Night wakings are a natural part of parenting, especially during the early months. However, these interruptions can be challenging for parents and also affect your baby’s overall well-being. The good news is that there are ways to handle them calmly and effectively. Here are our tips to ensure night wakings don’t become a struggle for either baby or parents.
The Main Causes of Night Wakings
Night wakings happen when your baby is unable to fall back asleep on their own after waking up. Your baby may cry or stand up in their cot to signal discomfort. Here are some common reasons why babies wake up during the night:
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Hunger: Newborns need to feed every 3 to 4 hours, which explains frequent wakings.
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Colic or digestive discomfort: Stomach pains can disturb your baby’s sleep.
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Teething: The pain of emerging teeth can prevent peaceful sleep.
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Need for comfort: Sometimes, babies wake up simply for reassurance.
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External stimuli: A room that’s too bright, a sudden noise, or an uncomfortable temperature can disrupt sleep.
By identifying the specific cause of your baby's night wakings, you can tailor your approach to soothe them more effectively.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
To help your baby fall back asleep more easily after waking, it’s essential to create an environment that supports restful sleep. A calm and peaceful nursery encourages self-soothing—and sometimes, baby will drift off again without your help. Here’s how to create that environment using Hello Hippo’s smart baby gadgets.
Use Soft Lighting with an LED Night Light
If your baby wakes easily or is unsettled during the night, soft lighting can prevent overstimulation and help promote sleep. A gentle glow makes night wakings feel less abrupt and helps your baby settle more quickly.
The Hello Hippo customisable LED night light is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in the nursery. It doesn’t just provide soft, reassuring lighting—it can also be personalised with comforting messages or drawings.
Keeping a night light on in your baby’s room can reduce the impact of night wakings and help your child fall back asleep with minimal disruption. It also lets you care for your baby without needing to switch on a bright main light that might fully wake them.
Ensure Thermal Comfort with a Cherry Stone Heating Pad
Night wakings can also be triggered by colic or a chilly sensation. In these moments, gentle warmth can provide soothing relief. The Hello Hippo cherry stone heating pad with belt is specially designed to offer natural and comforting warmth for your baby.
Simply heat the pad and place it on your baby’s tummy to help ease tension and digestive discomfort. The cherry stones retain heat safely and evenly, creating a calming effect that supports restful sleep. The soft belt keeps the pad in place, ensuring safe and easy use—without the risk of burns or leaks.
Prevent Night Wakings with a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce night wakings. Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps your baby understand when it’s time to sleep and provides a sense of security. Over time, this routine can lead to more peaceful nights.
Bath and Relaxation Before Bed
A warm bath before bed can be a great way to relax your baby. You can also make it fun! The Hello Hippo bath toy with shower function turns bathtime into an interactive play experience, helping your baby unwind while enjoying the water—making it easier to transition to sleep.
Feeding in a Calm Atmosphere
If you feed your baby before bed, do so in a calm, dimly lit space. The Hello Hippo compact bottle warmer is ideal for this step. It features a soft built-in light that lets you warm milk quickly without exposing your baby to bright lighting. This keeps the bedtime atmosphere soothing and helps your baby relax into sleep.
