Is your baby waking every hour at night? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. Frequent night waking is one of the most exhausting challenges parents face, but it's also one that can be resolved.
Why Is My Baby Waking Every Hour?
Sleep Associations (The Most Common Cause)
If your baby falls asleep while nursing, being rocked, or held, they've likely developed a sleep association. They need those conditions recreated every time they transition between sleep cycles—approximately every 45 minutes to 2 hours.[1]
The 4-Month Sleep Regression
If your baby waking every hour pattern started around 3-4 months, you're likely experiencing the 4-month sleep regression.[2]
Overtiredness
Paradoxically, an overtired baby often sleeps worse. Stress hormones interfere with sleep, resulting in a baby waking every hour or more frequently.
Is This Normal?
A baby waking every hour is not developmentally necessary beyond the newborn stage:[3]
- Newborns: Waking every 2-4 hours is normal
- 4-6 months: Many babies can go 4-6 hour stretches
- 6-12 months: Most can go 6-10 hours
- 12+ months: Most can sleep 10-12 hours
How to Help a Baby Who Wakes Every Hour
1. Address Sleep Associations
Teach your baby to fall asleep independently.[4]
2. Optimize the Schedule
Use age-appropriate wake windows, ensure adequate daytime naps, and aim for an early bedtime.
3. Create an Optimal Sleep Environment
Complete darkness, cool temperature (68-72°F), white noise, and safe sleep surface.[5]
4. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Keep it consistent, calming, and 15-30 minutes long.[6]
At Rose Sleep Co, we specialize in helping families overcome even the most challenging sleep situations. Book a free discovery call or call (213) 935-0769.
References
- 1.Sadeh, A., et al. (2010). Parenting and infant sleep. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(2), 89-96.
- 2.Henderson, J. M., et al. (2010). Sleeping through the night. Pediatrics, 126(5), e1081-e1087.
- 3.Galland, B. C., et al. (2012). Normal sleep patterns in infants. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 16(3), 213-222.
- 4.Mindell, J. A., & Owens, J. A. (2015). A Clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep. Wolters Kluwer.
- 5.Moon, R. Y. (2016). SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162940.
- 6.Mindell, J. A., et al. (2009). A nightly bedtime routine. Sleep, 32(5), 599-606.
