Is it normal for my baby to wake up every 45 minutes?

Monica Naidu
6 days ago
5 min read

As a parent, one of the most common questions you might find yourself asking is, "Why does my baby wake up every 45 minutes?" If you're experiencing disrupted sleep, you're certainly not alone. It can be frustrating and exhausting to go through sleepless nights, wondering if it's normal, or if there’s something you can do to help your little one sleep better.

Why Does My Baby Wake Up Every 45 Minutes? How a Baby Sleep Consultant Can Help with Sleep Training

In this article, we’ll explore why babies wake up frequently, how sleep cycles work, and how a baby sleep consultant and sleep training techniques can provide relief and better sleep for both you and your baby.

Understanding Baby Sleep Cycles!!

First, it’s important to know that babies have different sleep cycles than adults. In fact, a newborn’s sleep cycle lasts only about 45 minutes, compared to an adult’s sleep cycle, which lasts around 90 minutes. Babies spend more time in lighter sleep, which means they’re more likely to wake up when they transition between cycles.

This is completely normal, especially in the first few months. Newborns are still learning how to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own when they wake up. Some babies may need help from their parents to return to sleep, while others may be able to go back to sleep on their own.

If your baby is waking up every 45 minutes, it may just be a sign that they’re transitioning between sleep cycles and need support. However, if this pattern persists, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed and sleep-deprived, it may be time to consider seeking help from a baby sleep consultant.

Why Do Babies Wake Up So Often?

There are many reasons your baby might wake up frequently, including:

Hunger: Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat every 2-3 hours. They may wake up due to hunger during the night, especially if they haven’t had a full feed before bed.
Sleep Environment: Babies are sensitive to their surroundings. A noisy environment, an uncomfortable temperature, or even an uncomfortable crib mattress can disrupt sleep. Ensuring that your baby’s sleep space is calm, quiet, and conducive to rest can make a big difference.
Discomfort or Illness: Teething, gas, or a stuffy nose can make it difficult for babies to sleep soundly. If your baby seems uncomfortable, check for any signs of illness or discomfort that might be waking them.
Sleep Association: Babies often form associations between certain actions and falling asleep, like being rocked, fed, or held. If your baby is used to being rocked to sleep, they might wake up when they find themselves in a different position, and they may need help getting back to sleep.
Sleep Regression: Around the ages of 4-6 months, many babies experience a sleep regression. This is a phase where their sleep patterns change and they may start waking up more often. While frustrating, sleep regressions are usually temporary.

How a Baby Sleep Consultant Can Help?

If your baby’s waking pattern is taking a toll on you and you’re looking for a solution, consulting a baby sleep consultant might be the answer. A baby sleep consultant is a trained professional who specializes in helping babies (and their parents) develop healthy sleep habits. They can assess your baby’s sleep situation, understand their specific needs, and provide personalized sleep strategies.

A baby sleep consultant will typically offer:

A comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s sleep habits, routine, and environment
Custom sleep plans that may include tips for improving your baby’s sleep space, adjusting feeding times, or implementing healthy bedtime routines
Guidance on sleep training methods that are gentle and effective for your baby’s age and temperament

Many sleep consultants work with parents to ensure that babies are getting enough rest, while also helping to establish healthy sleep associations. This is important because sleep associations, like being rocked to sleep, can make it harder for babies to fall back asleep on their own during the night.

Sleep Training: A Path to Better Sleep

If your baby is consistently waking up every 45 minutes, sleep training could be an effective solution. Sleep training refers to teaching your baby how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, without relying on external sleep associations like being fed or rocked to sleep.

There are several sleep training methods available, and the one that works best for your family will depend on your baby’s age, temperament, and your parenting style. Some popular sleep training techniques include:

Ferber Method (Gradual CIO): This method involves letting your baby cry for progressively longer intervals before comforting them. Over time, this helps babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
Chair Method: In this method, parents gradually decrease their involvement in helping their baby fall asleep by slowly moving further away from the crib each night until their baby can fall asleep independently.
No Tears Method: This approach focuses on comforting your baby without letting them cry. Parents use soothing techniques like patting, shushing, or gentle rocking to help the baby fall asleep on their own.
Pick Up/Put Down Method: In this method, parents pick up their baby when they cry, but only until they calm down, and then put them back in the crib. This cycle continues until the baby learns to fall asleep independently.

Choosing the Right Sleep Training Method for Your Family

Not all sleep training methods are right for every baby or every family. It’s important to take your baby’s temperament into account, as well as your own comfort level with the method you choose. If you’re not sure where to start, working with a baby sleep consultant can help you determine which sleep training method will be most effective and sustainable for your family.

The Benefits of Sleep Training:

The benefits of sleep training are not just for your baby—they extend to the entire family. When your baby learns to fall asleep independently and stay asleep for longer stretches, everyone gets more rest. Some of the key benefits of sleep training include:

Improved Sleep Quality: Babies who sleep through the night or wake up less frequently tend to be better rested, which can lead to better mood and development.
Healthier Sleep Associations: With sleep training, babies learn to fall asleep on their own, reducing the need for sleep props like pacifiers or bottles.
Increased Parent Well-Being: Rested parents are better able to cope with the challenges of parenting, leading to a happier, more relaxed home environment.

Is Sleep Training Right for Your Baby?

While sleep training can be very effective for some babies, it’s important to assess whether it’s the right choice for your little one. Sleep training is generally recommended for babies over six months old, as younger infants need to feed during the night and may not yet be ready to sleep through without help.

It’s also crucial to approach sleep training with patience and flexibility. Some babies may adapt quickly, while others might need more time. If you’re unsure about when to start or which method to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out to a baby sleep consultant for professional guidance.

Need sleep support?

If multiple night wake ups and feeds or distracted daytime feeds are the norm…I have a class for you! My BABY SLEEP PROGRAMS will help through a completely customizable sleep training experience. In just a few weeks, your baby will be getting 11-12 hours of independent night sleep, how to wean overnight feeds, AND you’ll have a plan to navigate any future regressions or bumps in your journey. I’ll also help you set up a daytime routine and nap schedule that fits your family’s lifestyle and values. And you’ll get age-specific guidance to meet your baby right where he or she is developmentally at every stage from now until your baby turns 2.

For personalized support and daily guidance we also offer 1:1 personalized sleep coaching to families from newborn days and work with toddlers up to age 4. We have multiple options that can help you get your baby’s sleep back on track!

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