Baby wakes every hour: why it happens and what to do
5 min read
Quick answer
A baby who wakes every hour is usually hungry, uncomfortable, too hot or too cold, teething, going through a growth spurt or unwell. The NHS says newborns wake often for feeds in the first few months. Hourly waking is exhausting but common in phases. Check the basics, settle calmly and get help if your baby seems ill.
- Frequent waking is common, especially in the first months
- Check hunger, nappy, temperature and comfort first
- Keep nights dark, quiet and calm
- If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely and take a break
- Call NHS 111 or your GP if your baby seems unwell
Why does my baby wake every hour?
Usually because something normal is getting in the way of longer sleep. The NHS lists hunger, being too hot or too cold, growth spurts, teething and illness as common causes of disturbed sleep. Newborns sleep in short stretches and need feeding often, so very frequent waking in the early weeks can be part of normal sleep.
Older babies wake too. The NHS says some babies aged 6 to 12 months still wake in the night because of teething or hunger.
What to check when your baby wakes every hour
The NHS lists common reasons babies cry. Working through them calmly can help you find what your baby needs.
- Hunger: offer a feed if your baby seems hungry
- Nappy: check for a wet or dirty nappy
- Temperature: aim for a room of 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F)
- Wind: hold them against you and gently stroke their back
- Tiredness or overstimulation: keep lights low and voices soft
- Teething: sore, red gums, more dribbling and chewing, being more fretful
What do I do when my baby won't sleep?
Try one calm thing at a time and give it a few minutes before switching. The NHS suggests these ways to soothe a baby who is struggling to settle:
- Hold your baby close and sway, talk or sing softly
- Play gentle background noise
- Breastfeed, if you are, so they can suckle
- Gently stroke their back
- Rock them in a pram, or go for a walk
- Lay them down after a feed, as too much rocking and singing can keep some babies awake
How to keep your baby safe when nights are hard
When you are exhausted, safe sleep matters even more. The NHS advises that for at least the first 6 months, every nap and night-time sleep should be on their back in a clear cot or Moses basket kept in your bedroom. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, move them to a firm, flat surface as soon as possible.
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or in an armchair. If you think you might drop off during a feed, move somewhere you can put your baby straight back in their cot.
What to do if you feel overwhelmed
Many parents reach breaking point during long nights, and there is no shame in it. The NHS advises putting your baby somewhere safe, such as their cot, closing the door and going to another room to calm yourself for a set time, for example 10 minutes. Then go back. Never shake a baby, as it can cause brain damage.
Ask for help with nights where you can. The NHS suggests a partner can share formula feeds, take over early morning changing, or occasionally give a bottle of expressed breast milk, and a friend or relative can stay for a few days if you are on your own. Your health visitor can help with ongoing sleep problems.
If you cannot cope, or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, get help straight away rather than waiting. If you think you might not be able to keep yourself or another person safe, phone 999 or go to A&E now (or use your local emergency number). In England, NHS 111 gives urgent mental health help: call and choose the mental health option. Samaritans are also there to listen on 116 123.
When to get medical help for night waking
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if your baby has a high temperature, is not interested in feeding, or cries in a way that is unlike their normal cry or cannot be comforted. Call 999 (or your local emergency number) if your baby:
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has skin, lips or tongue that look blue, grey, pale or blotchy
- Is floppy, unresponsive or harder to wake than usual
- Has difficulty breathing, grunting or very fast breathing
- Has a rash that does not fade when pressed
- Has gone 8 hours or more without a wet nappy
Sources
We check this guide against these sources. It is general information, not medical advice: speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatrician about your own baby.
Questions parents ask
Is it normal for a newborn to wake every hour?
It can be. The NHS says newborns sleep around 18 hours a day in short stretches and wake often in the night to feed. Feeding when your baby seems hungry is the right response. If your baby is not interested in feeding, has had no wet nappy for 8 hours or seems unwell, get medical help straight away.
Why does my 6-month-old suddenly wake every hour?
Common reasons at this age include teething, hunger, growth spurts and illness. The NHS says most babies start teething around 6 months, and teething can disturb sleep. Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature, but it stays below 38°C (100.4°F). If your baby has a higher temperature or seems unwell, or you are worried, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Can teething make my baby wake every hour?
Teething can make babies fretful and disturb their sleep, according to the NHS. Signs include sore, red gums, a flushed cheek, more dribbling and chewing, and a slightly raised temperature below 38°C. There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea, so get medical advice for that, a higher temperature or anything else that worries you.
How do I cope with my baby waking every hour?
Lower the bar for everything else. Sleep when your baby sleeps, share nights with a partner if you can, and say yes to practical help. Keep night feeds calm and dark. Many parents feel they cannot take any more at times, so do not be ashamed to ask for help. Your health visitor or GP can support you.