Should You Wake a Sleeping Baby?

When and Why Should you Wake a Sleeping Baby?

The phrase “Never wake a sleeping baby” is something many parents hear, but is it always true? While sleep is essential for your baby’s growth and development, there are times when waking them is actually beneficial. Here’s when—and why—you might need to wake your little one.

1. To Ensure Enough Daytime Feeds

Newborns have tiny tummies and need frequent feeds. If your baby is under 8 weeks old and sleeps longer than 3 hours during the day, waking them for a feed can help them get enough milk and prevent them from making up for missed calories overnight.

2. To Prevent Day-Night Confusion

Some newborns happily sleep for long stretches during the day and then wake frequently at night. To help them adjust, wake your baby every 2-3 hours for a feed during the day and expose them to natural light to reinforce a healthy sleep-wake rhythm.

3. To Avoid Skipping a Nap Transition

For older babies (4 months+), an extra-long nap late in the afternoon can push bedtime too late, leading to overtiredness or night wakings. If your baby is napping too close to bedtime, a gentle wake-up can help keep their schedule on track.

4. If They’re Sleeping Too Long in One Stretch

Once your baby is past the newborn stage, they may start sleeping for longer periods at night—but this should be balanced with enough daytime feeds. If your baby is underweight, not gaining well, or skipping too many feeds, you may need to wake them.

When NOT to Wake Your Baby

If your baby is meeting their feeding needs, growing well, and sleeping in appropriate stretches for their age, there’s usually no need to wake them. Babies naturally adjust their sleep patterns over time, and as they grow, they will consolidate their sleep.

The Takeaway

While it’s generally fine to let your baby sleep, there are times when waking them can support better feeding, a healthier routine, and more balanced sleep overall. If you’re unsure whether to wake your baby, consider their age, growth, and daily sleep needs—or reach out for personalised advice!