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Why Do Babies Wake So Often at Night? Understanding What’s Normal and What Can Change

baby wakes up at night Barcelona

There’s a moment every parent knows well when the house is quiet, the lights are low, and you’ve just drifted off to sleep when your baby’s little cry pierces the night again. If you’re wondering why your baby wakes up so often at night, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns I hear from families and it’s something that can bring a lot of exhaustion and worry.


But before we try to “fix” anything, it’s important to understand what’s truly normal, what’s temporary, and what might be gently adjusted when the time feels right. Babies’ night wakings are not a sign that anything is wrong, they are a sign of deep, biological needs for connection, comfort, and nourishment.


Let’s explore together the reasons why babies wake, how these patterns evolve as they grow, and how you can find more balance and rest for both you and your little one.



Why Does My Baby Wake Up at Night? Two Main Reasons


When a baby wakes frequently, it’s usually for one of two main reasons: comfort or hunger.

Both are completely natural and deeply rooted in your baby’s biology. Understanding the difference between them, and when each one tends to appear, can help you respond with more confidence and less self-doubt.



1. Waking for Comfort and Connection


Babies are born with an immense need for closeness. They have spent nine months surrounded by warmth, heartbeat, and gentle movement always held, always protected. So when they come into the world, being close to their parents, especially their mother, gives them a sense of safety and belonging.

During the night, babies often wake simply because they want to feel that connection again. They might seek:

  • The warmth of your body

  • The familiar rhythm of your breathing

  • The comfort of your scent

  • The reassurance that they are not alone


For many babies, this comfort comes through breastfeeding, not only for food but also for soothing. Suckling helps them relax and return to sleep peacefully.


It’s important to remember that this is not manipulation or a bad habit. It’s a very healthy and instinctive behaviour. Babies are wired to stay close to their caregivers, and night wakings for comfort are one of the ways they maintain that bond.



2. Waking Because of Hunger


why does my baby wake up so often

The second reason babies wake at night is much more practical, they are hungry.

Newborns and young infants have tiny stomachs and very immature digestive systems. Breast milk is perfectly designed for them but also digests quickly, which means they need to feed often (day and night) to keep their hunger satisfied and their growth steady.


During the first months, frequent night feeds are completely normal and even necessary. Over time, as their digestive system matures and their stomach capacity increases, babies naturally begin to take in more milk during the day and sleep longer stretches at night.



How Many Times Should My Baby Wake at Night?


Now that we understand why babies wake, let’s look at what’s typical for different stages. Every baby is unique, but knowing what’s “within the range of normal” can bring a lot of reassurance.


Please keep in mind that these are gentle guidelines, not strict rules. There are always exceptions, and your baby’s needs may fluctuate depending on growth spurts, developmental changes, teething, or illness.



0 to 5 Months: Frequent Wakings Are Normal


In the first five months, waking frequently is absolutely normal. Some babies wake every hour or even every 30 minutes, while others may manage stretches of two to three or four hours.


You might find that your baby’s longest sleep happens at the beginning of the night, sometimes three or four hours, followed by shorter stretches.


At this stage:

  • Feeding is still very frequent, often every 2–3 hours

  • Comfort is a major reason for waking

  • Sleep cycles are very short (around 40–50 minutes)


So if your baby wakes up often and needs your help to settle, please know, you are not doing anything wrong. This is how newborn sleep works, and it will evolve naturally over time.




how many times should my baby wake

5 to 8 Months: Finding a Sleep Rhythm


Around five months, sleep starts to mature, and babies begin to establish more predictable patterns. Their circadian rhythm (the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake times) becomes stronger, and daytime naps and bedtime start to fall into more regular times.


Many babies at this age wake roughly every three hours, sometimes four, especially after the first part of the night.


A typical night might look like this:

  • Bedtime around 8 or 9 p.m.

  • First waking around 12 or 1 a.m.

  • Another waking around 3 or 4 a.m.

  • Morning wake-up around 6 or 7 a.m.


This is a common and healthy pattern for many babies. Some may sleep longer stretches, while others still need more frequent feeds or comfort, both are normal.



8 to 12 Months: Longer Stretches of Sleep


As babies grow, they begin to consolidate their sleep into longer windows. Many will start to do four to five hours at a time, sometimes longer.


At this stage, you might see:

  • One or two feeds, depending on appetite and habits

  • A growing ability to self-soothe between cycles


For example, a baby who goes to bed at 8 or 9pm might wake around 1-2 am, then again around 5-6am before morning.


If your baby still wakes every hour at this age, it could be a sign of a strong sleep association, often needing the breast, bottle, or rocking to fall back asleep after each short sleep cycle. This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, but it’s something that can be gently adjusted if it’s becoming exhausting for you.


12 Months and Beyond: Sleeping Through the Night


By the time your baby reaches around one year, many families notice that night wakings become less frequent. Some babies still have one night feed, while others begin to sleep through the night entirely.


A simple way to support this stage is by introducing a dream feed, offering a feed around 10 or 11pm (just before you go to bed). This often helps your baby sleep a longer stretch through the night without waking again until morning.


If you feel ready to begin weaning night feeds, this can usually be done gently from around 12 months. Many babies can sleep through the night without needing to eat, though every family’s journey will look slightly different.


If you’re happy continuing to breastfeed at night, that’s wonderful. You don’t need to change anything. But if night feeds are leaving you exhausted and affecting your wellbeing, there are gentle and effective ways to reduce them without distress and I can help guide you through that process.



Why Does My Baby Wake Every Hour?


Sometimes babies wake more often than their developmental stage would suggest. If your six- or seven-month-old is waking every hour all night, there might be an underlying reason related to sleep associations or temporary changes in their routine or development.

Sleep Associations


This means your baby relies on something external to fall asleep such as breastfeeding, rocking, or being held. When they naturally stir between sleep cycles (every 40–60 minutes), they may expect the same condition to return in order to drift back to sleep.


If you’re co-sleeping and feeding is easy for you, this might not feel like a problem at all and that’s perfectly fine. But if it’s leading to broken sleep and fatigue, it might be time to explore ways to gently help your baby fall asleep more independently, while still feeling safe and loved.


Temporary Phases


Other times, frequent wakings can be temporary linked to growth spurts, teething, illness, or developmental leaps. These usually last one or two weeks and resolve on their own.

The key is to observe your baby’s overall pattern and trust your intuition. You know your baby best.



When to Consider Gentle Sleep Coaching


gentle sleep coaching Barcelona

If you’re coping well with your baby’s night wakes perhaps because you co-sleep and barely wake yourself then there’s nothing you need to change. Truly.


But if you’re starting to feel drained, resentful, or simply too tired to function during the day, that’s a sign to pause and reassess. Your wellbeing matters too, and finding more rest doesn’t make you less of a loving parent.


There are gentle, responsive ways to reduce frequent wakings and teach your baby to sleep longer stretches. You don’t have to leave your baby to cry alone or use harsh methods, sleep can be improved with compassion and consistency.



How I Can Help You with Baby Sleep


Through my Gentle Sleep Plans, I help families find a peaceful rhythm that respects both the baby’s needs and the parents’ wellbeing.


Together, we look at:

  • Your baby’s current sleep patterns and feeding habits

  • Daytime routines and nap balance

  • Nighttime comfort and settling methods

  • Emotional connection and secure attachment


Depending on your baby’s age and your goals, we can create a personalised plan that guides your baby toward sleeping longer stretches in a way that feels right for you.

If you wish to reduce night feeds, we can develop a gentle weaning plan to do so gradually and lovingly, ensuring your baby continues to feel safe and supported throughout.


Many parents tell me that after making small, consistent changes, they notice big improvements not only in their baby’s sleep, but in their own sense of calm and confidence.



You’re Doing Wonderfully — Even on the Hard Nights


It’s easy to feel like something’s wrong when you’re the only one awake at 3am, but please remember, your baby’s frequent wakings are not a sign of failure. They’re a reflection of their deep need for you.


This phase, as intense as it feels, will pass. Your baby will learn to sleep for longer stretches in their own time, and you’ll both find your rhythm again.


In the meantime, be gentle with yourself. Rest when you can. Ask for help when you need it. And know that you don’t have to navigate this alone.


💛 Book an introductory Free Consultation Call and we will explore my Gentle Sleep Plans to find the right approach for your family. Together, we can bring more rest, balance, and joy to your nights again.



With love,


Anna 

Doula · Lactation Consultant · Gentle Sleep Coach 

Supporting Expat Families in Spain





 
 
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