Should You Wake a Newborn to Eat?

When welcoming a newborn into your life, one of the most common questions new parents face is whether they should wake their baby to feed. Feeding routines, especially in the first few weeks, are critical to your baby’s growth and development. But when your newborn is sleeping soundly, the idea of waking them may feel counterintuitive. So, should you wake a newborn to eat, or let them sleep?

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine whether waking a newborn for feeds is necessary, when it’s best to do so, and how you can develop a feeding plan that supports both your baby’s health and your family’s wellbeing. We’ll also look at how antenatal advice and support can play a key role in preparing for your newborn’s feeding needs.

Why Feeding is Crucial for Newborns

Newborns grow rapidly in the first few weeks of life, and regular feeding ensures they get the nutrition they need for healthy development. Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat frequently—typically every 2 to 3 hours, or about 8 to 12 times a day. This frequent feeding schedule supports the development of vital organs, strengthens their immune system, and helps with weight gain, which is particularly important for low-birthweight babies.

Breast milk or formula provides essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and vitamins. According to the NHS, babies lose about 5-10% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth but should regain this within the first two weeks. Frequent feeding helps ensure they gain weight steadily, which is an important indicator of healthy development. More information about the benefits of frequent feeding can be found on the NHS website.

For parents, learning about newborn feeding during antenatal appointments is an essential part of pregnancy care, and it helps build confidence in recognising when a baby needs to eat.

When You Should Wake a Newborn to Feed

In certain circumstances, waking your newborn to feed is necessary to support their health. Here are key instances where waking your baby for feeding is recommended:

1. Underweight or Premature Babies

Babies born underweight or prematurely often need extra care to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition. If your baby is small for gestational age or has a low birth weight, your healthcare provider may advise you to wake them regularly for feeds. Newborns in these categories may have lower energy reserves, making it more difficult for them to wake up on their own for feeds.

Consistently waking your baby to eat helps ensure they are getting enough calories to grow. Parents of premature or underweight babies should consult their antenatal clinic for advice on feeding schedules and weight monitoring.

2. Jaundice or Health Conditions

Newborn jaundice is a common condition in which the baby’s skin appears yellow due to an excess of bilirubin. Jaundiced babies may be sleepier than usual, which can lead to missed feedings. Ensuring frequent feedings, whether by waking the baby or encouraging more alert feeding times, helps flush bilirubin out of the system, preventing complications.

Certain health conditions, such as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), may also require more frequent feeding. Babies with this condition need regular nutrition to keep their blood sugar stable, which can be critical to their health. For more details, visit the NHS guide on jaundice and consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

3. First Few Weeks After Birth

In the first two weeks after birth, many healthcare providers recommend waking newborns to eat every 2 to 3 hours, especially if they haven’t yet returned to their birth weight. After this period, if your baby is gaining weight well and appears healthy, you may be able to let them sleep for longer stretches between feeds, based on advice from your doctor or midwife.

How Long Should You Wake a Newborn to Feed?

While it is important to wake a newborn for feeds in the early weeks, once they have regained their birth weight and are steadily gaining weight, most babies will begin to regulate their own feeding schedules. By around two weeks of age, many babies will wake up on their own when they are hungry.

If you’ve had a low-birthweight baby or are concerned about feeding, continue to discuss your baby’s progress during antenatal checkups. Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s weight and feeding habits, offering guidance on when it is safe to allow longer stretches of sleep.

Signs Your Newborn is Hungry

Sometimes, parents may struggle to interpret their newborn’s signals, especially if they are unsure when to feed them. Newborns have subtle cues that indicate when they are hungry. Rather than waiting for your baby to cry, look for early hunger signs such as:

Rooting: Turning their head and opening their mouth when their cheek is stroked.

Sucking on their hands or fingers.

Lip-smacking or making sucking sounds.

Increased alertness or movement.

Responding to these early signs of hunger can help establish a smooth feeding routine and avoid the need to wake your baby.

Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding: Does It Affect Whether to Wake a Newborn?

Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding can impact your decision on waking your baby for feeds. Breastfed babies typically need to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies because breast milk is digested more quickly. For breastfed babies, waking for feeds every 2 to 3 hours in the first few weeks is often necessary.

For formula-fed babies, who may stay fuller for longer, the gap between feedings may extend slightly. However, waking for feeds is still recommended in the early days to establish a good feeding routine and ensure the baby is gaining weight appropriately.

Discuss your feeding preferences and routines with a healthcare provider during antenatal education sessions, where they can offer support tailored to your baby’s needs.

How Antenatal Education Helps with Newborn Feeding

During antenatal classes, new parents are introduced to newborn care topics, including feeding. These classes help parents feel more confident about understanding their baby’s feeding cues, knowing how often to feed, and learning what to do if their baby seems disinterested in eating.

Many antenatal clinics also provide information about breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and what to expect in the first few days. Understanding the basics of newborn feeding before your baby arrives makes it easier to establish a feeding routine that works for your family.

Attending antenatal classes near me can also connect you with other parents-to-be, who are often navigating similar questions about feeding, sleep, and newborn care. These sessions provide a community of support and valuable insights into newborn health.

When Not to Wake a Newborn to Eat

While it is important to wake newborns for feeds in the early weeks, there are circumstances where you can allow your baby to sleep uninterrupted, particularly if they are gaining weight and feeding well. Here are some examples:

After the first few weeks: If your baby is gaining weight steadily and has no health conditions, you may not need to wake them for feeds as frequently.

Night feeds: As your baby grows, they may be able to go longer stretches at night without needing to eat. This typically happens after the first month, but it depends on the baby’s weight gain and overall health.

It’s important to follow your baby’s cues and continue to seek advice from your healthcare provider. Babies will usually let you know when they are ready to eat, but always consult with a doctor if you have concerns about your newborn’s weight or feeding habits.

Supporting Your Baby’s Development

Feeding your baby frequently in the early days helps promote healthy growth, supports brain development, and ensures they are gaining weight as they should. Balancing sleep and feeding may seem challenging at first, but establishing a regular feeding routine helps lay the foundation for your baby’s overall development.

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your antenatal care providers, who can offer advice tailored to your baby’s needs. From understanding hunger cues to knowing when it’s safe to let your baby sleep through the night, regular check-ins with healthcare professionals can help new parents navigate feeding with confidence.