Why Is My Baby Waking Multiple Times a Night?
5 Gentle Solutions That Actually Work
If your baby is waking multiple times a night and you’re wondering what you’re missing — you’re not alone. Night waking is one of the most common challenges parents face, and one of the main reasons families reach out to me at My Baby Sleep Consultant.
It’s normal for babies to wake overnight — but when those wake-ups start feeling excessive or unpredictable, it’s usually a sign that something needs a gentle tweak. The good news? There’s always a reason why, and with a few simple, evidence-based changes, we can make a big difference.
Understanding Night Waking
All babies (and adults!) move through several sleep cycles overnight. The difference is that adults usually roll over and resettle, while babies often need a bit more help linking those cycles together.
In his classic book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems, Dr Richard Ferber explained this concept in detail. His research introduced the idea of teaching babies to self-settle between cycles — often through methods like “controlled crying.” While those techniques work for some families, many parents today prefer a more responsive approach.
At My Baby Sleep Consultant, I take the science behind those early findings and blend it with a modern understanding of infant development and emotional needs. My approach supports your baby’s sleep in a way that’s gentle, respectful, and attachment-focused — helping everyone rest better without unnecessary stress or tears.
5 Gentle Solutions for Frequent Night Waking
1. Check for Overtiredness
When babies stay awake too long between naps or before bed, their cortisol levels rise — and that can make night sleep more fragmented.
Try this:
Keep awake windows flexible and age-appropriate.
Watch for tired cues — rubbing eyes, zoning out, clinginess.
A calming, consistent bedtime routine helps signal “it’s time to rest.”
2. Review Daytime Feeding Patterns
Sometimes, babies wake more at night because they’re not getting enough full feeds during the day.
Try this:
Encourage full, relaxed feeds during daylight hours.
Offer an extra feed or “cluster feed” in the evening if needed.
For older babies, gently stretch feeds overnight so hunger and habit don’t blend together.
3. Rebuild Healthy Sleep Associations
If your baby always falls asleep with your help (feeding, rocking, holding), they may need the same support each time they wake overnight. That’s a normal learned pattern — and one you can shift gently.
Try this:
Create a sleep environment that feels consistent and calm.
Stay close and supportive while helping your baby learn to settle with less input, step by step.
Introduce changes gradually to build confidence for both of you.
4. Optimise the Sleep Environment
Even small environmental factors can cause frequent waking.
Try this:
Keep the room dark (blackout blinds are gold).
Maintain a temperature around 20–22°C.
Use gentle white noise to block sudden sounds.
A familiar, calm space helps your baby connect each sleep cycle more easily.
5. Support Emotional & Developmental Changes
Developmental leaps, teething, or separation anxiety can all cause extra wake-ups — even for great sleepers.
Try this:
Offer extra comfort during these phases — connection before correction.
Practise short, playful separations during the day to build confidence.
Stick to your bedtime routine; predictability helps babies feel secure.
The Gentle Way Forward
At My Baby Sleep Consultant, I blend the research foundations from experts like Dr Richard Ferber with a modern, compassionate approach that honours connection and your baby’s emotional needs.
That means no rigid routines, no ignoring cries — just calm, responsive strategies that help your baby (and you) get more consolidated sleep.
If your baby is waking multiple times a night and you’re not sure where to start, we’ll work together to uncover the why, create a gentle plan, and support you every step of the way.
Ready for Better Nights?
Book a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call or explore my Service Packages to find the best fit for your family.
Because better sleep isn’t about “training” your baby — it’s about understanding them, building confidence, and restoring calm to your nights.