Is Your 6-Month-Old Waking Every Hour? Gentle Sleep Tips from a Baby Sleep Consultant

🌙 Is Your 6-Month-Old Waking Every Hour? Here’s What Might Be Going On

If your 6-month-old is suddenly waking every hour at night, you’re definitely not alone — and I promise, there’s nothing “wrong” with you or your baby. As a mum of four (including twins!) and a sleep consultant who’s supported many families, I know just how exhausting this stage can be.

At six months, baby sleep can change dramatically. Many parents find that just when things were finally getting easier, night waking suddenly ramps up again. Let’s look at why this happens, what’s normal, and some gentle ways to start improving sleep for everyone.

💤 Why 6-Month-Olds Often Wake Frequently

There are several common reasons your baby might be waking every hour around this age:

1. Developmental Leaps

Around six months, babies are busy learning new skills — rolling, babbling, sitting — and all that brain activity can disrupt sleep. Their little brains are processing so much that nighttime can feel like an extension of their practice time!

2. Sleep Cycles Are Maturing

By six months, babies experience more adult-like sleep cycles, which means they wake briefly between stages. Some babies can settle themselves back to sleep; others need help every time they surface — leading to frequent waking.

3. Sleep Associations

If your baby falls asleep with lots of help (rocking, feeding, dummy, etc.), they may expect that same help each time they stir. This is completely normal, but it’s often the root of hourly wake-ups.

4. Growth Spurts or Hunger

At this age, babies can usually manage longer stretches without milk, but some still need a feed or two overnight. Growth spurts and increased activity can temporarily cause more night waking for extra calories.

5. Teething or Discomfort

Teething can start around this time, and even mild discomfort can make it harder for babies to link sleep cycles.

(You can read more about teething signs and comfort tips on the NHS )

💗 Gentle Tips to Help Your Baby (and You!) Sleep Better

If you’re ready to make some gentle changes, here are a few supportive steps to start with — no “cry it out” required:

🌙 1. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Babies love predictability. A short, calm bedtime routine (bath, massage, feed, cuddle, lullaby) signals to their body that sleep is coming. Try to keep the timing consistent each evening.

🌙 2. Encourage Daytime Feeds

Make sure your little one is getting plenty of milk or solids (if you’ve started weaning) during the day. This can help reduce unnecessary night waking from hunger.

(You can find safe weaning advice from the NHS)

🌙 3. Focus on the Sleep Environment

Keep the room dark, calm, and around 16–20°C. The Lullaby Trust has excellent guidance on creating a safe and comfortable sleep space.

🌙 4. Give Your Baby a Chance to Resettle

When they stir, try pausing for a moment before rushing in. Sometimes babies just need a minute to resettle on their own.

🌙 5. Offer Comfort, Not Confusion

If you’re ready to make changes, do so gently and consistently. Mixed messages (sometimes feeding to sleep, sometimes not) can confuse your baby — consistency helps them feel secure.

🌿 When to Seek Extra Support

If your 6-month-old is waking every hour for more than a few weeks, it may be time for some personalised guidance. Every baby is different — their temperament, feeding patterns, and family routines all play a part.

As an experienced baby and toddler sleep consultant (and mum who’s been there!), I offer one-to-one support to help your baby sleep more soundly — with loving and kind methods.

You don’t have to keep muddling through sleepless nights. Together, we can gently guide your baby toward more peaceful, predictable sleep.

👉 Ready to chat? Book a free 20-minute call here https://calendly.com/ami-uts/20mins

❤️ Final Thoughts

If your 6-month-old is waking every hour, remember: you’re not doing anything wrong. This stage is temporary, and with the right support, your baby can learn to sleep longer stretches — and so can you.

You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t feel like it at 2 a.m. 💕