10 Reasons Why Your Baby Keeps Waking Up (+ 12 Solutions)

Teething pain, trouble falling back asleep, practicing crawling or babbling in the middle of the night? There are many reasons why your baby keeps waking up – and plenty of things you can do about it. Hi! I’m Sarah Mann, a certified sleep consultant and mom of seven. Today, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common reasons why babies wake up frequently and share 12 of the best solutions to help you and your baby finally get more rest. Plus, at the end of the article, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about night wakings.

Does your baby keep waking up? You’re not alone!

New Zealand researchers(1) found that:

• 50% of 3-month-old babies sleep for 5 hours straight (wow!).
• 50% of 5-month-olds even manage 8 hours at a time (not bad – especially if you’re one of the lucky ones!).
• But 15% of babies still weren’t sleeping 5 hours in a row by their first birthday (yikes!).

A Canadian study(2) revealed:

• 33% of 5-month-olds who wake frequently at night still can’t sleep 6 hours straight at 2.5 years old. (Oh no!)

And it gets even more interesting (or concerning): Another study(3) found that:

• 40% of 8-month-olds with sleep issues still struggled with sleep at 3 years old. (Help!)

As you can see, it’s definitely worth looking for the reasons and solutions behind frequent night wakings sooner rather than later!

Your Baby’s Sleep Development in the First Year

First things first: Frequent night wakings are completely normal and usually nothing to worry about. (Even if they’re incredibly exhausting!) Even babies who previously slept well can suddenly start waking up constantly at night. This is frustrating, but it’s actually a common phase in the second half of the first year. While we adults have a clear sense of day and night, newborns take weeks or even months to develop a consistent rhythm. No surprise there – newborns’ tiny stomachs are about the size of a cherry and grow very slowly. That means they need to eat every 2–4 hours, which naturally leads to frequent night wakings (especially for moms!). On top of that, babies crave closeness and reassurance – another reason why they like to check in often to make sure Mom is still nearby and snuggly. Here’s how sleep usually develops:

• At 3–4 months, many babies start sleeping longer stretches at night.
• At 4–6 months, their biological rhythm develops, which can bring a bit more structure and predictability to the day. (But not always!) Some babies still only nap for 30–40 minutes and wake up frequently at night.
• From 6 months onward, nights might improve – or get worse due to developmental leaps and sleep regressions (especially around 4 and 6 months).
• At 8 months, babies become more mobile and active, which could mean better sleep (from exhaustion) or worse sleep (from nighttime skill practice).
• At 10 months, many babies love pulling themselves up and standing in their crib – even in the middle of the night.

As you can see, life with a baby is unpredictable. Some degree of sleeplessness is normal in the first year. Even great sleepers can suddenly start waking up frequently, and poor sleepers often improve over time. But what if your baby doesn’t start sleeping longer stretches on their own? Research suggests that a little support can go a long way in preventing frequent night wakings from carrying over into toddlerhood. So let’s dive into the most common reasons why babies wake up – and what you can do about it!

Why Does My Baby Keep Waking Up at Night? – 10 Reasons

1. Sleep Cycle Transitions

A baby’s sleep cycles are much shorter than an adult’s—about 40–50 minutes. Each cycle consists of light and deep sleep phases, marked by different levels of brain activity.

Between these transitions, babies naturally briefly wake up to check:

• Is everything okay?
• Is my sleep environment the same as when I fell asleep?
• Is there any danger?
• Am I hungry?
• Can I go back to sleep peacefully?

These partial awakenings happen to all healthy humans. Adults might adjust their pillow and drift back to sleep. The real question is: Can your baby self-soothe and transition to the next sleep cycle, or does he or she cry for help falling back asleep?

This depends on age, brain maturity, personality, and sleep habits. Some babies naturally learn to settle back into sleep, while others need support. (Read more about when babies can sleep through the night and why sleep often worsens after 4 months.)

2. Brain Waves

Sleep is closely linked to specific patterns of brain waves, which is why sleep studies often measure brain activity. Dr. Chen (Seattle) explains:

„From around 6 months onward, we see brain wave patterns similar to those of adults.“

This means a clear developmental shift takes place. Comparing the brain wave activity of newborns, babies, and older children reveals significant differences. However, by 6 months of age, a baby’s sleep pattern looks remarkably similar to an 18-year-old’s.

In theory, this suggests that most babies over 6 months old are capable of sleeping for at least 6 hours at night. (At least on paper! 😉)

3. Need for Closeness

A newborn is brand new to the world and needs time to adjust. Everything is bright, loud, and unfamiliar, except for a mother’s touch and voice, which provide comfort and security.

To develop a healthy attachment, babies require a lot of closeness, love, and cuddles—including at night.

During the so-called “fourth trimester” (the first three months after birth), it’s essential to follow your baby’s lead. As your baby grows—especially from 5–6 months onward—you can gently guide them to understand that daytime is for eating and cuddling, and nighttime is for sleeping.

4. Hunger

Young babies have tiny stomachs, and breast milk digests quickly. This means they naturally need to feed every 2–4 hours.

As they grow, babies theoretically can sleep longer stretches. In reality, it varies greatly!

One key factor is whether feeding becomes the only soothing method at night. Many babies—especially those who cry a lot—develop the habit of nursing or bottle-feeding back to sleep.

While sucking helps babies settle quickly, it can also create a long-term association with sleep. Over time, this means that even older babies wake up frequently at night, demanding to nurse or suck for comfort, even when they’re capable of consuming enough calories during the day.

5. Physical Discomfort

Even good sleepers can struggle when dealing with teething pain. The first tooth typically erupts between 6–12 months, but teething can cause restless nights well into toddlerhood. Fortunately, the worst is usually over within a few nights. If your baby is in significant pain, consult your pediatrician about possible pain relief options.

Other causes of discomfort include:

• Colds, illnesses, and infections – especially ear infections, which can make lying down particularly painful.
• Increased exposure to germs – from 6 months onward, babies put everything in their mouths, leading to more frequent infections.

True sleep disorders like sleep apnea are very rare in babies, but warning signs include:

• Loud snoring
• Mouth breathing while asleep
• Pauses in breathing

If you notice these signs, check with your pediatrician.

6. Lack of Bedtime Routines & Predictability

Babies thrive on routines and predictability. Without them, they may feel disoriented and unsettled, leading to more frequent night wakings.

Common disruptions include:

• Inconsistent daily schedules
• Not enough naps
• A bedtime that is too late

The last 1–2 hours before bedtime should include calm, consistent activities and a predictable bedtime routine.

Many babies are put to bed too late, overtired, overstimulated, or at inconsistent times. When this happens, their bodies produce stress hormones instead of sleep hormones, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Overtired babies tend to:

• Struggle to fall asleep
• Wake up frequently at night
• Have long wake periods at night
• Wake up too early in the morning

💡 Tip: Want to understand your baby’s natural sleep rhythm? Wondering how to prevent overtiredness, establish healthy routines, and help your baby learn to sleep better? Check out our Baby Sleep Course! It’s packed with valuable insights for better baby sleep.

7. Sleep Regressions

Right before or during major developmental milestones, even the best sleepers can suddenly struggle. These sleep regressions typically last 2–4 weeks and happen because your baby’s brain is working overtime to master a new skill—rolling, scooting, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, babbling, recognizing sequences and distances, and so much more.

In the first year, your baby’s development moves at lightning speed. Many of these new skills are processed during sleep, which is why some babies practice sitting up in their sleep or happily babble away in the middle of the night. Who has time for sleep when there’s so much to learn?

8. Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety usually starts around 8 months old and can come and go well into toddlerhood. Signs of separation anxiety include:

• Your baby clings to you more than usual
• Crying when you leave the room
• Refusing to go to grandma, the nanny, or daycare

This phase happens because your baby has developed a new understanding of distance and object permanence—realizing that things (and people!) can be far away or even disappear.

To ease separation anxiety, try:

• Playing peek-a-boo games to reinforce that things come back
• Giving lots of reassurance
• Allowing time for gradual adjustment

Separation anxiety can make falling asleep and staying asleep harder, but in my experience as a sleep consultant, it’s rarely the root cause of night wakings—especially if your baby has been waking frequently for months.

The good news? There are many gentle, attachment-friendly methods to support your baby’s sleep without leaving them alone—especially important during phases of heightened anxiety.

9. Parental Nighttime Behavior

Of course, you should comfort your baby when they cry at night. And yes, some babies are naturally better or worse sleepers. However, studies suggest that parental responses at night influence a baby’s sleep development—alongside brain maturity and temperament.

Two key factors seem to impact sleep quality:

1. How much time babies spend in their own sleep space
2. How quickly parents respond to nighttime noises

Research shows that babies who occasionally slept in their own bed early on and whose parents paused briefly before rushing to them at night tended to develop fewer sleep issues over time.

⚠️ Important: This does NOT mean ignoring your baby’s cries or using sleep training methods you’re uncomfortable with.

Instead, the point is that many babies make noise in their sleep—they talk, fuss, or move around. If parents rush in immediately or offer the breast too quickly, they might accidentally wake the baby fully. Sometimes, simply waiting a few seconds to observe can work wonders!

Additionally, helping your baby practice falling asleep independently (without pressure!) can set the foundation for better sleep.

10. Sleep Associations

Falling asleep in your arms, at the breast, or with a bottle is cozy, comforting, and completely normal—especially in the first months. However, at some point between 4–8 months, many parents notice that their baby:

• Takes longer and longer to fall asleep
• Needs more help resettling at night
• Wakes up every 1–2 hours demanding the same sleep aid

If a baby has never learned how to fall asleep or stay asleep independently (with gentle parental support), frequent night wakings become much more likely.

Some of the most common sleep associations I see in consultations include:

• Only falling asleep at the breast or in arms
• Needing constant sucking or rocking to resettle

While these methods are perfectly fine in the newborn stage, they can become exhausting for parents in the long run. The good news? With the right gentle techniques, babies can learn to sleep longer stretches while still feeling secure and supported.

How to Respond When Your Baby Wakes Up at Night – 6 Tips

How you handle your baby’s nighttime wakings depends largely on the reason they’re waking up.

Here are some key strategies to help your baby wake up less frequently over time.

1. Check if something is wrong

Before anything else, make sure your baby is comfortable:

• Is the diaper full?
• Is your baby too hot or too cold?
• Are teething pains causing discomfort?
• Has your baby bumped into something or gotten stuck?

If your baby sounds different than usual—whimpering in a new way or crying more intensely—investigate immediately and provide comfort.

2. Minimize Light & Noise Disruptions

• Keep the room as dark as possible to prevent early morning light or headlights from the street from waking your baby too soon.
• White noise or soft music can help block out sudden loud sounds (yes, you can leave it on all night!).

3. Stick to Your Sleep Habits – Even During Sleep Regressions

When dealing with sleep regressions, illnesses, growth spurts, or developmental leaps, try not to completely abandon your sleep routine.

• If your baby usually sleeps in their crib, avoid suddenly bringing them into your bed unless you want to continue that habit long-term.
• Instead, try lying on a mattress next to their crib or checking on them more frequently.
• Offer extra comfort without creating new habits that will be hard to break later.

4. Keep Nights Boring and Calm

Even if your baby wakes up for an extended period or too early in the morning, avoid turning it into daytime.

🚫 Don’t turn on bright lights
🚫 Don’t start playtime or morning activities (never get up for the day before 6 AM!)

✅ Move slowly and stay quiet
✅ Use only dim lighting
✅ Speak as little as possible

The goal? Make nighttime unexciting so your baby associates it with sleep, not playtime.

5. Hunger? Maybe… Maybe Not!

Not every wake-up and cry means hunger!

To prevent constant nighttime snacking, consider:

• Spacing out daytime feedings (older babies who eat every 2.5–3 hours during the day can often go at least 3–4 hours at night without feeding).
• Encouraging full meals instead of frequent snacking (except for newborns, who need to eat frequently).
• Avoiding feeding as the first response to every night waking.

This helps ensure that nighttime wake-ups aren’t solely driven by habit rather than true hunger.

6. Pause Before Reacting

If your baby is fussing but not crying loudly, wait 1–2 minutes before responding.

Over time, gradually extend this wait period to give your baby a chance to resettle independently. Many babies make noises while transitioning between sleep cycles without actually waking up.

💡 Tips to encourage self-soothing:

• Try using a pacifier, gentle patting, or stroking instead of immediately picking your baby up.
• If your baby insists on nursing or rocking, try unlatching or laying them back down before they fully fall asleep.
• The goal? Help your baby practice falling asleep in their crib instead of needing external help every time.

This gradual shift is often the key to longer, more restful nights for both you and your baby!

How Can I Help My Baby Stop Waking Up at Night? – 6 Solutions

Here are some key strategies to encourage your little night owl to wake up less and enjoy more restful nights.

1. An Age-Appropriate Early Bedtime

From around 3 months old, you can gradually move bedtime earlier if your baby isn’t naturally falling asleep at a reasonable hour.

Most babies and toddlers sleep best with a bedtime around 7 PM.

2. Avoid Keeping Wake Windows Too Long

Especially before nighttime sleep, wake windows should not be too long. Long wake periods often contribute to restless nights.

Ideal wake windows before bedtime:

• 6–8 months: No longer than 3 hours
• 9–12 months: No longer than 3.5 hours
• Toddlers (with 2 naps): Can manage 3–4 hours

💡 Overtiredness is the #1 enemy of good sleep!

3. A Structured Daily Routine with the Right Nap Schedule

Good daytime sleep is essential for good nights.

• Find out how many naps your baby needs and how long they should be.
• Offer naps in a quiet, dark, and cozy sleep space whenever possible.

Well-timed naps prevent overtiredness—a major cause of frequent night wakings.

4. Establish a Peaceful Bedtime Routine

Consistent bedtime rituals help your baby:
✅ Relax before sleep
✅ Transition smoothly into bedtime
✅ Feel secure and ready to sleep

A predictable, calming routine can include a warm bath, soft music, cuddles, a bedtime story, or gentle rocking.

5. Introduce Comfort Objects

A small lovey, blanket, or soft toy can provide comfort and familiarity at night.

Most babies start showing interest in a sleep companion around 6–7 months.

💡 To introduce a comfort object:
✔ Offer it frequently during playtime and diaper changes.
✔ Let your baby bond with it over time.

Some babies also respond well to white noise or rain sounds playing all night.

6. Prioritize Daytime Calories

Ensure that most of your baby’s calorie intake happens during the day—especially from 4–6 months onward.

✅ Structured mealtimes (rather than frequent snacking) help babies learn to eat well during the day and naturally reduce night feeds.
✅ Babies who eat every 2.5–3 hours during the day can usually go 3–4 hours or longer at night without feeding.

This gradual shift encourages longer sleep stretches at night.

How Can I Help My Baby Sleep Longer?

Very few babies naturally put themselves to sleep when they’re tired or extend their own sleep cycles at night.

Night wakings and night feedings are a normal part of development and not necessarily a problem.

As long as your family is functioning well and feeling rested, there’s no need to worry.

However, if your baby seems chronically overtired, fussy, wakes constantly, or if you’re exhausted and struggling, there are gentle, attachment-based sleep coaching methods that can help.

💡 Want a step-by-step guide to improving baby sleep? You’ll find expert insights in my free Baby Sleep Course!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Keep My Baby Awake During the Day?

If you’re thinking about keeping your baby awake longer during the day in hopes of improving nighttime sleep, the clear answer is: Better not!

In most cases, long wake windows lead to more difficulty falling asleep and even more restless nights. This happens because stress hormones like cortisol flood your baby’s system, making it harder to settle.

A better approach is to check your baby’s age-appropriate sleep needs and ensure they’re getting the right number and length of naps.

However, in rare cases, some babies do sleep too much during the day. If this happens:
✔ Limit naps to a maximum of 1.5–2 hours
✔ Gradually increase wake windows if needed
✔ Shorten or drop the last nap if bedtime is too late

Why Does My Baby Only Nap for 30 Minutes?

Short naps (around 30 minutes) happen because your baby hasn’t yet learned to link sleep cycles.

Waking up soon after falling asleep is often a sign of overtiredness.

This is developmentally normal, especially between 4–6 months.

When Will My Baby Wake Up Less at Night?

There’s no universal answer, as every baby is different.

Generally:

• Most babies gradually lengthen their sleep phases over the first year.
• By 6 months, many babies manage 1–2 night feedings instead of waking constantly.

However, about 25% of babies continue to wake frequently and still don’t sleep 6–8 hours straight by their first birthday. A wide range is normal!

💡 Want to know when babies can learn to sleep through the night? Many babies theoretically achieve 6-hour stretches by 6 months, and this is also an age where gentle sleep coaching can be helpful (check out our Baby Sleep Course).

Why Is My Baby So Restless at Night?

If your baby frequently wakes up, tosses and turns, or seems unsettled even in sleep, the cause could be:

• Teething
• An unnoticed infection
• A sleep regression

If the issue has been going on for a long time, your baby may not have learned how to transition between sleep cycles smoothly.

Many restless sleepers rely on external sleep aids (like nursing or rocking) to go back to sleep. Gently encouraging self-settling skills can be the solution.

Why Does My Baby Wake Up Screaming at Night?

It’s one thing when your baby wakes up babbling or fussing—but waking up crying intensely feels very different.

If your baby wakes up screaming frequently, consider:
✔ Medical causes (Is your baby teething? Could there be an ear infection?)
✔ Overtiredness (This is the #1 reason!)

Many babies who wake up screaming were put to bed too late or after a long struggle to fall asleep. Stress hormones build up, leading to sleep disruptions and crying upon waking.

💡 Solution: Follow the above tips, including an age-appropriate daytime routine, calming bedtime rituals, and an earlier bedtime.

Why Does My 7-Month-Old Wake Up Constantly?

Some babies wake frequently from birth, while others sleep well at first but then start waking up more around 4, 6, or 7 months.

If your 7-month-old suddenly begins waking up more often and resisting naps, you’re likely experiencing the 6–7 month sleep regression, often triggered by a developmental leap.

Why Does My 6-Month-Old Wake Every 2 Hours?

Many parents of restless sleepers report that their baby wakes up every 1–2 hours.

In reality, this often aligns with the length of a baby’s sleep cycle—usually 40–50 minutes.

Babies who frequently wake up often do so between sleep cycles, which means parents experience it as waking every 1–2 hours. Most of these babies wake up after 2–3 sleep cycles rather than a precise hourly pattern.

This was my comprehensive guide on why babies wake up frequently, the best solutions, and answers to the most common questions on this topic.

I hope this helps—and that your little one starts sleeping longer stretches soon!

With love,
Sarah

 

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References

1. Henderson, J., France, K. G., Owens, J. L., Blampied, N. M. (2010). Sleeping Through the Night. The Consolidation of Self-Regulated Sleep Across the First Year of Life. Pediatrics, 126 (5), e1081-7.
2. Touchette, É., Petit, D., Paquet, J., Boivin, M., Japel, C., Tremblay, R. E., & Montplaisir, J. Y. (2005). Factors Associated With Fragmented Sleep at Night Across Early Childhood. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 159(3), 242.
3. Zuckerman, B., Stevenson, J., Bailey, V., & Psych, M. (1987). Sleep Problems in Early Childhood: Continuities, Predictive Factors, and Behavioral Correlates. Pediatrics, 80(5), 664–671.