Waking your newborn to feed can be a tough decision for new parents. The advice to let sleeping babies lie is common, but there are times when it’s crucial to wake them for feeding. Here’s what you need to know.
In This Article
Should I Wake up my Newborn Baby to Feed?
Top 3 Reasons to Wake Up Newborns For Feedings
How Should You Wake a Newborn to Feed?
How Long Should You Feed Your Newborn at Night?
How to Keep a Newborn Awake During Breastfeeding?
What To Do If My Baby Doesn’t Wake Up to Feed?
When Can You Stop Waking Your Baby For Feedings at Night?
Should I Wake up my Newborn Baby to Feed?
Yes, you should wake your newborn every 2 to 3 hours to feed, as recommended by pediatricians. Newborns have tiny stomachs and need frequent feeding. Waiting for them to wake up hungry might be too late and could risk low blood sugar levels.
Top 3 Reasons to Wake Up Newborns For Feedings
Babies’ Tummies Get Empty Easily: Newborns digest milk quickly and need feeding every 2-3 hours.
Babies Need Weight Gain: Frequent feeding helps ensure healthy weight gain.
To Boost Milk Supply: Regular feeding stimulates milk production.
How Should You Wake a Newborn to Feed?
Use a Cool Washcloth: Gently wipe your baby’s face and body to wake them.
Undress Your Baby: The cool air can help rouse them.
Rub Your Nipples Around Their Mouth: This can prompt them to start feeding.
Change Their Sleeping Position: If they nod off, shifting their position can help.
Wake During Light Sleep: Look for fluttering eyelids as a sign of light sleep.
How Long Should You Feed Your Newborn at Night?
Ensure your baby feeds for at least 15-20 minutes, or until they empty one breast, to ensure they’re full.
How to Keep a Newborn Awake During Breastfeeding?
To keep your baby awake, listen for the suck-swallow-breath pattern. If they fall asleep, try shifting them, burping, or dripping milk on their lips.
What To Do If My Baby Doesn’t Wake Up to Feed?
If your baby doesn’t wake up for feeding, try talking or singing to them, undressing them, or seeking advice from your pediatrician.
When Can You Stop Waking Your Baby For Feedings at Night?
By 6 months, many babies can sleep longer without needing a night feed, as their stomachs are larger and they can stay full longer.
Waking your newborn to feed is vital for their growth and health. If you’re struggling with feeding routines, consult your pediatrician for guidance.
FAQ’s
- How Do I Know if the Baby is Hungry While Sleeping?
Babies start making faces, cooing, moving their heads, and putting fingers in their mouths. These are some signs which show your baby is feeling hungry while sleeping.
- How Do I Know if The Baby is Still Hungry After Feeding?
Babies may often open their mouths even if they are done with breastfeeding. They may look towards you or search for the breast to get the feed.
- When to Seek a Pediatrician’s Help When Trying to Wake Your Baby For Feed?
If your newborn baby is not waking up after forceful arousing or not showing interest in feeding, you will need to visit a pediatrician for immediate medical help as this may signal some serious underlying problem.
