The first night with your baby might have felt surprisingly okay. Your baby slept a lot. You had a few cuddles, maybe a feed or two, and you thought, “Alright, I can do this.”

Then the second night arrived.

And everything changed.

Your baby suddenly seemed unsettled. Fussy. Wide awake. They wanted to feed constantly. They cried every time you put them down. You were sore, exhausted, and wondering what on earth was happening.

Here’s the truth. This is completely normal.

What you’re experiencing is often called “Second Night Syndrome.” It’s not a medical term, but one used by midwives and new parents to describe what happens when a newborn starts to adjust to life outside the womb.

What’s Happening?

In the first 24 hours, babies are usually very sleepy. They are recovering from birth, just like you are.

By night two, they start to “wake up.” They realise things have changed. No more warmth, heartbeat sounds, or constant movement. The outside world is bright, noisy, and unfamiliar. So they seek comfort the only way they know how. They cry. They want to be held. They want to feed again and again.

This is their way of saying, “I need you.”

If you’re breastfeeding, this cluster feeding helps bring your milk in. If you’re bottle feeding, the closeness still gives them the comfort and connection they are craving.

What Can Help?

• Keep them close. Skin-to-skin cuddles help calm your baby, regulate their breathing and temperature, and reassure them that they are safe.

• Feed on demand. Even if they just fed, it’s okay to offer another feed. It’s not always about hunger. Sometimes it’s about comfort.

• Take turns if you can. If you have a partner or support person, share the settling and cuddling so you can each get a little rest.

• Ask for help. If you’re in hospital, let the midwives know you’re struggling. If you’re at home, call on a friend or family member you trust.

This night can feel never ending, but it does pass.

You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re both learning. You’re both adjusting.

You’re doing a really good job.