Tips for Waking Up Your Newborn for Nursing

The adage "never wake a sleeping baby" does not always apply during the newborn stage, especially when it's time for your little one to nurse. During those first few weeks of your newborn's life, your focus is nourishing her so that she can grow and thrive. A typical newborn should nurse every 2 to 3 hours around the clock, which results in 8 to 12 feedings a day, some of which might fall during naptime or bedtime. Discover how to awaken your newborn to promote a healthy breastfeeding relationship.

  1. Remove Blankets and Clothing

    • If your newborn is tightly swaddled and comfortable, he might be less likely to wake up. While swaddling is an excellent way to soothe your baby when it is time to sleep, it can inhibit nursing if it is time for a feeding. Remove the swaddle to try to wake your baby. If that doesn't do the trick, undress him, removing his sleeper to arouse him. If your little one remains asleep, you can even remove the diaper to wake him.

    Create a Soothing Environment

    • Harsh lights might make it challenging for your newborn to keep her eyes open; she will instinctively want to keep them closed to avoid the light. Dim the lights before you start to wake her so that she has a soothing environment. Turn on soft music, which might be enough to jolt her out of her deep sleep and awaken her just long enough for you to latch her on for another feeding.

    Touch

    • Your touch might be enough to arouse your sleeping newborn for a feeding. Gently stroke his cheek or arm to stimulate him and get him moving. Try rubbing his feet as another tactic to wake him up. Gently lift him up, putting your hands around his head and bringing him into a vertical position. You may even choose to rub gently your baby's face with a wet washcloth to arouse him for a nursing session.

    Nurse Him Awake

    • If traditional methods of arousing your little one do not work, try using your colostrum or milk to awaken your newborn. Lift her out of her crib or bassinet, and place her in a comfortable nursing position for you both. Then, try to encourage her to latch on -- something that she might naturally do, even in her sleep. Once she starts sucking and gets a taste of colostrum or milk, your baby might be awake and ready to eat.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Is It Safe To Wear A Bra During Breastfeeding?
      IN THIS ARTICLEIs It Safe To Wear An Underwired Bra When Breastfeeding?Can You Wear A Regular Bra During Breastfeeding?Why Are Nursing Bras Different Than The Regular Bras?When Should You Start Using A Nursing Bra?Should You Sleep With A Bra On While
    • Can I Drink Wine While Breastfeeding?
      If you have been holding off on wine through nine months of pregnancy, you may be looking forward to the day when you can once again sip a glass of red with your dinner. But if you are breastfeeding, you may be wondering if its OK to drink wine.
    • How to Nurse on an Airplane
      Nursing an infant on an airplane presents its own unique set of challenges. Especially if your baby’s car seat is in the window seat, you are in the middle seat, and a complete stranger is on the aisle encroaching on your shared armrest (which, as yo