Why Your Baby Wakes Every Hour (and How to Gently Fix It)

Sleepy baby, crying out, awake in the middle of the night. Baby is wearing a tan onesie and grey hat.

There's nothing quite like finally drifting off to sleep... only to hear your baby cry out again an hour later. If your 4-12 month old is waking every hour (or close to it), you're not alone. This can be a common thing parents run into and it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

This phase is absolutely exhausting. As a postpartum doula and mom to 3 kids, I absolutely get it. Let's talk about why this is happening and how to support you and your baby through it.

Why Babies Wake Every Hour

1. Developmental Leaps and milestones

   Around 4-12 months, your baby's brain and body are growing rapidly. Rolling, sitting, crawling, teething, babbling.... all of this developments can cause temporary sleep disruptions. Their little brains are busy, and nighttime can be when they "practice" those new skills.

2. Sleep Cycle Transitions

   Babies' sleep cycles become more like adult ones around 4 months, which means lighter sleep and more partial awakenings. If they haven't learned to connect those cycles independently, they might need your help falling back asleep each time they wake during a cycle transition.

3. Sleep Associations

   If your baby falls asleep while feeding, rocking, or being held, they may expect those same conditions when they stir between cycles. (this is not a "bad habit") The good news is that you can totally shift these associations in a gentle way without lots of tears or harsh methods.

4. Hunger and Growth Spurts

   During certain months (especially 4, 6 and 9 months), extra feeds overnight are normal. The key is distinguishing between true hunger and habit wake-ups over time. Always consult with your pediatrician about whether or not your baby still needs a feed over night or not. They can take a look at how much your baby is eating, and consider their growth and determine wether or not baby is still needing that night feeding.

Gentle Ways to Encourage Longer Stretches of Sleep

1. Create a Predictable Routine

   Babies thrive on consistency. Establish a calming bedtime routine (bath, lotion, jammies, feed, lullaby, and lights out for example) to help their bodies know sleep is coming. Keep it short and sweet, 20-30 minutes is enough. Routine order matters if you don't want baby to associate falling asleep with milk every time.

2. Encourage Self-Settling -Gently-

   Try placing your baby down drowsy but awake once a day during naps to help them practice falling asleep on their own. (slowly increase the amount of times you practice this until they start to get it). You can stay close, offer comfort with your voice or touch, and gradually reduce your presence over time. If your baby cries a lot or isn't settling, you absolutely can pick them up and comfort them. Remember that this is just practice, it's okay if its not perfect.

3. Adjust Daytime Naps and Wake Windows

   Sometimes hour wake-ups happen because baby is overtired or under-tired. Aim for age-appropriate wake windows:

   --> 4-6 months: 2 hours

   --> 6-9 months: 2.5-3 hours

   --> 9-12 months: 3-4 hours

4. Offer Comfort During Night Wakings Calmly and Consistently

   When baby wakes, respond calmly. Keep lights as low as possible (I suggest using only red or amber lights), voices soft, and movements/disruptions minimal. Over time your predictability becomes their reassurance.

5. Check the Sleep Environment

   Make sure the room is:

   --> Dark: use black out shades and keep it as dark as possible

   --> Cool: An ideal temperature of 68-72 degrees F (20-22 C)

   --> Quiet: use a white noise machine to mask sudden sounds as well as mimic the womb

6. Take Care of You, Too

   Hourly wake ups are extremely draining. Whenever possible, trade off night shifts with a partner, nap when your baby naps, and lower expectations in other areas (just for now). This season won't last forever, but your well-being matters right now.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your baby's frequent wakings have been going on for weeks or months, and you're feeling at your limit, it might b time for personalized guidance. Sometimes all it takes is a few small changes to your baby's routine and environment to see huge improvement.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

You deserve rest. Your baby deserves rest. And both are absolutely possible- gently, respectfully, and without "cry-it-out".

If your baby is waking every hour and you're ready for a plan that truly fits your family, I'd love to help. Work with me to create a personalized sleep plan that brings peace back to your nights.