It is common for new-borns to wake every 2-3 hours to eat (4 hours tops). And, by 4-8 weeks, babies can go longer and longer.
In fact, if your 1-month-old is still awaking every 2-3 hours at night, it may be a sign of a growth spurt…but it may also be because she’s not getting enough milk during the day. The latter can happen if a mum is not making enough milk (check with your doctor) or if the baby only nurses from one breast during a feed; gets too distracted during the meal (the sights and sounds of the day are too exciting), or naps more than 2 hours at a time.
Here are some things you can do to aid your baby’s sleep at night:
- Offer more daytime feedings and alternate breasts every 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce distractions during feedings.
- Try a dream feed.
- If your baby is fussy within an hour of a meal, feed them again—they may need a little more milk.
- Awaken your baby for a feed if the nap is lasting more than 2 hours. (You can let them fall right back to sleep after the meal.)
Happiest Baby does not provide medical advice. Please seek the advice of your healthcare provider if you have questions regarding a medical issue.
Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
