Why Your Baby May Wake Every 2 Hours at Night (And When It's Normal)
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its fair share of sleepless nights. While frequent night waking can be exhausting, it's important to remember that there are legitimate reasons why your baby might be up every two hours during the night. Let’s explore three common situations when this nighttime pattern is perfectly normal.
1. Newborn Sleep Patterns
The First Few Months
In the early weeks of your baby's life, it's entirely normal for them to wake every 2 hours or even more frequently during the night. Newborns have tiny tummies and need to feed often for nourishment and growth. Their sleep cycles are also shorter, so they naturally wake up more frequently.
How to Cope:
Embrace this stage with patience and care. Create a cozy sleep environment, swaddle your baby if they enjoy it, and feed them on demand. Remember, newborns need time to adjust to a more regular sleep schedule.
2. Illness or Discomfort
Sickness and Teething
When your baby is unwell or teething, they might experience discomfort, making it difficult for them to sleep soundly. In these situations, they may wake up every 2 hours seeking comfort or relief from their discomfort.
How to Cope:
Provide extra comfort and soothing measures during these times. Consult your pediatrician for guidance on how to manage your baby's symptoms and discomfort. Gentle massages, teething toys, and appropriate medications can help.
3. The 4-Month Sleep Regression
Developmental Milestones
Around the age of 4 months, many babies experience what's known as the 4-month sleep regression. This is often associated with significant developmental milestones, such as improved awareness, motor skills, and the ability to roll over.
How It Affects Sleep:
These newfound skills can cause sleep disruptions. Your baby might wake up more frequently, want to practice their new abilities, or simply have trouble settling back to sleep.
How to Cope:
During this phase, continue with your established bedtime routine. Consistency is key during this regression. Remember, this phase is temporary, and better sleep patterns often return. If you are weeks into this regression and your baby is still not sleeping well, let’s connect. We are work through your baby’s specific struggles and get them sleeping better again!
