Newborn awake at night: why, and what to do

What's probably happening

Newborns don't have a day-night rhythm until around 6 weeks. Until then, the baby may be alert at night and sleepy during the day. Hormones, light exposure, and in-utero patterns drive this — not anything you've done.

This is a phase, not a pattern. Most babies start showing day-night preference between 6 and 8 weeks.

The baby may not be distressed — wide awake and content at 3am still counts. The work tonight is to keep it boring so the next sleep window can find them.

When to escalate

If you need a break:

• Put the baby on their back in the cot (crib). Step out for 5 minutes. Hand over to a partner if one is in the house.

Get immediate medical care:

• Fever > 38°C in a baby under 3 months.