As a new parent, one of the most important things you can do for your baby is to ensure that they get a good night's sleep. However, it can be frustrating when your baby wakes up every hour, leaving both you and your little one feeling tired and irritable the next day.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why does my baby wake up every hour, as well as some tips for helping your baby sleep more soundly.
Understanding Your Baby's Sleep Pattern
Before we dive into the reasons why your baby may be waking up every hour, it's important to understand a bit about your baby's sleep pattern. Newborns tend to sleep for around 16-17 hours per day, but they don't sleep for long periods. Instead, they tend to sleep for short periods of 2-3 hours at a time, waking up for feeds and diaper changes.
As your baby gets older, their sleep pattern will change. By around 3-6 months old, most babies start to sleep for longer periods at night, typically around 6-8 hours. By 6-12 months old, most babies can sleep through the night, typically for 10-12 hours.
However, it's important to remember that every baby is different, and some may take longer to develop a regular sleep pattern. Some babies may also wake up more frequently due to factors such as hunger, discomfort, or other issues.
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Why Does My Baby Wake Up Every Hour?
So, why is your baby waking up every hour? Here are some of the most common reasons:
Hunger:
Babies have small stomachs and need to feed regularly. If your baby is younger than 6 months old, it may wake up once during the night for a feed. As your baby gets older, it will be able to stay asleep for longer periods as its stomachs grow.
Growth Spurts:
Babies also tend to go through growth spurts, during which they may require more calories than usual. As a result, they may wake up more often at night to get the additional nutrition that they need.
Sleep Environment:
It's important to ensure that your baby's sleep environment is conducive to good sleep. Make sure that your baby's room is dark, quiet, and comfortable with a temperature of around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, ensure that your baby is not too hot or cold when they go to sleep.
Sleep Association:
Sometimes, babies can become dependent on certain sleep associations such as rocking or nursing to fall asleep. This can cause them to wake up more frequently at night if these associations are absent. To combat this, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine and help your baby learn how to fall asleep independently.
Teething Pain:
Teething can be a painful experience for babies, and they may wake up more often in the night due to discomfort. Make sure to give your baby a teething toy or something cold to chew on before bed to help alleviate some of the discomforts.
Separation Anxiety:
Separation anxiety is common in babies, especially around 8 -10 months old. This can cause them to wake up more frequently at night if they feel scared or alone. Try to establish a bedtime routine that reassures your baby that you are nearby and always there for them.
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Tips For Helping Your Baby Sleep More Soundly
If your baby is waking up every hour, there are some things you can do to help them sleep more soundly:
- Establish a bedtime routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time for sleep. This could include a warm bath, a story, and some quiet time before bed.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure that your baby's sleep environment is comfortable, with a suitable temperature, a firm mattress, and minimal distractions.
- Teach your baby to fall asleep independently: If your baby has become reliant on a sleep association, it can be helpful to teach them to fall asleep independently. This may involve gradually reducing the association, such as rocking or nursing until your baby can fall asleep on their own.
- Consider sleep training: If your baby is older and still waking up every hour, you may want to consider sleep training. This involves teaching your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own, without relying on external sleep associations.
- Be patient: Remember that every baby is different, and it may take some time for your little one to develop a regular sleep pattern. Be patient and consistent with your approach, and seek advice from your healthcare provider if needed.
Is Your Child Able To Fall Back Asleep On Their Own?
If your baby is waking up every hour, it's important to determine whether or not they can fall back asleep on their own. If your baby is unable to self-soothe and put themselves back to sleep, this could be a sign that they are relying on an external sleep association such as rocking or nursing.
In this case, it may be helpful to teach your baby how to fall asleep independently.
At What Age Do Babies Stop Waking Up?
Babies usually stop waking up every hour around six months of age. However, some babies may continue to wake up frequently until they are one year old or even older.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and teaching your baby to fall asleep independently can all help your little one learn how to sleep more soundly. It's also important to be patient and understanding, as every baby is different.
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Final Words:
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and teaching your baby to fall asleep independently are important steps in helping your little one sleep more soundly. While some babies may stop waking up every hour by six months, others may take longer.
Whatever the case may be, it's important to remain patient and seek advice from your healthcare provider if needed. Consistency and understanding of why does my baby wake up every hour, help you to find the sleep routine that works best for you both.