Should I wake a sleeping baby to feed?

It depends mostly on your baby’s age, weight gain, and health.

• Newborns, especially in the first couple of weeks: They often need to be fed frequently, and many parents are told to wake them if they sleep for a long stretch. Your pediatrician can tell you what schedule is right for your baby.
• Healthy babies who are feeding well and gaining weight: You usually do not need to wake them just to feed. Let them sleep unless your pediatrician has given different instructions.
• If your baby was premature, underweight, jaundiced, or has a medical issue: Follow the feeding plan your pediatrician recommends.

A practical sign that a baby is getting enough milk is having regular wet diapers and appropriate weight gain, but exact diaper counts and feeding intervals can vary by age, feeding method, and your baby’s situation. If you’re unsure—especially with a newborn—check with your pediatrician before letting longer sleep stretches go unattended.