How do I wake a sleepy newborn who falls asleep at the breast or won't feed at night?

The community stresses that feeding well is essential for weight gain, so wake a sleepy newborn using gentle stimulation — tickling feet, rubbing behind the ears, undressing or unswaddling, and diaper changes — and don't let a newborn go more than about 2-3 hours without feeding unless the doctor says the baby's weight allows on-demand sleeping.

Community Answers from Moms(5)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

1. 1

   Wake a sleepy baby to feed using: tickling the feet, rubbing behind the ears, opening the mouth gently, removing the swaddle or a layer of clothing, or changing the diaper before a feed.

2. 2

   It's a task but important: don't let a newborn sleep through feeds, as feeding well drives weight gain. One mom let her baby sleep as much as it wanted and the baby lost weight, which was a mistake.

3. 3

   For very long night gaps (4-5 hours) in the first weeks, watch weight gain and wet diapers (6-7+). If both are on track it can be okay, but if weight is on the lower side you should wake the baby to feed. Some doctors only allow on-demand sleeping once the baby's weight is reassuring.

4. 4

   If a baby falls asleep after just a few minutes, try giving 5-10 minutes of playtime after they wake from a nap, then feed, or feed as soon as they wake. Pumping can help if it lets you get milk into them.

5. 5

   Note: it's normal for breastfed babies not to pass stool for several days (even up to 5-10 days) as long as they aren't uncomfortable, so don't confuse that with a feeding problem.