The guide to figuring out what’s really going on… and what to do next
Hey there, fellow parent — let’s talk night wakes.
If you’re reading this after another long night, know that it’s completely okay. Night waking is one of the most common (and exhausting) challenges I hear about every day.
But…not all night wakes are the same. Figuring out why your baby is waking is the first step to getting sleep back on track.
This post breaks down the most common culprits behind frequent night waking — plus simple, practical steps you can try tonight. Because you don’t need another “It’s just a phase” post. You need answers that actually help.
Kat x
Quick heads up: This post is general information only and not medical advice. If you’re ever unsure or concerned about your baby’s health, please check in with your GP, Child Health Nurse, or trusted healthcare provider.
Why is your baby waking all night?
Night wakes are brutal — mentally, emotionally, physically. You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not the only one awake at 2am.
Whether your bub is waking once or what feels like a hundred times, this guide is here to help you work out what’s going on — and what you can do (without needing to feed or rock them back to sleep every time they stir).
Let’s get into it.
1. Hunger (especially for younger babies)
Waking due to genuine hunger is very normal in the early months. It’s not a “bad habit” — it’s your baby’s body doing exactly what it needs to grow and develop.
What to know:
- Totally normal under 6 months
- Some babies still need 1–2 feeds overnight up to 12 months
- Growth spurts and illness can cause extra wakes
Sleep Tips:
- Offer full, efficient feeds during the day
- Try to avoid ‘snack feeding’ — shorter feeds often lead to quicker wake-ups
- Keep an eye on weight gain and check in with your GP if unsure
- If feeds continue frequently past 6 months, it might be more about comfort than hunger
Need help with night weaning? The Baby Sleep Essentials Guide walks you through it step-by-step — minus the second-guessing.
2. Overtiredness
Too-long awake windows can backfire in a big way. When babies get overtired, their bodies produce cortisol — a stress hormone that makes it harder to fall (and stay) asleep.
What to look for:
- Frequent false starts (waking 30–45 mins after bedtime)
- Bedtime battles
- Waking every 1–2 hours overnight
Sleep Tips:
- Track your baby’s awake windows closely
- Use an age-appropriate wake time
- Bring bedtime earlier if things feel off
- Don’t fear the early bedtime — it can be the reset your baby needs
Not sure what awake windows to follow? Grab the FREE Awake Times Guide to stay ahead of overtiredness.
3. Sleep Associations
If your bub relies on something external to fall asleep (like feeding, rocking or a dummy), they’ll often wake needing it again. This isn’t about “bad habits” — it’s just what their brain has learned to expect.
What it looks like:
- Needing help to resettle every time they wake
- Sleep feels broken or dependent
Sleep Tips:
- Start gently — no need to go cold turkey
- Shift the last step of your bedtime routine so it’s not a feed
- Introduce a comforter (from 7 months) to support independent settling
Want gentle ideas to reduce sleep associations? The Baby Sleep Essentials Guide has a whole section on that — no tears required.
4. Why your baby might be uncomfortable overnight
Sleep gets tricky when your baby’s uncomfortable. Teething, tummy troubles or a room that’s too warm can all make it hard for them to stay settled.
What to check:
- Teething, illness, reflux, rashes
- Room temperature, clothing layers, light levels
Sleep Tips:
- Use white noise and blockout blinds
- Keep the room between 18–22°C
- Offer pain relief when needed — trust your instincts and speak to your GP or child health nurse
Teething tip: Pop a damp washcloth in the fridge for a soothing-friendly chew. Wipe drool regularly to avoid rashes and offer extra cuddles on those grumpy days.
5. Developmental progressions
New skills love to show up at 3am. Whether it’s crawling, pulling to stand or babbling, these brain leaps often disrupt sleep.
When it happens:
- Around 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months
Sleep Tips:
- Give your baby plenty of time to practise skills during the day
- Stick to your usual bedtime routine — consistency helps
- If they’re happy and safe in the cot, let them roll around or babble
These milestones are a good thing. Your baby’s brain is working hard and busy growing.
6. Why your baby wakes at the same time every night
Sometimes wakes become a pattern. Our body clocks love routine — even if that routine is a nightly 2am wake-up.
What to look for:
- Waking at the same time every night
- Same response = same result = same wake-up
Sleep Tips:
- Adjust the first nap of the day slightly
- Change how you respond (e.g. try shushing instead of feeding)
- Don’t create a new habit unless it’s one you’re happy to keep
- Pause before responding — babies often stir or grunt in light sleep and don’t always need a rescue
7. Is separation anxiety causing sleep struggles?
Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of development. Your baby is learning they’re their own little person — and they just want to know you’re nearby.
When it peaks:
- Around 8–10 months and again between 18–24 months
Sleep Tips:
- Play peekaboo to build connection and confidence
- Add extra one-on-one time before bed (books, cuddles, calm)
- Keep your night-time response calm and consistent
You’re not spoiling your baby by offering comfort. This stage won’t last forever.
Before You Run to Google… Let’s Bust Some Myths
- “It’s just a phase — they’ll grow out of it.”
→ Sometimes yes… but often, a small tweak can go a long way.
- “They’re manipulating you.”
→ Babies aren’t capable of manipulation — they’re communicating the only way they know how.
- “They should be sleeping through by now.”
→ Every baby is different. Comparing only adds pressure.
What Next? Need More Sleep Help?
If you’ve read this and thought “Yep, that’s us”, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep guessing.
The Baby Sleep Essentials Guide
Made for cat-nappers, nap-fighters, midnight party animals and sleep-resisters.
Prefer to chat it through?
I’ve got 1:1 consult spots open for parents who want realistic, responsive support — with no cookie-cutter plans. Book your sleep consult here — spots fill quickly.
Final Pep Talk — You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Sleep is emotional. You’re tired. You’re second-guessing everything. You’re wondering if you’re doing it “right”.
Here’s your reminder — you are.
A few small tweaks can make a big difference. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
See you (not at 2am),
Kat x
FAQs About Night Waking
How do I know if my baby is waking from hunger or habit?
If your baby is under 6 months, night feeds are often needed. Past that, consistent weight gain and full daytime feeds can help you gauge whether wakes are more about comfort.
When do babies stop waking at night?
Some babies sleep through as early as 4 months, others still need support at 12 months. There’s no one “right” age — it depends on your baby’s needs and your family’s approach.
Should I let my baby cry when they wake at night?
Gentle, responsive settling doesn’t require leaving your baby to cry. You can support sleep in a way that feels right for you.
