Is my newborn waking for hunger or comfort?

If you’re dreaming of the day your newborn starts sleeping through the night, you’re not alone. But take comfort in knowing that night wakings are normal and developmentally appropriate for young babies, especially during the first 6 months of life. Although there are multiple reasons why your infant may be waking and calling out for you at night, there are two main culprits for newborns: they’re hungry or looking for comfort (and sometimes, both!). It’s common for parents to wonder how to tell whether their little one is truly hungry, uncomfortable, or just needs help falling back to sleep. In this article, we’ll walk you through reasons for frequent newborn night wakings, ways to help distinguish between them, and suggest strategies for each to promote better sleep for you and your baby.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Understanding newborn sleep patterns 

Newborns sleep a lot. For infants under 3 months, we hope to see around 15.5 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Wake windows are short: 30 – 90 minutes for babies under 2 months and up to 1 hour 45 minutes at 2 months. However, remember that these numbers are meant as a rough guideline rather than a strict goal, as sleep needs can vary.

At the same time, it’s normal for to be chaotic and unpredictable. Babies aren’t born with organized sleep cycles — you’ll typically see short and long periods of sleep along with frequent wakings in the first few months of life. This is normal. Some newborns also experience , meaning they sleep longer stretches during the day and then want to spend more time awake overnight. Day/night confusion tends to resolve by 8 weeks, but that doesn’t mean sleep will magically become predictable. Sleep patterns will likely be irregular until closer to 3 - 4 months when babies fall into a more regular 24-hour cycle of eating and sleeping.

It’s developmentally appropriate for babies this age to wake frequently for feedings and comfort.

They’ll also often need help falling asleep (and staying asleep). Babies aren’t able to regularly self-soothe until they grow and their sleep patterns start to mature. 

Newborn night feeds 

If it seems like your little one is always hungry, that’s expected! Most newborns need breast milk or formula every 2 to 3 hours, overnight too. However, on average, breastfed babies typically need smaller, more frequent feedings than their formula-fed counterparts. This is because breast milk digests faster than formula []. For example, during the first two weeks of life, babies who consume breast milk may eat 8 - 12 times during a 24-hour period, while formula-fed newborns may eat closer to 8 times. 

Newborns may also go through periods where they eat small amounts more frequently, like during . This is called . Cluster feeding can happen during the day or night and may mean waking every 2 hours (or more!) for feedings. 

Reasons why newborns wake overnight 

Although frequent night wakings can take a toll both physically and mentally on new parents, they’re typically normal at this stage. Common reasons why newborns wake during the night include: 

They’re hungry

• Normal night feedings: Typically every 2 - 3 hours

• Cluster feeding: Phases of wanting to frequently eat small amounts of breast milk or formula

They’re seeking comfort

• Sleep environment: Too warm or cold

• Diaper: Wet, leaking, or dirty 

• Discomfort: Sickness, reflux

• Self-soothing: Newborns aren’t developmentally capable of consistently self-soothing and often need help falling back to sleep 

Developmental reasons

• Immature circadian rhythms: Sleep-wake cycles are underdeveloped and their bodies haven’t yet established a strong distinction between day and night, leading to sleep being evenly distributed over a 24-hour period

• Growth spurts: These can lead to a temporary uptick in appetite (which often impacts sleep patterns). Babies go through multiple growth spurts during their first year of life, especially during the first few months. Although children won’t all go through growth spurts at the same time, some common ages during the early days are around 2 - 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

Common concerns and myths about infant night wakings

There are some long-standing myths about infant night wakings that you may have heard and worried about. Although these concerns are common, we’re here to reassure you that they’re often not rooted in facts.

Myth #1: You need to get your baby on a sleep schedule ASAP

In reality, newborns tend to have unpredictable sleep patterns and short wake windows, so strict schedules aren’t realistic for the first few months of life. Their nap lengths and timing might also look entirely different from one day to the next, and that’s completely normal. 

Newborn sleep is typically without pattern so babies at this age likely won’t be able to follow a with set nap times. Instead, we recommend keeping an eye on and when determining if your child is ready for a nap. 

Although a consistent sleep schedule is more convenient (and has benefits for older babies), little ones under 6 months usually aren’t ready for this type of schedule because their internal body clocks (aka circadian rhythm) aren’t established enough. Babies won’t settle into a more predictable 24-hour cycle of eating and sleeping until closer to 3 - 4 months. We typically recommend waiting until a baby has transitioned to a 2-nap schedule (by 8 - 9 months) before introducing a set clock-based schedule.

Myth #2: Infants need a consistent bedtime

Just like set nap schedules aren’t realistic for newborns, neither is a consistent bedtime. Nap times, durations, wake windows and hunger will all factor into when your baby goes to bed each night, don’t pressure yourself trying to get them down at the same time each night. 

You’ll also likely hear about , even at this age. But don’t let this advice add any extra stress to your evenings. Instead, remember:

• “Bedtime” is more of a flexible concept than a set reality in the newborn phase, as sleep tends to be evenly distributed between day and night at this age. Families tend to view bedtime as the start of a longer stretch of night sleep, which can vary night to night

• You can work on establishing a consistent with the same pre-sleep rituals — even if your little one isn’t ready for that consistent bedtime just yet. 

• Bedtime — whenever it is — can be simple. Just aim to do the same steps in the same order before bed each night, despite what the clock reads

• It’s common for newborns to have late “bedtimes” (9:00 PM or even later) up until they are around 3 - 4 months old

Myth #3: Your baby should sleep through the night by 3 months (or a predetermined age)

It would be wonderful if there was a universal timeline for baby sleep that all parents could follow (and look forward to). However, that isn’t the case because:

• Sleep needs vary. Every child is different and there’s a range of normal at every age.

• Although most babies are physiologically capable of sleeping through the night without eating by 6 months [], up to 50% of little ones continue to wake overnight. 

• Baby sleep isn’t linear. Bumps or setbacks along the way are expected, meaning that even if your little one is sleeping well, it’s completely normal for them to go through periods where they stop sleeping through the night.

• Sleep training results often vary at 3 and 4 months as babies at this age aren’t able to fully learn the skill of self-soothing throughout the night. It’s normal for babies at 3 months to need a little help falling asleep at bedtime and overnight after waking. 

• Infants have immature circadian rhythms (or internal clocks) which leads to irregular sleep patterns and night wakings. 

Myth #4: You shouldn’t comfort feed your newborn 

It’s a common misconception that feeding for comfort will spoil your infant. Feeding your little one on demand doesn’t create a demanding or spoiled baby []. Instead, responsive feeding provides a sense of comfort, reassurance, and connection between caregiver and baby. 

Myth #5: You should start sleep training in the newborn phase

is the process of teaching your child how to fall asleep independently. The goal is to establish independent self-settling skills so your baby can connect sleep cycles and sleep for longer periods. 

However, it’s normal for newborns to wake frequently during the night and need external help to fall asleep and stay asleep. Newborns have different feeding and sleep patterns compared to older infants and adults. They’re born with an immature circadian rhythm, don’t have the ability to self-soothe yet, and typically require night feedings. So even if you’re eager to through the night, babies this young aren’t developmentally ready for true sleep training. 

However, you can start setting up a healthy sleep foundation by giving your baby regular opportunities to fall asleep on their own when they’re primed for sleep (i.e. they’re fed, comfortable and sleepy). They likely won’t be able to do so every time, but practicing now can have positive results later. 

Can newborns wake for both hunger and comfort?

Babies often seek both comfort and nutrition at night, especially during the early months as they get used to life outside of the womb. Although the reasons for waking may vary from night to night (and even the same night), learning your baby’s cues will help to better understand their late-night needs. Sometimes, your little one might be hungry but also appreciate a dry diaper before falling back to sleep. Other times, it may feel like they don’t know what they want (and neither do you!), so run down the list of likely suspects as you both figure it out together. 

Here’s a simple rundown of ways you can try to decipher if your baby is hungry or looking for snuggles. We’ll explain more below, too. 

How to tell if your newborn is waking from hunger

When infants cry out at night, they can’t tell parents exactly what they want or need (unfortunately!). However, they may give caregivers hints about what’s wrong, especially if they’re hungry. To help decipher if your newborn woke up because they’re hungry, consider: 

Signs of newborn hunger

• Rooting reflex (until 4-6 months old) []

• Lip-smacking

• Sucking on fists

• Showing interest in the breast/bottle

• Crying that’s intense and difficult to settle without feeding

• Intense crying, even if they’re so upset they refuse the breast or bottle (in newborns, the crying phase is a late sign of hunger) []

Duration and timing of waking

• Waking at regular intervals (typically 2 - 4 hours apart) can indicate hunger

• Eating in multiple short, frequent feeding sessions close together (aka cluster feeding) can be due to  a (these are especially common during the first six months and can lead to a temporary uptick in appetite, increased fussiness, and increased night wakings due to hunger []) 

How to tell if your newborn is waking for comfort

Not every baby who wakes during the night is hungry. Some are awake simply because of age-appropriate developmental causes, making it harder for them to stay asleep, while others may simply be uncomfortable. These infants also cry out, attempting to ask for some caregiver help and/or comfort, which is also completely normal, especially during the early months. However, it may be difficult to distinguish when these little ones are crying because they want a late-night snack or just some help falling back to sleep. Although every baby’s hunger cues are different, there are subtle differences and certain signs you may notice when your little one wakes for comfort.

What to do when your newborn wakes at night

Now that you know that infant night wakings are often normal, let’s help you learn how to navigate them — and help prevent more of them when possible.

Feeding Strategies

Be mindful of hunger cues

If your little one is waking up at night, and it’s been 2 or more hours since they last ate, there’s a good chance they’re hungry. If they’re waking sooner than that, and you’re unsure, look out for hunger cues to help decipher whether they woke up out of hunger or if they’re crying instead of sleeping for another reason. By paying attention to hunger cues (including rooting, lip-smacking, sucking on fists, and showing interest in the breast/bottle) and signs of active eating, you can help distinguish whether hunger is behind your child’s night waking. 

Note that not every cry or suck means your baby is hungry. Babies also suck for comfort, and it can be tricky to tell the difference at first. Sometimes, they just need a cuddle or a diaper change.

Try a dream feed

is a strategy commonly used to help babies get in an extra feeding before parents go to bed, potentially extending their longest stretch of overnight sleep (and yours).. These twilight breast or bottle feeding sessions are usually done just before you go to sleep to ideally sync the longest stretch of your little one’s night sleep with your own. For example, if your baby goes to bed at 9 PM, you’d gently wake and offer a feed to your baby before you go to sleep at 11 PM, hoping they will then sleep for a longer period with a full tummy. While this doesn’t extend sleep for all families, it can be a game-changing strategy for others.

Evaluate daytime feedings 

Sometimes, hunger is the main culprit behind disrupted sleep. Although it’s common for newborns to wake every 2 - 3 hours to eat at night, some wake up more frequently due to hunger. Whether your little one is waking up more frequently at night or you think they may be capable of sleeping for longer stretches at night, consider your daytime feeding strategy. 

Ensuring your baby gets enough daytime calories can help support longer stretches of sleep at night. If naps frequently exceed two hours, consider gently waking your baby to allow for sufficient feeding opportunities during the day, which may reduce the need for extra night wakings due to hunger.

Comfort Strategies

Evaluate baby’s sleep space

If your newborn is full, but is fussing instead of snoozing, it may just be because they’re uncomfortable. To help optimize their rest (and yours!) aim for a safe sleep environment that’s conducive to newborn sleep and check:

• The temperature: The ideal temperature for the room where your baby is sleeping is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• How they’re dressed: To keep your baby comfortable and safe, dress them in layers appropriate for the room temperature. Overbundling can lead to overheating, so opt for a swaddle, wearable blanket or an extra layer instead of loose bedding if extra warmth is needed.

• Their diaper: Some infants are more sensitive to a slightly wet diaper (understandably so!) and may wake up uncomfortable, especially if they have a diaper rash.

• The sounds: Consider using , which mimics womb sounds and creates a familiar environment where babies feel secure and calm.

Try different soothing techniques

If your baby needs some extra comfort during the night, feeding isn’t the only way to give it to them. Alternative soothing techniques may also help your little one settle and drift back to sleep. These include:

• (from newborn to around 2 - 3 months of age) []

• Using movement 

• Holding or patting to sleep

• Using physical contact or a parent’s presence

Set realistic expectations

Understand that irregular sleep patterns are normal and developmentally appropriate at this age. Instead of putting additional stress on yourself or worrying that you are doing something wrong, keep in mind that they will improve with time, daytime routines, and the right foundation. Resetting your expectations and understanding what is normal and what isn’t realistic for infant sleep (like they should be able to consistently fall asleep on their own), can help take some of the pressure off. This may not help you feel more rested during those night wakings but it may just help you feel a bit calmer as you navigate them.  

When to seek professional advice for newborn night waking

Whether your baby is hungry or needs some extra cuddles, night wakings are a normal part of child development. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not difficult for parents to navigate, especially when everyone’s exhausted. But you don’t have to endure these tiring times alone. If you’re looking for personalized sleep support, that’s where we come in! Through, you can get personalized sleep analysis and guidance for your child that suits their needs as well as your family’s preferences. 

In some circumstances, excessive night wakings may indicate physical discomfort or an underlying concern (like reflux). Always listen to your gut and ask your little one’s pediatrician about any sleep or feeding concerns. Also, check in about excessive night wakings, especially  if your baby is not []:

• Following their individual growth curve 

• Feeding well

• Easily soothed 

• Urinating normally (typically 2 - 3 wet diapers per 24-hour period for the first few days after birth and then at least 5 - 6 wet diapers per day after the first 5 days of life) []

• Having at least 3 normal bowel movements per day (typically at least 4 stools per 24-hour period by their fourth day)

Takeaway

• Night wakings due to hunger and seeking comfort are often a normal part of child development, especially in the newborn phase and the first six months of life. 

• Frequent night waking is normal for newborns, but understanding the cause — whether it’s hunger, discomfort, or simply wanting extra cuddles — can help. Identifying the reason allows you to try different strategies to encourage longer stretches of sleep.

• Newborn night wakings are often a normal part of child development but in some cases may indicate an underlying medical concern. Consult your child’s pediatrician with any sleep or feeding questions.