It’s completely normal for a 6-week-old baby to wake up every 2 hours at night. This is because infants at this age have tiny stomachs and need frequent feedings to meet their nutritional needs. Their sleep patterns are also not fully developed yet, and they haven’t yet learned to consolidate their sleep into longer stretches.
Babies at this age are growing rapidly, both physically and neurologically. They need to eat frequently to gain weight and support their developing brains. Their small stomachs can only hold a small amount of milk, so they need to eat often to get enough nourishment. This is why they wake up every few hours to feed.
Additionally, newborn babies have a very active sleep-wake cycle. They spend a lot of time in light sleep, which means they are more likely to wake up easily. They may also wake up due to discomfort from gas, a wet or dirty diaper, or simply because they miss the warmth and comfort of being in their mother’s womb.
It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and their sleep patterns can vary greatly. Some babies may start sleeping for longer stretches at night earlier than others, while some may continue to wake up frequently for several months. There is a wide range of what is considered normal in terms of sleep patterns for babies.
If you find that your baby is waking up every 2 hours at night and you are feeling exhausted, it can be helpful to establish a nighttime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. This can include activities such as a warm bath, a gentle massage, or reading a bedtime story. Creating a calm and soothing environment in the nursery, such as using a white noise machine or dimming the lights, can also help promote better sleep.
It’s also important to take care of yourself during this time. Accept help from others, take naps when your baby is sleeping, and prioritize self-care whenever possible. Remember that this phase is temporary and your baby’s sleep patterns will eventually mature and regulate.
It is completely normal for a 6-week-old baby to wake up every 2 hours at night. Their small stomachs and developing sleep patterns contribute to their frequent waking. It’s important to be patient, establish a nighttime routine, and prioritize self-care during this time.