My Baby Wakes Up Every Hour – What Might Be Going On?

You gently settle your baby to sleep, take a deep breath, and finally try to rest. But an hour later, they’re awake again. And then again. And again. Waking up every hour with a baby can be deeply exhausting — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of interrupted nights, despite doing everything “right”.

If you’ve found your way here with tired eyes and a heavy heart, please know this: you are not alone. This is one of the most challenging — and at the same time, most common — experiences in early parenthood. And no, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your baby, that you’re doing something wrong, or that it will always be this way.

Before you blame yourself or feel lost, it’s worth understanding what might actually be happening. There are real, natural, and often expected reasons behind frequent night waking — and understanding the science of infant sleep can help us view things with more clarity, compassion, and hope.

So let’s explore together what could be behind your baby’s broken sleep — and how, with gentleness and respect, we can begin to create calmer nights for your whole family.

Infant Sleep: Natural, Developing, and Still Maturing

In the first months — and even years — of life, a baby’s sleep is still developing. Contrary to what many believe, newborns don’t arrive in the world knowing how to sleep like adults. Sleep is a skill that matures gradually, influenced by biological rhythms, neurological growth, and emotional development.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, newborns have significantly shorter sleep cycles — usually lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. Much of that time is spent in light sleep (REM sleep), which can make up as much as 80% of their total sleep. That means babies are naturally more prone to waking up between sleep cycles — especially at night.

Additionally, research has shown that night waking is a normal part of healthy development. A systematic review published in Sleep Medicine Reviews (Galland et al., 2012) analysed 34 observational studies and found that babies aged 0–2 months may experience up to 3.4 night wakings, while children between 1 and 2 years may wake as much as 2.5 times per night. In other words, fragmented sleep — especially in the first year — is completely expected and part of how babies learn to sleep over time.

So yes, night wakings are normal. But when they become very frequent, persistent, and begin to affect the wellbeing of the whole family, it’s worth exploring what might be contributing — and if needed, seeking support.

What Might Be Causing Hourly Wakings?

1. Sleep Associations: When the Way They Fall Asleep Impacts the Whole Night

It’s completely natural — and very common — for babies to fall asleep with some kind of help: feeding, rocking, being cuddled or held. In the early months, this closeness meets your baby’s emotional and physiological needs.

However, as your baby grows, they may start to wake between sleep cycles (typically every 40–60 minutes). If they wake up and the conditions in which they originally fell asleep are no longer present — for example, no breast, no arms, no movement — they may cry and need help to fall back asleep. When this happens at every cycle, it could be a sign of a sleep association that’s become unsustainable.

That said, not every baby who falls asleep feeding or being rocked will develop sleep associations that require intervention. Many babies naturally begin to connect sleep cycles on their own, without needing structured changes. What really matters is whether your current approach is working for your family — and if it’s not, that might be the time to reflect, gently and respectfully, on some new strategies.

According to Mindell et al. (2006), sleep associations are one of the most common behavioural factors linked to sleep difficulties in infants and toddlers. But this doesn’t mean there’s only one “right” way — every baby has their own rhythm, and every family can find a sleep path that aligns with their values, needs, and reality.

2. Developmental Leaps and Motor Milestones: A Busy Brain at Work

As babies grow, their bodies and brains go through incredible changes. Rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking — all of these milestones are exciting achievements, but they also demand intense cognitive and physical effort.

During these phases — often called developmental leaps — sleep can become lighter and more fragmented. The brain continues to process new skills at night, and many babies even “rehearse” their latest discoveries in the cot. It’s completely normal to see more night waking during these times.

Patience and adjusted expectations can be your best allies here. Remember: your baby isn’t “going backwards” in sleep — they’re progressing in other areas. And this, too, is part of healthy development.

3. Separation Anxiety: When Sleep Feels Like Missing You

Between 6 and 10 months, many babies go through a peak period of separation anxiety. This is when they start to realise they’re a separate person from their main caregiver — often the mother — and this realisation can bring discomfort. If they wake in the night and don’t find the person they expected, they may feel unsafe and cry, even if they’re not hungry or in pain.

Although more common from 6 months onwards, some babies — especially those who are highly sensitive or going through changes like a parent returning to work — may begin showing signs as early as 4 months.

This is a healthy and important stage in emotional development. It means your baby is forming secure attachments and learning to trust. During this time, your consistent presence, gentle touch, and a predictable routine can reassure them that even when you go, you always return.

Creating moments of connection during the day — cuddles, eye contact, play, and attuned attention — can strengthen the bond and reduce the need for reassurance in the middle of the night.

With warmth, consistency, and connection, this phase will pass — and sleep usually begins to settle again naturally.

4. Physical Discomfort and the Sleep Environment

Sometimes frequent waking is linked to discomfort or disruptions in the sleep environment. Teething, reflux, a blocked nose, wind, or other physical discomforts can all disturb your baby’s rest — especially if they’re lying in an awkward position or in a room that’s too bright, noisy, or warm.

A calming sleep space should be as neutral and comforting as possible: dark, quiet (or with consistent white noise if needed), well-ventilated, and with comfortable sleepwear. Small changes in the environment can have a big impact.

And if you suspect your baby might be in pain or unwell, it’s always a good idea to speak to your GP or health visitor for reassurance and guidance.

5. Overtiredness: When Too Much Wake Time Works Against Sleep

It may sound counterintuitive, but babies who are overtired often sleep worse — not better. When babies stay awake too long or miss daytime naps, their bodies release more cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder for them to fall and stay asleep.

This is known as “overtiredness” and can lead to frequent night waking, restless sleep, and difficulty winding down after waking. Observing your baby’s sleep cues and respecting age-appropriate wake windows can help break this cycle.

In truth, a well-rested baby is usually a better sleeper — and that starts in the daytime.

So, What Can Help?

The good news is: even in the middle of sleep-deprived nights, there are respectful, evidence-based ways to support your baby’s sleep. Every family is unique, but there are strategies widely recommended by sleep professionals that align with healthy development.

Create a predictable, soothing bedtime routine

A calming, consistent evening ritual helps your baby understand that sleep is coming. Something simple and repeated — like a bath, massage, story, or lullaby — brings comfort and cues the body and brain to wind down. Research shows that bedtime routines are linked to better sleep quality (Mindell & Williamson, 2018).

Watch for sleepy cues and wake windows

Respecting your baby’s natural rhythm and signs of tiredness can prevent overtiredness and make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. A well-timed nap can be as important as bedtime.

Set up a sleep-friendly environment

A dark, quiet (or white noise) room, with a comfortable temperature and no bright lights or loud sounds, supports deeper, more restful sleep. Often, it’s the small environmental tweaks that make the biggest difference.

Offer emotional security and consistency

A baby who feels safe, heard, and connected during the day is more likely to rest well at night. Your loving presence, responsive care, and everyday bonding build the foundation for confident, independent sleep over time.

When Should You Seek Professional Support?

If your baby continues waking every hour for weeks or months, and it’s taking a toll on your emotional, mental, or physical health, reaching out for support is not a failure — it’s a brave act of care.

A sleep consultant trained in respectful, evidence-based approaches can help you understand the root of the sleep challenges and create a gentle, personalised plan that works for your baby and your family’s needs.

Is This Your Reality Right Now?

If you feel like you’ve tried everything, but your baby is still waking throughout the night, you don’t have to face this alone. We offer one-to-one infant sleep consultations rooted in empathy, science, and a deep respect for each family’s journey.

Yes — your baby can learn to sleep better. And yes — you deserve to rest too. We’ll walk alongside you to make that possible.

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