Frequent Night Wakings

Why Is My Baby Waking Up So Much at Night?
Let’s Talk About Frequent Night Wakings

We’ve all been there. It’s 2:00 AM, you just got back to sleep, and suddenly—you hear it. The baby’s awake… again. And while the first wake-up might not throw you, by the third or fourth time, you’re questioning everything: Is something wrong? Are they hungry? Is this normal?

Take a deep breath—you’re not alone, and this is so common.

What Are Frequent Night Wakings?

Simply put, frequent night wakings happen when your baby wakes up multiple times a night and isn’t able to fall back asleep on their own. This can be exhausting for everyone involved, and it often feels like a mystery to solve. But here’s the good news: there’s usually a clear culprit—and a clear path forward.

Meet the Sleep Prop

The number one reason babies wake frequently during the night? Sleep props. These are anything your baby “needs” in order to fall asleep—rocking, feeding, bouncing, pacifiers (when they can't reinsert it), or even a certain sound or motion. If a baby falls asleep with a sleep prop, they often expect it to be there every time they wake during the night. And when it’s not? They call for help.

The real goal here is to teach your baby independent sleep—the skill of falling asleep without external help. Once babies learn this, frequent night wakings often disappear on their own.

But Why Are Night Wakings So Much Harder?

Bedtime sleep training tends to go more smoothly. At bedtime, we know baby is fed, dry, and ready to sleep. Parents often give their all to bedtime sleep training—but once the middle-of-the-night wakings begin, it’s harder to stay consistent. You’re tired. Your brain is foggy. And those whimpers? They tug on your heartstrings.

It's also common to start second-guessing yourself at 3 AM (who wouldn’t?). That’s when many parents accidentally reinforce the very habits they’re trying to break—quickly nursing back to sleep, popping in a pacifier, or picking baby up for a long rock.

So What Can You Do?

Here are some tips that help turn those night wakings into stretches of peaceful sleep:

1. Know what you’re working on.
Understanding how sleep props contribute to frequent wakings helps you stay confident and consistent. You’re not being unkind—you’re helping your baby learn a lifelong skill.

2. Talk to your pediatrician.
Make sure you’re on the same page about whether your baby still needs to eat at night. Having that reassurance can make all the difference.

3. Pause before you rush in.
When baby wakes, give them a few minutes before intervening. (For babies 3 months and older, a 3–5 minute pause is a great place to start.) This gives them a chance to settle without help—and sometimes, that’s all it takes.

4. Use the method that works for you.
Whether you prefer a gradual approach, quick checks, or somewhere in between, pick a method that fits your parenting style and your baby’s temperament. Consistency is what matters most.

5. Consider sleep prop strategies.
Want to wean off the pacifier? You can teach your baby to reinsert it themselves, reduce your help gradually, or go cold turkey. There’s no one-size-fits-all here—just the approach that works for you and your baby.

Keep Going—You’re Doing Great

Night wakings are tough, and many parents feel like giving up. That’s normal. But I promise—even small progress counts. Celebrate the tiny wins, keep your long game in mind, and know that better sleep is ahead.

With a little consistency, a lot of encouragement, and the right tools, your baby can learn to sleep through the night—and you can finally get some well-deserved rest

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