@littleonesbabysleep: We've all heard it, our mother-in-laws have all said it... And we're going to disagree with this one 👀 Because while it sounds like perfectly sensible advice (especially when you've spent 45 minutes getting that baby to sleep!), there are actually plenty of situations where waking your baby is exactly the right thing to do. To achieve great naps and consolidated night sleep, the focus needs to be on more than simply how much sleep a baby gets across the day. We're also looking at WHEN that sleep happens. Why? Because the distribution of daytime sleep can have a big impact on how well a baby settles, how long they sleep at each nap, how much they battle at bedtime, and how their nights unfold. For example: A long morning nap can reduce the sleep pressure needed for a long restorative lunchtime nap. A late afternoon nap that runs too long can make bedtime a real battle, cause increased night waking or early morning waking. Too much daytime sleep for your baby's individual needs can contribute to unsettled nights. Waking your baby at a consistent time in the morning is one of the best ways to set and regulate their circadian rhythm, making bedtime in the evening easier. And for young newborns, waking for feeds can be medically important, depending on their age, weight gain and feeding needs. It's about understanding your little one's sleep needs and creating a balanced routine. Tell us: were you ever told NEVER to wake your baby?

Little Ones

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Region: NZ

Monday 09 November 2026 00:15:28 GMT