How to Keep Baby Awake for Feedings
“My baby can’t stay awake for feedings, and therefore ends up snacking all day. What can I do?”
If your baby will only go to sleep for the night if they are nursed/fed to sleep, this is very common in those early weeks. Part of the sleep training process is working on separating eating and sleeping so your baby can fall asleep independently.
If you’re pregnant or have a newborn, I highly recommend making this a habit from the very beginning (see my First Four Weeks Guide for more tips on that). Eating and sleeping are two totally different things, but let’s talk about HOW you can break it up for a newborn.
Newborn: Separating Eating and Sleeping
A few things you can do to help your baby wake up and take a full feed:
Unswaddle
Change diaper
Rub feet/legs/arms/hands
Rub baby’s jaw line — this promotes sucking.
If all else fails, let baby sleep and try again at the next feed
Remember, keeping baby awake during feedings not only helps them get a full tummy, but it also gives them the chance to fall asleep independently — without being nursed/fed to sleep.