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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a sleepy staring contest with your newborn, desperately trying to wake them up for a much-needed feeding? Trust me, you’re not alone in this amusingly challenging battle. We all know that feeding our precious little bundles of joy is crucial, but getting them to wake up for it can sometimes feel like trying to coax a sloth out of a hammock. This article throws light upon why should you wake up newborn to feed, how long a newborn can sleep without eating, and the best methods to wake a baby when it’s time to eat. Discover some ingenious strategies that might just make you feel like the superhero of wake-up calls.
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Times to Wake Your Newborn Baby to Feed Them
Waking up your newborn is a common practice to ensure they’re getting enough to eat and to establish breastfeeding. While it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice, there are a few general situations where waking your baby to feed them is recommended:
When Your Doctor Advises It
Before we delve into the reasons why you’d want to wake your sleeping baby, it’s crucial to remember that your doctor’s advice should always be prioritized. If you have any doubts or concerns about your baby’s well-being, consult your child’s pediatrician for personalized guidance.
Before Your Baby Has Regained Their Birth Weight
Newborn babies typically lose around 7-10% of their birth weight in the first few days of life. This weight loss is normal due to the extra fluid they carry at birth. By waking your baby every 3 hours to feed them, you ensure they receive enough calories to regain their birth weight by their two-week check-up.
To Establish Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body produces. To maintain a steady milk supply, it’s essential to breastfeed or pump regularly. Waking your baby every 3 hours for feeding in the early weeks helps establish a consistent milk supply.
Wake to Feed, But Don’t Schedule
While it’s important to wake your newborn to feed them, it’s equally important not to impose a strict schedule on their feeding times. Feeding your baby on demand is crucial for their growth and development. Scheduling feedings too rigidly, especially during the first six weeks, could potentially hinder weight gain.
Instead, the goal is to ensure your newborn doesn’t go longer than 3 hours between feedings. This means waking them up if they sleep past that mark. As your baby grows, this time interval can gradually increase.
How Long Should You Let Your Newborn Sleep Without Eating?
The duration you can let your baby sleep without feeding depends on various factors. Here are some considerations:
- Your Baby’s Age – For full-term babies younger than two weeks, it’s recommended to feed them every 3 hours until breastfeeding is well-established and they’ve regained their birth weight. Babies under six weeks of age should not sleep longer than 4-5 hour stretches between feeds. Always follow your doctor’s advice and consult them if you have a preemie baby or other concerns.
- Your Baby’s Weight Gain – In the hospital and during the initial weeks after birth, healthcare professionals often recommend feeding your baby every 3 hours. This guideline helps ensure adequate weight gain. Once your baby reaches their two-week check-up and is gaining weight at a satisfactory rate, you can gradually allow longer stretches between feeds. However, if your baby struggles to gain weight, your doctor may advise more frequent feedings.
- Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding – Breastfed babies generally need to eat more frequently compared to formula-fed babies. Breastmilk is digested more quickly, necessitating more frequent feedings. However, even for formula-fed babies, it’s important to follow the “feed every three hours” rule until your doctor approves longer intervals between feeds.
How to Wake up Newborn to Feed?
Waking a sleepy newborn for feeding can be challenging, especially during nighttime. Here are some tips to help rouse your baby and ensure they’re alert enough to eat:
- Undress Them Down to Their Diaper – The sensation of cool air can often awaken a baby. Undressing your baby down to their diaper may help stimulate them to eat. Once they begin feeding, you can use a blanket to keep them warm.
- Use a Cool Washcloth – Gently placing a cool, wet washcloth on your baby’s face or body can provide a gentle wake-up call. However, it’s important to exercise caution and ensure the cloth is not too cold to avoid discomfort.
- Take Advantage of Light Sleep – If you notice your baby’s eyelids fluttering or slight movements, they may be in a light sleep phase. This is an opportune time to try to wake them for feeding.
- Engage in Conversation – Talking to your baby as you feed them can help keep them awake. The sound of your voice can be stimulating and help them remain alert during the feeding session.
- Stimulate Their Mouth with the Nipple – Rubbing your nipple or bottle nipple against your baby’s mouth can signal that it’s time to eat. You can also try touching a few drops of colostrum or milk to their lips.
- Change Positions or Sides – If your baby starts to nod off during the feeding, try changing positions or moving them slightly to wake them up. This can help them stay engaged and continue eating.
Other Times You May Wake Your Baby
While feeding is the primary reason to wake your newborn, there are other instances where waking them may be necessary:
- For a Dirty Diaper – While wet diapers generally don’t require immediate attention, dirty diapers should be addressed promptly to prevent diaper rash. If your baby is in the middle of a nap and will likely wake soon, there’s no need to disturb their sleep. However, during nighttime, it’s important to change them to maintain hygiene.
- When It’s Close to Bedtime – Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for babies. If your baby’s last nap of the day is too close to bedtime, they may struggle to fall asleep. Waking them up from the last nap ensures they have enough time to wind down before bedtime.
- To Prevent Extended Naps – Babies often have their days and nights mixed up, leading to frequent nighttime awakenings. Limiting the duration of daytime naps can help regulate their sleep patterns. For newborns, it’s advisable not to let them sleep longer than 3 hours at a stretch during the day. As they grow older, 2-2.5 hour naps are typically sufficient.
- For the Dream Feed – Once your baby has reached the stage where longer stretches of sleep are permitted, incorporating a dream feed can be beneficial. A dream feed involves gently waking your baby for a feeding session and then putting them back to sleep immediately. This can help you get a more extended period of uninterrupted sleep during the night.
You Won’t Have to Wake Your Baby Forever!
The early days with a newborn can be exhausting, and waking your baby for feedings may feel challenging. However, remember that this phase is temporary. As your baby grows and their weight gain and feeding patterns stabilize, you’ll be able to let them sleep for longer durations without needing to wake them for feeding.
Conclusion
While there are situations where waking a sleeping baby is necessary or helpful, it’s essential to prioritize your baby’s well-being and follow your doctor’s guidance. By ensuring your baby receives adequate nutrition and maintaining a balanced sleep schedule, you can support their healthy growth and development.
As you continue on this sleep-deprived but oh-so-rewarding adventure, remember to create a supportive and nurturing feeding environment. Embrace the gentle touch, relish the cozy skin-to-skin moments, and keep those senses engaged. And if you ever find yourself in the midst of a particularly stubborn sleepyhead, don’t hesitate to seek advice from professionals who can guide you through the feeding journey.
From one tired soul to another, keep going, keep laughing, and know that you’re doing an incredible job. Eventually, those nighttime feedings will become precious memories, and you’ll be left with a heart full of love and a few hilarious stories to share. So, hang in there, my fellow superheroes of wake-up calls, and may your days be filled with giggles, messy diapers, and endless moments of joy. You’ve got this!
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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