What to Do When Your Baby Wakes Up Every Hour

Few things are more exhausting for parents than a baby who wakes up every hour throughout the night. While frequent night wakings are normal in the early months, persistent hourly wake-ups can leave parents drained and searching for solutions. If your baby is struggling with sleep, understanding the causes and implementing effective strategies can help everyone get more rest.

Why Is My Baby Waking Up Every Hour?

Before addressing the problem, it’s important to identify potential reasons for your baby’s frequent wake-ups:

1. Hunger – Newborns and young infants have small stomachs and need frequent feedings. However, if your baby is older than 6 months and still waking hourly to eat, they may be relying on feeding as a sleep association rather than true hunger.
2. Sleep Associations – If your baby depends on rocking, nursing, or a pacifier to fall asleep, they may wake fully between sleep cycles and need the same conditions to go back to sleep.
3. Discomfort or Illness – Teething, gas, reflux, or a cold can disrupt sleep. Check for signs of discomfort, such as fussiness, congestion, or excessive drooling.
4. Over- or Under-Tiredness – An inconsistent sleep schedule can lead to overtiredness (making it harder for babies to stay asleep) or undertiredness (not sleepy enough to stay asleep long).
5. Developmental Milestones – Rolling, crawling, or standing can cause temporary sleep disruptions as babies practice new skills.
6. Environmental Factors – Room temperature, noise, or light levels may be interfering with your baby’s sleep.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer Stretches

1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A predictable routine (e.g., bath, feeding, book, lullaby) signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Consistency helps regulate their internal clock.

2. Encourage Independent Sleep

If your baby relies on feeding or rocking to fall asleep, try putting them down drowsy but awake. This helps them learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep independently when they wake at night.

3. Adjust Daytime Sleep

• Avoid long naps too close to bedtime – Ensure the last nap ends at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Follow age-appropriate wake windows – An overtired or undertired baby will struggle with night sleep.

4. Gradually Reduce Night Feedings (If Appropriate)

If your baby is older than 6 months and medically cleared, consider slowly reducing nighttime feeds by:

• Offering shorter feedings
• Increasing daytime calorie intake
• Using other soothing methods (patting, shushing) instead of feeding every wake-up

5. Optimize the Sleep Environment

• Darkness – Use blackout curtains to block light.
• White noise – Helps mask household noises that may wake your baby.
• Comfortable temperature – Aim for 68–72°F (20–22°C).

6. Rule Out Medical Issues

If your baby shows signs of reflux, allergies, or another medical condition, consult your pediatrician for guidance.

When to Seek Help

If frequent night wakings persist despite your best efforts, consider:

• A sleep consultation – A pediatric sleep specialist can offer personalized strategies.
• Checking for sleep disorders – Though rare, conditions like sleep apnea can disrupt sleep.

Final Thoughts

Hourly wake-ups are challenging but often temporary. By identifying the root cause and making gradual adjustments, you can help your baby (and yourself) get more rest. Remember, every baby is different—be patient and trust that better sleep is possible.