets everyone up for frustration.
Why babies wake frequently at night
If you baby is over 4 months (using adjusted age for preemies) and is waking every few hours, it’s usually one of a few reasons. This applies to healthy babies. If you suspect a medical issue, please consult a medical professional. If your baby is healthy, the common causes of frequent night waking are:
Hunger
Unable to self settle / sleep associations
Imbalance of day and night sleep
Habit
Physical and mental developments
Discomfort or illness
What’s normal by age?
Newborns (under 4 months): Waking every 2–3 hours, or for each sleep cycle, is biologically normal.
4 - 6 months: Some babies begin to consolidate sleep, but many still wake 1–3 times a night.
6 -12 months: Night waking may reduce, but developmental leaps, teething, transitions and habit can still cause wake-ups.
Toddlers: Night waking may return due to separation anxiety, nightmares, or transitions.
Gentle ways to reduce night wakings
Here are some gentle, supportive strategies to help your baby sleep better
✅ Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine - A calming, predictable routine helps your baby wind down and signals that sleep is coming.
✅ Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment - Dark room, white noise, a calm and a consistent sleep space can help your baby settle and stay asleep.
✅ Review Sleep Associations - If your baby relies on external help to fall asleep, consider gently shifting toward more independent sleep habits.
✅ Balance Daytime Sleep - Too much or too little daytime sleep can affect how well your baby sleeps at night. Check that your baby’s naps and total sleep needs are appropriate for their age. Aim to build enough sleep pressure before the next sleep, while avoiding overtiredness that can lead to more frequent night waking.
✅ Respond with Reassurance - You don’t need to ignore your baby’s cries. Gentle sleep strategies can support better sleep without leaving your baby to cry alone.
Need More Help? Download My Free Guide
If you’re struggling with frequent night wakes and want practical, gentle strategies to help your baby sleep better, grab my free guide:
It’s packed with tips, explanations, and reassurance to help you feel more confident and supported.