Common Sleep Problems

In the first few months after birth, it's common for babies to wake up at least once in the night and many wake up two or three times.

Lack of sleep is one of the hardest things to cope with when you have a baby, but take heart as it does improve at around 4 to 6 months of age.

Babies usually wake up for one of the following reasons:

Temperature
When you child cries in the night, feel his neck or tummy to check he is not too hot or cold.

Soiled Nappy
If your child's nappy is soiled offer him a feed before changing him.

Make sure disposable nappies have stay dry liners as they help to keep the baby drier for longer. These special liners are also available for non-disposable nappies.

Hunger
Few babies sleep straight through the night during the first few months without a feed and many still wake up at the age of one.

As your baby grows older, he'll need a feed less often during the day and night. Once your child has been weaned onto solids (usually from 6 months onwards) you can gradually drop the night feeds.

Until then, make sure you have a quick, efficient routine for when your baby wakes at night.