#asktheexpert
Hi,
My baby is almost 5 months now, she use to sleep for long hours previously like at least 6 hours now she wakes up a lot during night at-least twice then when I feed her she will sleep. Is this common? How can I improve this?

Question

Accepted Answer

It’s quite common for babies around 5 months old to start waking up more frequently at night. This can happen due to several factors, including growth spurts, teething, or developmental changes. Around this age, babies also begin to develop more adult-like sleep cycles, which can cause them to wake up more often.

Here are a few tips to help improve sleep:

1. Establish a bedtime routine: A calming routine (like a warm bath, gentle massage, or soft lullabies) can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.

2. Follow a consistent sleep schedule: Try to put your baby to sleep at the same time each night and keep naps consistent during the day.

3. Create a soothing sleep environment: Make sure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. White noise can also help if outside noises are waking her up.

4. Encourage self-soothing: When she wakes up at night, wait a moment to see if she falls back asleep on her own before picking her up. This can help her learn to self-soothe.

5. Ensure proper feeding during the day: Babies sometimes wake up at night if they haven’t consumed enough during the day. Ensuring she’s getting enough milk or formula throughout the day may reduce night waking due to hunger.

If her sleep patterns continue to change drastically or you notice discomfort, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any medical issues like teething or reflux.

#asktheexpert Hi, My baby is almost 5 months now, she use to sleep for long hours previously like at least 6 hours now she wakes up a lot during night at-least twice then when I feed her she will sleep. Is this common? How can I improve this?