A newborn can sleep surprisingly deeply, and it can feel difficult to wake up the little person you've finally gotten to settle down. But in the beginning, some babies may need help waking up and eating, especially if they are very sleepy. Dear, you don't have to make it hard or dramatic. A calm and gentle awakening is usually enough.

When should you wake a newborn?

In the first days and weeks, it may be necessary to wake a newborn for feedings if the baby doesn't wake up on their own and show signs of hunger. How often your baby needs to eat depends, among other things, on the birth process, the baby's well-being, weight, and whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is well-established.

Therefore, always follow the plan you've received from the maternity ward, midwife, or health visitor. This is especially true if your baby was born prematurely, has jaundice, has lost more weight than expected, or is very sleepy during feedings.

You can also keep an eye out for early hunger cues. It's often easier to offer food before the baby starts crying a lot.

• The baby moves arms and legs more restlessly.
• The baby turns its head and roots with its mouth.
• The baby smacks, sticks out its tongue, or brings its hands to its mouth.
• The baby briefly opens its eyes or seems slightly restless in its sleep.

 

How to gently wake a newborn?

Start quietly and calmly. Your voice, your scent, and your hands are familiar to the baby, and often that's enough to help the baby transition from deep sleep to a lighter sleep phase.

1. Speak gently and place a hand on the baby. Gently stroke their back, cheek, or feet while saying their name or speaking calmly.
2. Open the swaddle or remove a layer of clothing. Many children become a little more awake when they are not too warm and bundled up. Still make sure the baby doesn't get cold.
3. Change the diaper. A calm diaper change can be a simple way to wake the baby before offering the breast or bottle.
4. Hold the baby skin-to-skin. Place the little one on your bare chest with a blanket over both of you. Skin-to-skin contact can create calm, help the baby orient itself, and awaken natural rooting reflexes.
5. Offer food in a calm position. Give the baby time. Some babies need a moment to open their eyes, find the breast, or latch well onto the bottle nipple.

 

What if the baby falls asleep during breastfeeding?

This is very common, especially in the beginning. If your baby falls asleep shortly after the feeding has begun, you can try rubbing their feet, stroking their back, or switching sides. A small diaper change in the middle of a feeding can also provide a gentle break that prepares the baby to continue eating.

If you are breastfeeding, comfortable clothing that makes it easy to respond to the baby's small signals without too many layers and cumbersome fasteners can be helpful. A sleeping and nursing bra for pregnancy and breastfeeding can provide soft comfort when you're resting close to your baby and need easy access for nursing.

When don't you need to wake the baby?

Once your baby is thriving, gaining weight appropriately, and waking regularly to eat on their own, many families will gradually find that there's no longer a need to set an alarm or wake for every feeding. However, the right time is individual.

If you're unsure, ask your health visitor when you can allow the baby's own rhythms to guide things more. It can feel like a great relief when you're allowed to follow your baby a little more freely, but it's perfectly okay to need professional confirmation first.

When should you contact a professional?

A sleepy newborn is often completely normal. But you quickly get to know your baby's small patterns, and if something feels different, you should act on your gut feeling.

• Contact the maternity ward, health visitor, or doctor if the baby is repeatedly difficult to wake for feedings.
• Seek professional help if the child eats very little, cannot stay awake during meals, or seems lethargic and uninterested in interaction.
• Contact emergency help immediately if your baby has difficulty breathing, appears bluish, very floppy, or is not reacting normally.

 

You're doing great. The first days can be a mixture of tenderness, love, and many questions, and it's completely natural to be unsure whether your baby is sleeping too much or eating enough. Reach out when you need to. You don't have to face doubts alone.

Frequently asked questions

Should you wake a newborn at night?

It may be necessary in the beginning if the baby doesn't wake up for feedings on its own. Always follow the specific guidance you've received, as the need depends on the baby's well-being and weight development.

Can you wake a newborn by changing its diaper?

Yes, a calm diaper change is often a gentle and effective way to help a sleepy baby wake up a little more before you offer food.

What do you do if the baby won't wake for breastfeeding?

Try skin-to-skin contact, remove a layer of clothing, or change the diaper. If your baby continues to be very difficult to wake or isn't eating, you should contact a professional for guidance.

Is it normal for a newborn to fall asleep at the breast?

Yes, it's very common. You can try rubbing the baby's feet, stroking its back, or switching sides if the baby still needs to eat more.