Why Is My Baby Waking Up Every Hour? Tips for Better Sleep

Those middle-of-the-night wake-up calls every hour can leave even the most patient parents feeling exhausted and concerned.

If your baby is waking frequently throughout the night, you’re not alone in this challenging phase of parenthood.

While the phrase “sleeping through the night” is often mentioned as a milestone, many babies take months to develop longer sleep stretches.

This frequent waking is typically a normal part of infant development rather than a cause for worry. Understanding why your baby wakes so often is the first step toward helping them (and you) get more restful sleep.

This guide sees the common reasons behind your baby’s frequent night waking and offers practical, gentle approaches to encourage longer sleep periods without overwhelming either of you.

What is Considered a Good Night’s Sleep for Babies?

As a parent, you’ve probably heard the phrase “sleeping through the night” thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean for your baby?

When people talk about a baby sleeping through the night, they usually mean that the baby is sleeping for a longer stretch, typically 6 to 8 hours, without waking up.

This is more of a milestone than an absolute rule. For a newborn, this might not be possible, and that’s okay!

In the early months, babies tend to wake up often, and sleeping through the night might seem like a distant dream. It’s totally normal for babies to need feedings during the night, especially in their first few months.

However, as your baby grows, their sleep patterns will naturally start to lengthen.

So, while “sleeping through the night” generally refers to about 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. Your baby may take a bit longer to get there, and that’s perfectly fine!

Why is Your Baby Waking Up Every Hour? (Common Causes)

If your baby is waking up every hour, you’re probably feeling a bit exhausted—and that’s completely understandable!

Frequent wake-ups can happen for a variety of reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

Let’s go over a few common reasons why your baby might be waking up every hour, so you can get a better idea of what’s going on.

1. Hunger

One of the most common reasons babies wake up frequently is because they’re hungry. Babies, especially newborns, have small stomachs, so they need to eat more often.

Even if your baby just ate an hour ago, they might still need another feeding to stay satisfied and comfortable.

2. Comfort and Reassurance

Babies often wake up looking for comfort and reassurance. In the early months, they’re used to being held close to you, so waking up alone in the crib might feel unsettling for them.

They may need some gentle rocking, a pat on the back, or a reassuring word to help them settle back to sleep.

3. Sleep Cycle Changes

Babies have shorter sleep cycles than adults, usually around 45–50 minutes. When they transition between sleep cycles, they may wake up briefly.

At this stage, your baby may not yet know how to self-soothe and fall back asleep, leading to those frequent wake-ups.

4. Teething or Discomfort

If your baby is starting to teeth, the pain can make it hard for them to sleep soundly. It’s also possible that your baby is experiencing other discomforts, like gas or an uncomfortable diaper, which can interrupt their sleep.

5. Growth Spurts

Growth spurts are common in babies, especially around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During these times, your baby’s appetite may increase, which could lead to more frequent night wakings for feedings.

6. Sleep Environment

Sometimes, the sleep environment itself might be the issue. If the room is too hot, too cold, or too bright, your baby might have a harder time staying asleep.

Ensuring a calm, comfortable environment can help improve your baby’s sleep quality.

Here’s how we can approach the next section with practical advice while keeping the tone beginner-friendly:

How Can You Teach Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night?

Teaching your baby to sleep through the night is a process, and while it might take time, there are steps you can take to encourage longer sleep stretches. Here are some simple strategies that may help:

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Babies thrive on routine, so creating a calm, predictable bedtime routine can help them feel secure and understand that it’s time to sleep.

This could include a warm bath, a soothing lullaby, and dimming the lights. Doing this every night helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.

Helpful Tips:

• Create a calming pre-bedtime routine (e.g., bath, reading, lullaby).
• Stick to the same time each night to help your baby recognize when it’s time to sleep.
• Avoid overstimulation before bed. Keep the environment calm and soothing.

2. Make Sure Baby Is Well-Fed Before Bedtime

Ensuring that your baby is full before bedtime can help them stay asleep longer. If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, try offering a full feeding right before you put them down.

A full tummy will make it less likely that your baby will wake up due to hunger.

Helpful Tips:

• Offer a full feeding before bedtime (whether breast or bottle).
• Make sure your baby is eating enough during the day to avoid hunger waking them at night.
• If your baby is older, try incorporating more solid foods during the day to keep them full longer at night.

3. Create a Calm and Comfortable Sleep Environment

Make sure the room is quiet, cool, and dark. Using a white noise machine can help drown out other sounds that might wake your baby.

A dark room with blackout curtains can also help, especially if your baby is sensitive to light.

Helpful Tips:

• Keep the room dark and quiet; use blackout curtains if necessary.
• Consider using a white noise machine to block out background sounds.
• Set the room temperature to a comfortable level—babies sleep best in a cooler room (around 68–72°F).
• Use a soft, safe sleep surface like a firm mattress with no loose bedding.

4. Encourage Self-Soothing

Teaching your baby to self-soothe is an important part of sleeping through the night. You can start by allowing your baby to settle themselves when they wake up.

If they are still fussing after a few minutes, try comforting them with your voice or a gentle pat, rather than picking them up immediately. This can help them learn to fall back asleep on their own.

Helpful Tips:

• Allow your baby to settle themselves to sleep (gently patting or reassuring them if needed).
• Avoid picking them up immediately when they cry—give them a few minutes to see if they can settle.
• Try using a pacifier for comfort, as it may help your baby self-soothe during the night.

5. Gradually Increase Time Between Feedings

If your baby is used to waking up every few hours for a feeding, you can try gradually extending the time between feedings. This can help your baby adjust to longer stretches of sleep, but be patient as this may take some time.

Helpful Tips:

• If your baby is used to waking up frequently for feedings, gradually extend the time between each feeding.
• Offer more frequent feedings during the day to help fill your baby up before bed.
• Start by stretching the feeding times by 10–15 minutes each night, gradually getting closer to longer periods of sleep.

What if It Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your baby may still wake up every hour. That’s okay—babies are unique, and it can take time for them to adjust to longer stretches of sleep.

Here are a few Helpful Tips to keep in mind if your efforts aren’t immediately successful:

• Be Patient: It can take weeks or even months for your baby to consistently sleep through the night. Keep calm and know that it’s a phase that will pass.

• Adjust Expectations: Some babies are naturally lighter sleepers, and it may take longer for them to sleep through the night. It’s okay to adjust your expectations as you go along.

• Check for Underlying Issues: If sleep problems persist, check for potential issues like reflux, allergies, or teething that may be affecting your baby’s ability to sleep soundly.

• Consider Sleep Training: If you’re feeling ready, sleep training methods like Ferber Method or No Tears Method might help. It’s important to research and choose an approach that feels right for you and your baby.

• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a partner, family member, or even a sleep consultant if needed. Getting a break when you can will help you stay rested and more focused.

Final Words

When your baby wakes hourly through the night, remember that this challenging phase is temporary, even though it may not feel that way during those exhausting 3 a.m. moments.

Each baby develops sleep patterns at their own pace, and what works for one family might not work for another.

Start with small, consistent changes like establishing bedtime routines, ensuring proper feeding before sleep, and creating an ideal sleep environment.

These foundations often make a significant difference over time rather than overnight.

Be patient with yourself and your little one during this process.

If you’ve tried multiple approaches without improvement, consider consulting your pediatrician to rule out any physical discomfort, like reflux or allergies, that might be disrupting sleep.