Should I Wake My Newborn To Eat?

Should You Wake Your Baby To Feed?

Most newborns eat every  2–3 hours, even overnight. This is between approximately 8-12 feeds every 24 hours. Some naturally wake for feeds, but others may need some gentle encouragement. This is particularly important if they:

• Were born prematurely
• Have low birth weight
• Haven’t regained their birth weight within two weeks
• Have medical needs requiring consistent feeding
• Have been advised by a healthcare professional to follow a feeding schedule

If you're unsure about whether your baby's feeding patterns or sleep needs are on track, consult your Doctor, or pediatrician for guidance before making any changes.

When Not to Wake Your Newborn

As babies grow and start to gain weight steadily, they may not need to be woken for feeds as often. 

By 4–6 weeks, many babies may naturally start sleeping for longer stretches at night. This happens because:

• Their stomach capacity increases, so they can drink more at each feed.
• Their bodies become more efficient at processing milk.

However, every baby is different, and factors like birth weight, health, and growth rate can influence when they start sleeping longer. Always check with your healthcare provider before reducing night feeds.

How To Wake A Newborn Gently

Waking your baby can feel tough, especially when they are sleeping so sweetly and you need a little break. If your baby needs to be woken for a feed, try these gentle techniques: 

• Gentle Touch - Lightly stroke their cheek or rub their back.
• Nappy Change - A cool wipe can be a helpful temperature change to rouse them
• Undress Slightly - Unzipping their Swaddle Up and removing their arms and/or legs can send the signal that sleep time is over ✔ Soft Talking - A calm voice can help bring them into a lighter sleep state.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact -  Hold your baby with skin on skin contact can encourage alertness (also, bonus extra cuddles!)

Tips For Balancing Sleep And Feeding Needs

Finding the balance between sleep and feeding can be really hard in the newborn stage, but here are 5 helpful tips as you navigate the challenges of the fourth trimester. 

1. Recognize Early Hunger Cues

Look for signs like rooting, sucking on hands, or lip-smacking—by responding earlier, it can help make feeding smoother and prevent them getting too hungry and trickier to keep calm enough to feed. 

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

A dark, quiet, and cool safe sleep space can help babies sleep more comfortably. White noise machines can also be helpful to emulate sounds of the womb and drown out any sudden, startling noises.

3. Choose Comfortable, Safe Sleepwear

Soft, breathable and easy to use safe swaddles and layers for babies are essential in the early days. No one has time (or energy) for snap buttons or noisy velcro at 2am. 

4. Prioritise Rest for Yourself

Newborn sleep and feeding schedules can be physically and mentally exhausting. You are not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope. Your rest and health is important so as tricky as it can feel, seek out and accept any support you can so you can best navigate the fourth trimester and get the rest your body and mind need. 

5. Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re struggling with feeding or sleep concerns, reach out to a healthcare professional  or your midwife for support. These services are there to help but always advocate for yourself and your baby to get the support you deserve.  

Read more: Setting up a safe sleep space for your newborn.

Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Quality Sleep

In amongst all of the feeds and resettles, the quality of the sleep matters too. 

The right sleepwear does more than keep your baby comfortable - it supports safe and restful sleep. Here’s why it matters:

Temperature Regulation

Breathable fabrics like cotton can help prevent overheating or getting too cold but always use a tog guide when choosing the right sleepwear for the sleep environment.

Safety & Comfort

Well-fitting swaddles or sleep sacks remove the need for loose blankets which could come loose and cover your baby’s face. Avoid sleepwear with loose buttons, zippers, or embellishments that could pose a choking hazard.

A Sense of Security

Swaddles mimic the snug and familiar nature of the womb, helping babies feel comfortable and secure enough to sleep. Having a swaddle that allows some movement is important for their hip development so be sure to find a swaddle that allows for hip flexion.

Easier Nighttime Feeds

Sleepwear with two-way zippers or easy-access designs makes night time nappy changes quicker and less disruptive so you can get back into bed even faster. Winning! 

Building a Bedtime Routine

Using a swaddle for sleep consistently can help signal to your baby it is time for sleep. This can then help lay the foundations for starting to build a sleep routine which will make the nap and night times easier to follow when they are ready for them.