Do I need to wake my baby?

Some babies sleep more than others. Sometimes, you might need to wake your newborn for a feed. In the early days, your breasts can feel very full if your baby hasn’t fed for a while. 

It’s okay to wake your baby for a feed—some babies will even feed while still a bit sleepy. 

• Take off a layer of clothing or undress your baby.
• Change their nappy.
• Hold your baby skin-to-skin, gently rub their back, feet or hands.
• Hold your baby facing you and talk softly.
• Gently stroke or blow on their face.
• Stay in a dimly lit room so your baby feels comfortable opening their eyes.
• Try a more upright feeding position.
• Hand express a little breastmilk onto your baby’s face near their mouth.

Newborns often fall asleep during feeds. Here are some ways to help them keep feeding:

• Switch breasts when your baby’s sucking slows or they get sleepy.  
• Take your baby off, wake them gently and offer the other side.
• Gently rubbing the palm of your baby’s hand can trigger the Babkin reflex. This helps them open their mouth and may encourage them to start sucking again.
• Breast compressions can help your baby get more milk at the breast. When their sucking slows or stops, compressions increase the flow of breastmilk and encourage your baby to suck and swallow. 

Watch for signs your baby is getting enough milk: lots of wet nappies, regular poos and increasing alertness. Some babies are very sleepy for medical reasons like jaundice, infection or heart problems. Sometimes pain relief medications used during the birth is still having an affect. If you’re worried about your baby's behaviour, check with your doctor.  

© Australian Breastfeeding Association October 2025