Why does my baby wake so often?
Babies who are fed milk alone (either breast milk or formula) need to feed often throughout the day to receive enough nourishment and energy to fuel their rapid growth and development.
For many babies, feeding every few hours or more leaves them feeling satisfied until the next meal. They sleep well and the timing of their hunger cues means they wake rested for their next feed. Some babies may start to feel hungry much sooner, finding it hard to settle.
Is my baby hungry?
Understandably, tired, hungry babies feel grumpy and tend to cry more. Hungry babies may wake frequently, sleeping only for brief periods before waking and crying for another feed or sucking your hand. When your newborn wants to feed every hour you can quickly become exhausted, and constant crying may become stressful for you and your family.
If your formula-fed baby is hungry and demanding extra feeds, you may notice they’re gaining more weight than they should.
How can I settle my hungry baby?
When your baby seems constantly hungry it can be tempting to introduce solids early, but this should be avoided as your baby’s digestive system may not have fully matured.
| Some other things you can try to help your baby feel satisfied are: |
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What else can I do?
Try the following settling techniques to encourage your baby to sleep:
- Try a warm bath before bedtime, followed by a gentle massage
- Play some soft music in your baby’s room
Speak to your doctor or health worker if you are concerned or need extra help.
