12/09/2025
Many parents may have different expectations on how their baby should be sleeping at night- especially first-time parents. First, it’s important to know that it is normal for babies to wake at night. During pregnancy babies are lulled to sleep by mothers’ movement and tend to be more active when mom is resting. It takes time to get their wake and sleeping windows aligning with night and daytime. It is normal for newborns to wake frequently at night to eat. Their stomachs are small, and they need to wake frequently to get enough to eat. Sleep schedules also change as baby gets older. They may start to sleep more at night around 6-8 weeks. Again, it is still normal for babies to wake at night. Around 6 months babies may sleep in longer stretches at a time- around 6 hours. Each baby is unique, but if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, talk with your pediatrician. Making sure baby has a safe place to sleep is also important. If you as a caregiver are feeling angry/overwhelmed please reach out to your family, friends, and healthcare provider for help and support. Asking for help shows strength not weakness and that you are wanting to do what’s best for you and your child.
Check out these links for more information on baby sleep and safe sleep:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/default.aspx
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce
https://www.kidsks.org/safe-sleep.html
This information is brought to you by the Leavenworth County Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program which serves income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age five. WIC provides participants with healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other available services. Contact 913-250-2040 for more information about the WIC program.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.