How to get more sleep if your baby wakes at the same time every night
Do you have a baby who wakes up at the same time every night? Whether they’re three months old, four months old, or even older, this scenario might sound familiar: Your little one consistently wakes up at one o’clock and again at four o’clock in the morning. It’s like they have their own internal alarm clock! What can you do to encourage more consistent sleep patterns for both your baby and yourself? Let’s explore an approach that might just be the perfect solution for your family.
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Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Cycle
First things first, let’s understand why your baby might be waking up at these particular times. Usually, they’re waking not just because they’re hungry but because it’s become part of their routine. One way to tackle this issue is by observing your baby closely over one or two nights. Pay special attention to what happens during their nighttime feeds at these consistent wake times.
Observe and Adapt
Each time they wake up, watch how the feeding process unfolds. Consider this: if you make an intentional change during this time, your baby might start to sleep through those usual wake-up periods.
Practical Steps to Adjust Nighttime Feeding
Night One and Two: Observe Closely
Spend a couple of nights tuning in to your baby’s cues during their one o’clock and four o’clock feeds. Make sure you can see them well enough to notice when they start getting sleepy. You could open a door or turn on a hallway light to help observe these patterns without disturbing them too much.Night Three: Make a Change
The next step is to cut the feeding short once you notice your baby starting to get drowsy. Then, change their diaper. This creates a little space between eating and sleeping, helping to reset their routine.Help Them Settle Back to Sleep
After the diaper change, put your baby back in their crib. You might need to offer some extra comfort—lean over, rub their belly or back, or gently pat their bum. This will help soothe them back to sleep without relying solely on feeding.
Consistency Is Key
It might take two to three nights for this to become effective fully, but with consistency, your baby may begin to sleep through without those predictable wake-up calls.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re aiming to skip the constant, consistent wake-ups, these steps might be worth trying. Observe, adapt, and gently guide your baby toward new sleep habits. Remember, every baby is different, and adjustments may vary. Be patient, and if these tips don’t seem to fully address your concerns, feel free to reach out with any questions in the comments—I’d love to help!
By subtly shifting your baby’s nighttime routine, you can potentially encourage better sleep for the entire household. Here’s to sweet dreams and restful nights!
If you need more support
I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.
If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We do in person and virtual feeding assessments. We also offer women’s health services and can help you achieve optimal hormonal health. Our services are often covered through insurance.
You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].
Thank you so much for being a part of our community,
Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP