Many new parents wonder if it’s necessary to wake their baby for a full feeding in the middle of the night or if they can let them sleep and just feed them when they wake up on their own. There are pros and cons to both approaches that depend on factors like the baby’s age, weight gain, and overall health. Getting adequate nutrition is important, especially in early infancy, but sleep is also critical for development. Finding the right balance can help ensure babies thrive while allowing the whole family to get some rest.
Key Questions
- How often and how much should newborns eat at night?
- At what age can you let a baby sleep through the night without feeding?
- What are signs your baby is ready to drop night feeds?
- How can you encourage babies to sleep longer stretches at night?
- When should you wake a sleeping baby for a feeding?
Nutrition Needs in Early Infancy
In the first few months of life, newborns need to eat frequently, about 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. Their tiny stomachs can only hold a small amount of breast milk or formula at a time. During growth spurts, they may seem extra hungry and need additional feeds. Nighttime feeds are important for helping them take in enough calories to support rapid growth and development.
How Often Should Newborns Eat at Night?
For the first couple months, most babies need 2-3 nightly feedings. By 3-4 months, they may only wake 1-2 times per night to eat. Here are some general night feeding guidelines by age:
| Age | Night Feeds |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 2-3 feeds |
| 2 months | 2-3 feeds |
| 4 months | 1-2 feeds |
| 6 months | 0-1 feed |
These are general guidelines – some babies will need more feeds while others will need fewer. Pay attention to hunger cues and seek advice from your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
How Much Should Babies Eat Per Night Feed?
Newborns should eat around 2-3 ounces per feed in the first months. By 4-6 months, they’ll take 4-8 ounces per feeding as their stomach capacity grows. Let your baby determine when they are full – some may eat less or more at each feeding. At night, aim for a full feeding rather than a snack to help baby sleep longer stretches.
Transitioning to Sleeping Through the Night
Many parents look forward to their baby sleeping for longer stretches at night. But when is it appropriate to let them go longer between feedings and sleep through the night?
When Can Babies Start Sleeping Through the Night?
Most babies don’t sleep through the night, defined as a 6-8 hour stretch, until between 3-6 months. Premature babies may take longer, closer to 6-9 months. Every baby is different, so don’t try to force sleep before they are developmentally ready.
Signs Your Baby is Ready to Drop Night Feeds
Watch for these cues your baby may be ready to start sleeping longer at night:
- Double birth weight and weighing over 12 pounds
- Consistently eating larger volumes during the day
- Going longer stretches (5-6 hours) between feeds at night
- Waking at the same time each night for feedings
- Falling asleep easily after feeding
- Seems satisfied after eating
Discuss your baby’s sleep habits with your pediatrician to decide if they are ready to start dropping feeds.
How to Encourage Longer Sleep
You can start establishing healthy sleep habits right away to promote better nighttime sleep:
- Put baby to bed drowsy but awake so they learn to self-soothe
- Follow age-appropriate bedtimes and nap schedules
- Develop a consistent, calming pre-bed routine like a bath and lullabies
- Keep the sleep environment dark, cool and quiet
- Use white noise to drown out disruptive sounds
- Ensure baby isn’t too hot or cold
- Allow time for feeding, burping and diapering to avoid disruptions
- Avoid stimulating play before bed
- Limit nighttime distractions and light
- Gently shush or pat baby to soothe without picking up
Good sleep habits and full feedings during the day may help reduce night wakings.
When to Feed a Sleeping Baby
It can be tempting to let a sleeping baby keep sleeping, but sometimes waking them for a feeding is the best option. Watch for these signs it may be necessary to rouse a slumbering infant:
- Newborn under 2 weeks old
- Premature infant
- Low birth weight or not gaining weight well
- Needs supplemental feeding for medical reasons
- Sleeping longer than 6 hours without eating
- Less than 8 wet diapers per day
- Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
In these cases, gently wake and feed baby, keeping lights dim and avoiding overstimulation. It’s a good idea to check with the doctor about guidelines for waking newborns, especially preemies.
Weaning Night Feedings
Once your baby seems ready to start dropping nighttime feeds, you can begin to wean them off gradually. Here are some tips for slowly weaning night feeds:
- If baby wakes but it’s not time to feed, use calming techniques to help them settle back to sleep.
- Delay feeds by a few minutes at a time to space them out more.
- Try replacing one feeding with more ounces at another feed.
- Slowly limit time spent feeding to shorten feed duration.
- Substitute water for 1-2 feedings before eliminating them.
- Temporarily increase daytime feeds and solid food, if appropriate, to reduce night hunger.
- Seek feeding guidance from your pediatrician if needed.
The key is gradually tapering off feedings over 7-14 days. Respond with compassion and try to meet baby’s needs while also encouraging self-soothing skills.
Sleep Training
Some families choose to sleep train babies using methods like cry it out or fading. Discuss options with your pediatrician and consider your baby’s temperament. Sleep training may help, but isn’t essential for babies to sleep through the night.
Special Considerations
While most babies adjust well to dropping night feeds, some may need extra help:
Premature Babies
Preemies have higher nutritional needs and may need to eat at night longer before they develop the stamina to sleep for extended periods. Work closely with your baby’s medical team.
Formula vs. Breastfed
Formula fed babies may sleep longer because it digests slower than breastmilk. Breastfed babies often need to eat at shorter intervals.
Medical Conditions
Babies with reflux, allergies, respiratory issues or other conditions may need specialized feeding and sleep schedules. Seek medical guidance.
Growth Spurts
During growth spurts babies may suddenly increase their intake, including at night. Offer extra daytime feedings to help fuel their development.
Sleep Setbacks
Illness, travel or schedule disruptions can revert baby’s sleep. Re-establish routines gradually and be patient bringing back good sleep habits.
Conclusion
While all babies are unique, most healthy, full-term newborns need 2-3 night feeds in the beginning. Around 3-6 months they can start transitioning to sleeping through the night, defined as a 6-8 hour stretch. Look for developmental cues your baby is ready to drop feeds, like eating larger amounts during the day or going 5-6 hours between feedings. Create healthy sleep habits and work with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s growth, weight gain or sleep patterns. With time, patience and compassion, your baby will outgrow night feedings. Sweet dreams!