Why Is My Baby Waking Every Hour At Night?

If your baby is waking every hour overnight, you're probably exhausted, frustrated and wondering what you're doing wrong.

The good news?

You're not doing anything wrong.

Frequent night waking is one of the most common reasons parents reach out for sleep support.

The challenge is that there isn't always one simple answer.

Is It Normal For Babies To Wake At Night?

Yes.

All babies wake between sleep cycles, just as adults do.

The difference is that some babies can link those sleep cycles together independently, while others need support to return to sleep.

If your baby relies on feeding, rocking, bouncing or being held to fall asleep, they may look for that same support when they naturally wake overnight.

Other Reasons Babies Wake Frequently

Night waking can also be caused by:

• Overtiredness

• Undertiredness

• Developmental milestones

• Illness

• Teething

• Hunger

• Sleep associations

• Changes in routine

Often, it's a combination of factors rather than one single cause.

Should You Just Wait For Them To Grow Out Of It?

Some babies do eventually sleep for longer stretches on their own.

Others continue waking frequently well into toddlerhood.

If your baby's sleep is having a significant impact on your wellbeing, it's okay to seek support.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Every baby is different.

This is why I take a tailored approach to sleep support.

Rather than following a rigid method, I look at the whole picture to create a plan that works for your child and your family.

If your baby is waking every hour, there is usually a reason.

Understanding what's driving those wake-ups is often the first step towards helping everyone get more sleep.