Is it normal for my baby to wake frequently at night?
1 min read Published 3 Jun 2026
By Georgia Hayward, Certified Infant & Toddler Sleep CoachIn short: YES!
Frequent night waking is very common in babies and young children.
Babies experience shorter sleep cycles than adults and spend more time in lighter stages of sleep, making them more likely to wake between cycles. Many babies will briefly wake several times a night, just as adults do. The difference is that they often need support to settle back to sleep.
Night waking can happen for many reasons, including hunger, discomfort, teething, illness, developmental milestones, changes in routine or simply seeking comfort and reassurance from their caregivers.
When to Look Closer
While frequent waking is often normal, it can sometimes be a sign that something else is affecting sleep. If your child is waking very frequently, struggling to settle, or sleep has suddenly deteriorated, it may be worth considering factors such as their overall sleep across a 24-hour period, sleep environment, feeding patterns, or any underlying medical concerns.
Normal Doesn't Mean Unchangeable
As parents, we are often told that frequent waking is something we simply have to wait out. While waking is normal, it doesn't mean there aren't ways to improve sleep. Understanding why your child is waking is often the first step towards helping everyone get more rest.
I offer two packages depending on your child's age: Newborn Essentials (£100, 0-12 weeks) and the Signature 1:1 Sleep Plan (£300, 5 months-4 years).
Quote PARENTBOOST when you get in touch at info@tenderlovingsleep.com to receive 15% off either package. Not sure which is right for you? Just drop me a message. Find me on Instagram @tenderlovingsleep.
This article is published by ParentBoost. It was written or reviewed for ParentBoost by the contributor below and edited by our team. It is general information for parents, not individual professional advice.
Georgia Hayward
Certified Infant & Toddler Sleep Coach
Hi, I'm Georgia. Based in Sussex, I am an OCN-certified Infant and Toddler Sleep Coach and NHS Midwife. I've spent over nine years working closely with parents and young children, giving me a real understanding of the challenges that come with early childhood, especially when it comes to sleep. Having experienced sleep deprivation first-hand as a mum, I now provide gentle, evidence-based sleep support tailored to your child's needs through my service, Tender Loving Sleep.
This article is general guidance for parents and carers, not medical, health, legal or other professional advice. Every child is different. If you're worried about your child's health or development, talk to your GP, health visitor or another suitable professional. In an emergency, call 999. For urgent advice, call NHS 111.
