One of the most frustrating parts of being a parent is dealing with a baby waking up in the middle of the night. There are several reasons for a baby’s night wakings, but it can be an exhausting process trying to figure it out on your own.

We’re going to explore reasons your baby is waking at night and how to encourage them to sleep through the night.

Reasons baby is not sleeping through the night:

1. Underdeveloped Circadian Rhythm

It’s important to understand that newborns don’t typically sleep through the night right after leaving the hospital. It takes approximately 17 weeks for a baby’s circadian rhythm to mature. As a result, their sleep patterns can be unpredictable and they may wake every 2 to 3 hours for feedings, which is completely normal.

2. Hunger

A common cause of night wakings in babies is hunger. Particularly in the early months, babies have small stomachs, and breastmilk and formula digest quickly. Even if they’ve started solid food, their intake may not be substantial enough to help fulfill their calorie needs. Consequently, some babies may require at least one nighttime feed until they reach approximately 6 months of age.

3. Overtired or Under-tired

If your baby’s sleep pressure is too high due to poor naps or a late bedtime, they become overtired, which can lead to nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, if their sleep pressure is too low from either excessive daytime sleep or an early bedtime, they may be under-tired, which can also lead to waking up during the night.

(Download my free Sleep Needs by Age guide to discover the ideal wake times and sleep requirements for your baby.)

4. Discomfort

Discomfort caused by factors such as a wet or soiled diaper, uncomfortable clothing, or a room temperature that’s either too warm or too cold can also disrupt your baby’s sleep in the night.

To minimize discomfort, dress your baby in a clean diaper and cozy pajamas prior to sleep, and ensure their room is dark, quiet, and a cool, yet comfortable temperature.

5. Developmental Milestones

Experiencing stages of growth and development such as teething, or learning to roll, sit, crawl, stand, walk, or talk can cause sleep disruptions. Milestones such as these can lead to increased night awakenings as your baby’s body and brain adjust to these changes and skills.  

During these phases, stay consistent in your approach to your baby’s sleep, practice new skills during awake periods, and minimize interactions if you need to intervene. 

6. Sleep Regression

It’s common for babies to experience sleep regressions at around 4 months of age and again between 8-10 months. During these times, you may notice changes to your baby’s sleep patterns, such as more frequent nighttime wakings.

Make sure your baby gets the right amount of awake time, stay consistent with your routines, and have patience as your baby navigates through this phase.

7. Sleep Props / Sleep Associations