
It is very common for newborns to fall asleep while feeding, especially after a good feed when they are feeling full and satisfied. This is partly due to the release of the hormone cholecystokinin, which is triggered when a baby suckles and promotes sleepiness.
However, if your baby is falling asleep while feeding, you may want to try some tactics to wake them up and keep them awake, such as skin-to-skin contact, tickling their feet, changing their nappy, or switching to the other breast.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Commonality | It is common for babies to fall asleep while feeding, especially while nursing. |
Hormones | Hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and oxytocin are released while nursing, promoting sleepiness and feelings of security. |
Improper latch | An improper latch can cause the flow of milk to be too slow to keep the baby awake. |
Full feedings | Full feedings help the baby get adequate calories during the day, allowing for more consolidated night sleep. |
Sleep pressure | When babies fall asleep during feeding, they may struggle with sleep pressure and connecting sleep cycles, resulting in shorter naps and trouble staying asleep at night. |
Association with sleep | Consistently nursing the baby to sleep can create an association between breastfeeding and sleep, which may become a challenge when trying to encourage independent sleep. |
Weight gain | Falling asleep while nursing may indicate difficulty with feeding and potential weight gain issues. |
Stimulation | Techniques such as skin-to-skin contact, tickling the baby's feet, changing diapers, and gentle stimulation can help keep the baby awake during feeding. |
What You'll Learn
The pros and cons of letting your newborn fall asleep while feeding
It is very common for babies to fall asleep while feeding, especially in the first few weeks of their life. This is because they are adjusting to life outside the womb and this can be tiring. In addition, breastfeeding releases hormones that promote sleepiness and relaxation in babies.
The pros of letting your newborn fall asleep while feeding
If your baby is falling asleep while feeding and you are all thriving, then there is no need to worry. It is important to trust your instincts and do what works for you and your baby.
The cons of letting your newborn fall asleep while feeding
However, there are a few reasons why it might be helpful to keep your baby awake during feedings:
- When your baby stays awake during a feeding, it promotes a full feeding. Full feedings help your baby get adequate daytime calories, which allows for more consolidated night sleep.
- Staying awake at the breast or bottle helps with sleep pressure. When babies doze off during feeding, that little nap steals from their tired tank and makes it harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- When babies are able to fall asleep on their own, they’re often able to get more restful sleep. On the other hand, babies who fall asleep while eating often struggle to connect sleep cycles, which means they take shorter naps and have trouble staying asleep at night. They often wake up between sleep cycles and want a feeding to return to sleep.
- If your baby is frequently falling asleep during nursing, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough milk.
- Nursing your baby to sleep consistently and over time can potentially build an association (and dependency) between breastfeeding and sleep. Later, when you might want to encourage your child to fall asleep on their own, this previous association could present a challenge.
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How to keep your newborn awake during feeding
It is very common for babies to fall asleep while feeding, especially while nursing. This is because breastfeeding encourages the release of "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin and cholecystokinin, which promote restfulness and feelings of security and safety. Additionally, newborns need a lot of sleep and nutrition to support their growth and development, so sleepiness during feeding is to be expected.
However, there are several reasons why you may want to keep your baby awake during feeding:
- To promote a full feeding, ensuring your baby gets adequate daytime calories and allowing for more consolidated night sleep.
- To help your baby fall asleep on their own, without needing to be fed to sleep.
Understand your baby's sleep and eating patterns
Observe your baby and keep track of their natural biological patterns of sleep and hunger. Once you know these patterns, feed your baby at the times they are most awake, either right after waking up or well before they are ready to sleep again. Newborns can generally only stay awake for 45 to 90 minutes at a time, so keep this in mind when planning feeding times.
Create an environment for eating, not sleeping
- Feed your baby in a lighted room—darkness signals to their body that it's time to sleep.
- Keep the room cool and your baby unwrapped. Newborns may associate warmth and swaddling with sleep, so exposing their chest and feet to the air can help keep them awake.
- Play music or sing and talk to your baby during feeding. While the environment should be calm, some noise and stimulation can help keep your baby engaged and awake.
Keep your baby stimulated
- Try changing your baby's diaper or undressing them before feeding.
- Rub your baby's back, or run your finger across their cheek and chin.
- If your baby is being breastfed, try doing breast compressions to increase the flow of milk and help keep your baby awake.
- If your baby is bottle-feeding, try a different nipple size or shape to ensure they are getting enough milk.
- Ensure your baby has a proper latch. A shallow or poor latch may prevent your baby from getting enough milk and make them sleepier.
- Offer a feeding at the beginning of a wake window when your baby is most alert.
- Talk to your baby or let them play with a small rattle or crinkle toy during feeding.
Remember, it is important to follow your baby's lead and do what works best for you and your family. If your baby is gaining weight and meeting their development goals, there is no need to worry if they fall asleep during feeding. However, if you are concerned about your baby's sleepiness or weight gain, be sure to contact your paediatrician or a lactation consultant for advice.
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Why newborns fall asleep while feeding
It is extremely common and normal for newborns to fall asleep while feeding. This is especially true for babies who had a challenging labour or delivery, as they adjust to life outside the womb.
- Hormones released during nursing: Breastmilk includes hormones that promote relaxation and sleepiness in babies, such as oxytocin and cholecystokinin.
- Improper latch: When a baby doesn't latch properly, the flow of milk might be too slow to keep them awake.
- Comfort and closeness: Snuggling with a baby while they eat can make them feel comfortable and sleepy. Skin-to-skin contact during feeding can also encourage sleepiness in newborns.
- Sleep association: The baby may associate feeding with sleep, especially if they are fed in a dark room with a sound machine or other sleep cues.
- Full tummy: A full tummy makes babies tired, and falling asleep is a natural reaction.
- Sleepy babies: Newborns can be very sleepy in their first few weeks of life as they adjust to life outside the womb. They may also have their days and nights mixed up, causing them to sleep a lot during the day when they are typically fed.
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How to ensure your newborn is getting enough milk while feeding
It's very common for newborns to fall asleep while feeding, especially if they've had a challenging birth or labour. This is often nothing to worry about, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your baby is getting enough milk while feeding.
Firstly, look out for the following signs that your baby is getting enough milk:
- They are feeding regularly, around 8-12 times every 24 hours in the first two months.
- They are swallowing during feeding. You should be able to see their jaw moving and hear them swallowing.
- They seem content and happy after feeding.
- Your breasts feel softer after feeding.
- They are gaining weight as expected.
- You are changing a lot of wet and dirty nappies.
If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, there are some things you can try:
- Keep your baby stimulated during feeding. Try undressing them or changing their nappy, keeping the room cool, rubbing their back, or running your finger across their cheek and chin.
- Try skin-to-skin contact during feeding.
- Check your baby's latch. You should be comfortable, without any pain, and your baby's chest should be resting against your body. You should also be able to see their lips turn outward and watch and hear them swallowing.
- Try breast compressions if you are breastfeeding. This can help increase the flow of milk and keep your baby awake.
- Don't restrict or schedule feedings. Feed your baby whenever they seem hungry and follow their cues.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding.
- Get plenty of rest yourself, eat a healthy diet, and drink enough fluids.
If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, it is important to contact a healthcare professional for advice.
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How to help your newborn fall asleep independently
It is very common and normal for young babies to fall asleep while nursing. However, if you want to encourage your baby to fall asleep independently, there are some strategies you can try.
Firstly, understand your baby's sleep and eating patterns. Newborns sleep between 9 and 12 hours during the night and nap between 2 and 5 hours during the day. At 2 months, they take between two and four naps a day, and by 12 months, this reduces to one or two naps.
To help your baby fall asleep independently, it's important to keep them stimulated during feeding. Try undressing them or changing their diaper. You can also try skin-to-skin contact, which encourages sucking and helps keep your baby awake. Keep the lights on during feeding, and if your baby is bottle-feeding, try a different nipple size or shape.
If your baby is breastfeeding, you can try doing breast compressions to increase milk flow and keep them awake. You can also switch breasts, as the faster flow of the previously unused breast may help keep them awake. Ensure your baby has a proper latch, as a shallow or poor latch may prevent them from getting enough milk and cause them to become sleepier.
In between naps, make sure your baby gets plenty of physical activity, such as crawling, cruising, bouncing, and laughing. When it's time for bed, put your baby in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake. This will help them learn to fall asleep without you and encourage them to fall asleep independently.
Be patient, as it can take several weeks or even months for your baby to learn to fall asleep on their own. With consistent practice, they will eventually get the hang of putting themselves to sleep.
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