When a colicky baby or newborn with acid reflux is sleeping peacefully, it’s been advised that there are occasions when waking them may be a good idea…
This can leave parents feeling conflicted or guilty, especially as many have watched their baby struggle with frequent crying, pain, and discomfort so when they do finally fall asleep, they’d do anything not to disturb them.
Here, we explore some of the reasons we’ve been given for waking a sleeping baby and why it’s said this may benefit them and their parents.
What Do A Light and A Deep Sleep Look Like In A Newborn?
Light and deep sleep are important for your baby and it can be helpful to recognise the state of sleep your baby is in, as this can help you understand how your baby is developing.
While it depends on each baby, it is around a total one to two hours at a time, or around 50-60 minutes of light sleep and the same for deep sleep. Babies with colic may not experience this, as your baby may have colic if they cry for more than three hours per day, three days per week, more often in the afternoon and evening.
When your baby is sleeping, these signs may help you recognise their sleep stage:
Light:
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Babies dream: they may make movements (such as their eyes moving under their eyelids) and sounds.
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They may make brief fussy or crying sounds.
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They will wake easily.
Deep:
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Deep sleep occurs around 20-30 minutes after light sleep.
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The baby becomes stiller and their breathing becomes more regular. However, they may still make some movements.
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If moved, their limbs may be relaxed.
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They are harder to wake up.
Should I Wake Up My Baby?
One of the main reasons we’re told to disturb a sleeping newborn is for repositioning. If a baby has rolled onto their stomach before having mastered rolling onto their side, it’s been said that this can increase the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) because if a baby is in deep sleep, it is harder for them to be alert to discomfort.
If your baby is struggling with weight gain or feeding, it’s been said that interrupting their sleep may be necessary. Most newborns need feeding every two to three hours, so waking up your baby, especially if they are low in weight, may be crucial apparently!
However, all babies are different and unique and what is right for one isn’t necessarily right for another. I’ve met parents whose babies sleep for six hours straight from newborn and others whose babies wake every hour for feeding.
Babies’ sleep schedules are notoriously difficult to predict or manage. While some newborns are more naturally regulated sleepers, many need help - rocking, soothing etc, to help them fall asleep. If your baby sleeps for long periods of time during the day, waking them up may help them fall asleep more easily later. Longer naps in the day may have a domino effect by nighttime, leading to the baby frequently waking up through the night.
…I found the opposite to be the case with my babies and the babies I cared for as a child minder for 15 years - the more sleep my babies had during the day, the more rested and settled they were. They weren’t over-tired, over-stimulated and miserable by the evening. This actually resulted in happier babies at bedtime and a much better night’s sleep! My children also slept on their tummies, they wouldn’t have it any other way!
Should I Let Them Sleep?
Some parents prefer to let their baby follow their natural sleep cycle - I certainly did. However, we’re told that not all babies are able to self-regulate. If your baby needs to be woken up to ensure safety, health or a good night’s sleep, this decision is a worthwhile one.
Don’t be afraid to block out the noise and trust your motherly instincts because they will never lead you astray. There’s so much information out there that we feel completely dumbed down and unable to think for ourselves or to decide what’s right for us and our own babies.
If your baby finds it difficult to settle why not try our Babocush Comfort Cushion which can comfort and settle in an instant?
With love always,
Kerry xx
