Second Night Syndrome – What It Is and How to Get Through It

You’ve done it—you’ve given birth to your baby. Whether your labour was long, quick, straightforward or complicated, you've crossed that massive threshold and now you're holding the most precious little bundle in your arms.

The first 24 hours can feel like a gentle blur—your baby is sleepy, feeding calmly, snuggled in tight. You’re tired, sore, but probably feeling a mixture of awe and adrenaline.

Then, suddenly, night two arrives.

Your baby seems different. Fussier. Clingier. More awake. More demanding.

You might be wondering: “Is something wrong?” “Am I doing this right?” “Why won’t they settle unless I’m holding them?”

Welcome to Second Night Syndrome.

And no—you’re not doing anything wrong. This is a very normal, very common experience in the first 48 hours of your baby’s life.

So, what is Second Night Syndrome?

Second Night Syndrome refers to the second night after your baby is born, when they suddenly become far more unsettled, wakeful, and clingy than they were on day one.

It can be a shock to the system, especially after a relatively calm first night. But here’s the thing: this is not a problem to fix. It’s a phase to understand.

On this night, many newborns:

• Cry frequently and can’t seem to be soothed

• Refuse to be put down

• Want to feed non-stop

• Wake up as soon as you try to lay them in their bassinet

It’s not just your baby. You’re not alone. And no, your baby isn’t “broken”—they’re being a newborn in the most instinctive, biologically normal way.

Why does it happen?

From your baby’s perspective, they’ve gone through a HUGE transformation.

For nine months, they’ve been held 24/7 in a warm, dark, perfectly controlled environment. No hunger, no temperature changes, no loud sounds or bright lights. Every need was met before they even had to ask.

Then, within hours, they’re born into a new world filled with light, air, noise, cold, hunger, and unfamiliar sensations. It’s no wonder they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.

On day one:

They’re tired too. The birth process is exhausting, and many babies are quite sleepy and calm that first day. They’re recovering just like you are.

On night two:

They realise they’re not in the womb anymore. Instinctively, they want to be as close to you as possible—to be held, to smell you, to hear your heartbeat, to feed frequently, and to know that they’re safe.

This is how your baby is:

• Establishing breastfeeding (constant feeding = stimulating milk supply)

• Regulating their breathing, temperature, and heart rate through close contact

• Bonding with you

• Seeking comfort in this strange, new world

It’s intense. But it’s also biological brilliance in action.

What Second Night Syndrome is not:

It’s not a sign that you’re doing anything wrong.
It’s not because your milk isn’t “in” yet.
It’s not because you’re spoiling them by holding them.
It’s not because they’re being “difficult.”

It’s a survival instinct. It’s your baby saying, “I need you close.”
And your presence? That’s the answer they’re looking for.

How to survive the second night (and support your baby)

This night can feel overwhelming. You’re already physically and emotionally drained—and now your baby won’t settle unless they’re attached to you. Here are some gentle ways to support both of you:

1. Skin-to-skin contact

This is your magic reset button. Place baby on your bare chest (partner support people can do this too). It helps baby regulate their body systems, calms them, and makes them feel safe.

2. Feed on demand

Your baby may want to feed a lot. It’s not a sign something is wrong—it’s their way of stimulating your milk supply and soothing themselves. Cluster feeding is normal and expected.

3. Movement helps

Gentle rocking, bouncing, or swaying can help comfort your baby. Baby carriers or wraps can give your arms a break and allow baby to stay close.

4. Partner power

If you have a support person, now’s the time to tag-team. They can cuddle baby between feeds, change nappies, walk with them, or simply be there to offer you emotional support.

5. Drop the expectations

This isn’t the night for routines, sleep goals, or ticking boxes. This is the night to respond with love, patience, and flexibility.

6. Ask for help

If you're still in hospital—press the buzzer. Midwives are there to support you. If you're at home, reach out to someone who can sit with you, encourage you, or just remind you you're doing a great job.

The good news?

This phase doesn’t last. By the next night, most babies settle back into a more predictable rhythm (although they’ll continue to need lots of cuddles and contact!).

The second night is often the first real test of new parenthood—it’s intense, emotional, and raw. But it’s also a night of deep bonding. And when the sun comes up, you’ll have done something remarkable.

So take it one feed, one cuddle, one moment at a time. Your baby isn’t asking for perfection—they’re asking for you.

And you’re exactly what they need.

Final thoughts:

You can’t spoil a newborn. You’re not creating “bad habits.”
You’re helping your baby feel safe, secure, and loved in a very unfamiliar world.

Second Night Syndrome might be tough—but it’s also a beautiful reminder of how much you matter to your baby.