As a new parent, it’s completely natural to hesitate before waking up your peacefully sleeping baby. The sight of your little one resting so serenely can make it feel almost wrong to disturb their slumber. However, during those early weeks, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is essential for your baby’s growth and your milk supply, even if it means waking them from a deep sleep.
Why Waking Newborns for Feedings is Important?
Newborns grow rapidly, turning them into little eating machines. Their tiny bodies are working tirelessly, and so must you to ensure they’re getting enough nourishment. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises waking your baby for feedings if they sleep more than four to five hours at a stretch during the first two weeks of life. Here’s why keeping up with frequent feedings is so vital:
Your Baby’s Tummy Empties Quickly
Newborns digest breast milk quickly due to their small stomachs, which at two weeks old, is only slightly larger than a ping-pong ball. This means they need to feed every two to three hours. On the other hand, formula-fed babies can stretch to three or four hours between feedings because formula takes longer to digest.
Hunger Cues Can Be Missed During Sleep
Typically, your baby will let you know when they’re hungry with cues like lip-smacking, rooting, or even a strong cry. But in those first few weeks, they might sleep through these cues, making it necessary for you to wake them for a feeding. Consider trying a “dream feed”—a gentle feeding session just before you go to bed—to help your baby sleep a bit longer.
Weight Gain is Crucial in the Early Weeks
Proper nutrition is key to your baby’s weight gain, especially during the first few weeks when they’re working to regain any weight lost after birth. Missing feedings can slow this process and may lead to complications like jaundice or low blood sugar.
Maintaining Your Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, regular feedings are crucial to establish and maintain milk production. The early weeks are when your body learns how much milk your baby needs, so going too long without feeding can reduce your supply.
How to Wake a Newborn for Feedings
Waking a sleepy newborn can be a challenge, but these tips can help:
1. Timing is Key
Try to wake your baby during an active sleep period, such as REM sleep. You’ll notice this stage when they move their arms and legs, change facial expressions, or flutter their eyelids.
2. Gradually Unsaddle
Start by unswaddling your baby, and if that’s not enough, try undressing them to gently rouse them.
3. Diaper Change
Change their diaper while talking or singing softly. You can also gently stroke their hands and feet to wake them up.
4. Hold Them Upright
Lifting your baby upright often prompts them to open their eyes.
5. Adjust Lighting
If the room is too bright, dim the lights. A comfortable lighting level can help ease them into wakefulness.
6. Engage Socially
Talk to your baby, sing a song, and make eye contact once they wake up.
7. Massage
Gently massage their hands, feet, arms, back, and shoulders. Your touch can help stimulate them awake.
8. Cool Cloth
Place a cool (not cold) washcloth on their forehead to gently wake them.
How Long Should Nighttime Feedings Last?
Once your baby is awake and feeding, it’s essential to ensure they’re getting enough milk. A full nursing session allows them to empty at least one breast, which ensures they receive the fat-rich hind milk essential for growth. Some babies take about 20 minutes or more to empty one breast, while others may only need 10 minutes. If you’re bottle-feeding, offer the equivalent of a full feeding based on their age and stage.
Tips to Keep Your Baby Awake During Feedings
Feeding can often lull your baby back to sleep, so here’s how to keep them alert:
- Look for the rhythmic suck-swallow-breath pattern to ensure they’re still feeding.
- If they doze off, try burping them, repositioning, or dribbling some milk on their lips.
- Gently jiggle your breast or the bottle to encourage them to keep feeding.
By the time your baby reaches six weeks old, you’ll likely have found a feeding and sleeping rhythm that suits them. Some babies may still want to feed every two hours, while others might stretch to three or four hours between meals. Formula-fed babies might also vary in their schedules.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Wake Up to Eat?
Some babies naturally wake up for feedings, while others might sleep through them. If your baby doesn’t wake up, try being a bit more assertive with your nudges. Sing or talk louder, undress them, or even take them to another room to feed. If they still resist, let them sleep for another hour and try again. However, if your baby consistently misses feedings, consult your pediatrician to ensure their feeding schedule is on track.
Conclusion
During the early weeks, keeping a close eye on your baby’s feeding schedule is crucial for their growth and development. Don’t hesitate to wake them if they’ve slept through a feeding, and remember, by around six months, your baby will likely be ready to start sleeping through the night without needing to eat. If you have any concerns about their feeding or weight gain, always consult your pediatrician for guidance.
Good luck, and remember that every baby is different—soon, you’ll find the rhythm that works best for both of you.
