Why It Happens and What Can Help
If your baby is waking frequently throughout the night, you’re not alone. Just when you might feel that sleep is becoming more predictable, your baby may suddenly start waking every couple of hours, needing help to settle back to sleep.
Frequent night wakings are not uncommon, but that doesn’t make them any less exhausting for parents.
The good news is that understanding what may be contributing to your baby’s night wakings can help you work towards more settled nights. From changing sleep patterns and daytime naps to feeding needs and settling habits, there are several factors worth exploring.
Is It Normal for a 6–12-Month-Old to Wake Frequently at Night?
Babies naturally move between different stages of sleep throughout the night. Some babies briefly wake between sleep cycles and settle again independently, while others need a little help from a parent.
Sleep patterns are continuing to mature. Your baby may also be experiencing developmental changes, becoming more aware of their surroundings, learning new skills, or adjusting to changes in feeding and daytime sleep.
Some babies will begin sleeping for longer stretches, while others will continue to wake regularly.
Rather than focusing only on how many times your baby wakes, it can be helpful to look at the bigger picture: how your baby settles, how they sleep during the day, whether they are feeding well, and how they seem when awake.
Reasons Your 6–12-Month-Old May Be Waking Every 2 Hours
If your baby wakes every two hours overnight, there may be several contributing factors. Often, it is a combination of things rather than one single cause.
1. Changing Sleep Cycles
As babies grow, their sleep patterns change. They move through lighter and deeper stages of sleep, and brief awakenings can happen naturally.
If your baby relies on a particular type of help to fall asleep, they may look for that same support when they wake overnight.
For example, if your baby usually falls asleep while being rocked or fed, they may need similar support to settle again after waking.
This does not mean you have done anything wrong. It simply provides an opportunity to explore which settling approaches work best for your baby and family.
2. Daytime Naps and Sleep Timing
Daytime sleep plays an important role in overnight sleep.
If your baby has had too little daytime sleep, they may become overtired and find it harder to settle comfortably. On the other hand, some babies may need adjustments to their nap timing or the amount of daytime sleep they are getting.
A consistent bedtime routine can also help your baby recognise that it is time to wind down.
3. Hunger and Feeding Needs
Some 6 – 8 month-old babies still need overnight feeds, and waking to feed can be completely normal.
Your baby's feeding needs will depend on factors such as their growth, milk intake, development and individual circumstances. Frequent waking should not automatically be interpreted as a sign that your baby needs night feeds.
The goal is to support healthy growth and feeding while exploring other possible reasons for disrupted sleep.
4. Developmental Changes
Babies are learning and practising new skills. Rolling, reaching, becoming more socially aware and responding to their environment can all coincide with changes in sleep.
You might notice that your baby is more active in the cot, more difficult to settle at bedtime, or more likely to wake and seek reassurance.
These changes are often temporary, although the timing and duration vary from baby to baby.
Keeping bedtime familiar and responding calmly to your baby can help provide reassurance while they navigate new developmental stages.
What Can You Do to Help Your 6-Month-Old Sleep Better?
If frequent night waking is becoming exhausting, start with a few manageable steps rather than trying to change everything at once.
1. Establish a Predictable Bedtime Routine
A familiar bedtime routine can help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.
You might include a feed, a nappy change, a short story, gentle cuddles and a quiet goodnight. Keep the routine simple and repeat it in a similar order each evening.
A predictable routine can provide reassuring cues without needing to follow an exact timetable.
2. Review Your Baby's Daytime Sleep
Take a look at your baby's naps, wake times and bedtime over several days.
Does my baby seem overtired by bedtime?
Are naps regularly interrupted or difficult to achieve?
Is bedtime becoming increasingly difficult?
Does my baby seem rested and comfortable during awake periods?
A short sleep diary can help you identify patterns. Remember that wake windows and nap needs are guidelines, not rules that every baby must follow.
3. Create a Calm, Consistent Sleep Environment
Aim for a dark, quiet and comfortable sleep space.
For every sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved cot or bassinet. Keep the sleep space free of pillows, loose blankets, soft toys, positioners and other loose items.
Avoid overheating and follow current safe-sleep recommendations for your location. If your baby can roll, continue placing them on their back initially and follow safe-sleep guidance regarding rolling and swaddling.
A consistent environment can help make bedtime and overnight settling more predictable.
4. Look at How Your Baby Falls Asleep
Consider how your baby usually falls asleep at bedtime and how they are settled after overnight waking.
If your baby needs the same assistance every time, you might explore whether a change to their settling routine could help.
For some families, this may involve introducing a little more opportunity for the baby to settle in their cot while a parent remains nearby and provides reassurance.
5. Keep Overnight Interactions Calm
Keep lighting low and interactions quiet when appropriate, while responding to feeding and comfort needs.
Not every waking requires the same response, and it is fine to feed or comfort your baby when needed.
6. Get Support if You're Stuck
If you've tried adjusting routines and still feel unsure why your baby is waking so often, individualised sleep consultations may help.
As a baby sleep consultant, I can help you review your baby's sleep patterns, daytime routine, settling approach and family circumstances to identify practical options.
Choose support that respects your baby's developmental needs, feeding requirements, safe-sleep practices and your family's parenting preferences.
When should I get help for my baby's frequent night waking?
Consider seeking support if waking is persistent, affecting family wellbeing, or leaving you unsure what to try next. As a healthcare professional I can help assess possible medical or feeding concerns, while as a qualified baby sleep consultant can help you review routines and settling strategies.
Helping Your Baby Move Towards More Settled Nights
If you would like support to understand your baby's sleep and explore a practical plan for your family, we're here to help.
Book your free 15-minute sleep consultation to discuss your baby's frequent night waking and discover which support options may be appropriate for your family.
A few small, considered changes can be a helpful starting point towards more manageable nights and greater confidence around your baby's sleep.
