Times it is DEFINITELY OKAY to wake your sleeping baby

When is it okay to wake a sleeping baby?

Feeding Time

One of the primary reasons to wake a sleeping baby (especially a new-born baby) is for feeding. New-borns typically need to eat every 2-3 hours, and establishing a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for their growth and development. If your baby is peacefully sleeping and it's time for a feeding, it's perfectly acceptable to wake them gently to ensure they receive the nourishment they need.

This also applies to babies who are having a ‘dream feed’ although we prefer you gently rouse them at this time as oppose to wakening them. 

Nappy Changes

No baby enjoys a wet or soiled nappy, and letting them sleep in discomfort can lead to skin irritation. It's okay to wake your baby for a nappy change when necessary. Keeping them clean and dry promotes better hygiene and overall well-being.

After a Nap

If you’re one of the lucky parents who has a sleepy baby and, if they could, they’d sleep longer than they should at nap time, it is absolutely okay to waken them after they’ve had adequate sleep.   Wakening them after enough daytime sleep is important for good night-time sleep.  The consequence of too much daytime sleep is often a night of lots of wakes! 

In the morning – At the same time every day

If your baby wants to sleep in in the mornings, then one way to get into a good routine is to ensure morning wake time is consistent (no matter what kind of night you’ve had).  The only exception to this rule is if your little one is unwell and so needs additional sleep. 

Setting a consistent morning wake time, consistent nap times and consistent bedtimes are all necessary to achieve great sleep and so wakening your baby is sometimes appropriate to achieve this, even at 7am (even if you want a lie in yourself)!

... and finally

While it's crucial to prioritise a baby's sleep, there are instances where waking them is not only acceptable but necessary for their well-being. Whether it's for feeding, medical checks, hygiene, social interaction, or adjusting sleep patterns, being attuned to your baby's needs ensures they thrive in a loving and supportive environment. The key is to approach each wake-up with gentleness and care, understanding that maintaining a balance between rest and essential activities is crucial for your baby's healthy development.

Gently cooling them down by pulling back covers or unzipping sleeping bags or taking off socks is often enough to rouse them and if not, a little blow in their face usually does the job. 

For sleep advice or to arrange a consultation to discuss your individual needs 1:1, click on our 'Consultations' page and choose from our range of consultations; designed to meet the needs of any family at a range of budgets.

For further enquiries, please email admin@tendertots.co.uk