Why Waking Every 1–2 Hours Overnight Isn’t Normal - and How to Fix It
If your baby is waking every 1–2 hours overnight, you’re certainly not alone. But while frequent night waking is common, it’s not necessarily normal, and it doesn’t mean it’s something you have to just live with.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that these constant wake-ups are just a phase your baby will outgrow. But exhaustion shouldn’t be your baseline, and there’s often a reason why your baby is waking so frequently. The good news? It can be fixed!
In this blog post, we’ll explore why your baby might be waking up so often, how to identify the root causes, and most importantly, how you can help your little one (and yourself) get better sleep.
Is Frequent Night Waking Normal for Babies?
First, let’s clarify -
Yes, babies wake up during the night - it’s a normal part of their development, especially in the early months. In fact, newborns typically wake up for feedings or comfort. But what happens when your baby continues waking every 1–2 hours beyond four months of age? That’s when it’s time to consider the underlying reasons and how you can help your baby (and you!) get more rest.
Frequent night waking can become more disruptive if your baby is relying on external help to fall back to sleep each time. The good news is that there are gentle and effective solutions available!
Frequent Night Waking Could Be a Sign of Something Else
So, why is your baby waking up so often? Let’s dive into the most common causes.
1. Overtiredness or Undertiredness
The timing of your baby’s naps and their wake windows play a huge role in how they sleep at night. Every baby has an ideal range of time they can stay awake before needing to sleep again. If they’re staying awake too long, they may become overtired and struggle to fall asleep. On the flip side, if they’re not awake long enough, they may not be tired enough to sleep well at night.
2. Strong Sleep Associations
If your baby relies on certain things to fall asleep such as being rocked, fed, or patted - they may struggle to connect their sleep cycles on their own. This can lead to frequent night waking, as they need the same help to return to sleep after each sleep cycle.
These sleep associations can make it hard for babies to fall back asleep independently during the night, which is why it is so beneficial to help your baby learn how to fall asleep without external help at the start of the night.
3. Outdated Routines
As your baby grows, their sleep needs change. What worked last month might not work this month. If you’ve been using the same sleep routine but your baby is still waking up every hour, it’s time to reassess. Sleep pressure needs to be balanced according to your baby’s age and developmental stage.
For example, your baby may need fewer naps or a longer wake window between naps to help consolidate overnight sleep.
4. Outgrown Settling Methods
Babies grow and develop quickly, which means the soothing techniques you used in the early months might no longer be effective. If you’re still relying on a technique like patting, feeding to sleep, or holding to sleep, you might find that your baby is becoming more agitated, not less. This is a sign they’ve outgrown that method and need a new approach.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or defeated by the frequent night wakings, know this - You are not failing. Wanting better sleep doesn’t make you a bad parent. Needing rest doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this.
Your baby isn’t broken - you simply haven’t been given the right tools to help them sleep better, and that’s where we come in.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better - Gentle Solutions That Work
Now that we’ve covered the potential causes of frequent night waking, let’s talk about how you can help your baby sleep through the night in a healthy, gentle way.
1. Adjust Sleep Routines to Fit Their Needs
The key to better sleep lies in understanding your baby’s ever-changing sleep needs. You might need to adjust your baby’s naps, awake times, or even bedtime to make sure they’re getting the optimal sleep pressure they need to sleep longer stretches. Grab our age appropriate routines guide here that will take the guess work out for you!
2. Gradually Eliminate Sleep Associations
If your baby is dependent on external help (like feeding or rocking) to fall asleep, start working on moving away from those sleep associations gradually. There are gentle ways to do this, gradually reducing the time you spend soothing them, or teaching your baby how to self-settle with support and reassurance.
3. Stick to a Consistent Routine
Babies thrive on predictability. A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down for the night. Keep your bedtime routine calm and soothing - this helps your baby understand that it’s time for sleep.
4. Make Sure Your Baby’s Sleep Environment Is Ideal
A dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment can make a big difference in your baby’s ability to sleep through the night. Consider using blackout blinds to eliminate light, or a white noise machine to drown out disruptive noises.
Ready to Get Better Sleep for You and Your Baby?
It’s time to break free from the endless cycle of night waking's. With the right guidance and support, both you and your baby can get the restful nights you deserve.
At The Sleep Teacher, we offer a variety of resources and support options to help you gently guide your baby toward better sleep. From tailored sleep guides to 1:1 consultations, we’ve worked with thousands of families to help them find their rhythm and their rest!
Get Started Today -
👉 Explore our Sleep Guides
👉 Book a Consultation
Because better sleep isn’t just about getting more rest - it’s about feeling confident and supported every step of the way. x
