Quick Answer
Most 1 month old babies need 2-3 night feeds. Newborns tend to wake every 2-3 hours for feeding, but by 1 month old they are developing a circadian rhythm and can go longer stretches at night without eating. However, their tiny tummies still need refueling during those early morning hours. Aim for 2-3 night feeds spaced 3-4 hours apart.
How Often Do 1 Month Olds Wake at Night?
At 1 month old, babies are still quite little and their sleep cycles are not fully developed. They will likely wake up every 2-4 hours at night needing to be fed. Here is a look at common sleep/feeding patterns for a 1 month old:
- Total sleep in 24 hours: 14-17 hours
- Night sleep: 9-10 hours (in 3-4 hour chunks)
- Daytime naps: 30 minutes – 2 hours (3-5 naps per day)
- Night wakings for feeding: 2-3 times
So you can expect your 1 month old to wake up to eat about 2-3 times per night. Some babies will sleep longer stretches like 6-7 hours, but that is less common at this young age. Every baby is different, so your little one may need more or less frequent night feeds.
Why 1 Month Olds Need Night Feeds
There are several reasons your baby still needs to eat during the night at 1 month old:
Small stomach size
Your baby has a tiny tummy, only the size of their fist. They can’t consume enough milk during the day to sustain them all night long. Their little tummies need refilling every 2-4 hours.
Growing and developing
Babies grow so rapidly in the first month. They need to eat frequently to get adequate calories for all that growth. Their nutrient needs are very high.
Circadian rhythm developing
Your baby’s circadian rhythm, which regulates their sleep-wake cycles, is just starting to develop around 1 month. They are not yet able to go long stretches through the night without a feeding.
Comfort sucking
Babies find sucking soothing. Even if they don’t eat much, suckling helps them go back to sleep. The night feeds comfort your baby.
Safety
Night feeds help prevent low blood sugar levels in babies. Frequent feedings ensure baby is getting adequate nutrition.
So while you may be eager for your newborn to start sleeping through the night, their little body still needs those nighttime calories and comfort right now. Have patience, it will come!
How Much Milk Do 1 Month Olds Need at Night?
As a guideline, 1 month old babies need about 2-5 ounces per feeding session. They tend to eat smaller volumes more frequently. Here are some night feeding amounts to expect:
- Breastfed babies: 2-4 ounces per breast
- Bottle fed babies: 2-5 ounces per bottle
Of course, all babies are different. Your pediatrician can help you determine if your baby is getting enough milk during night feeds. Signs your 1 month old may need more milk at night include:
- Waking up frequently, like every hour
- Being fussy after feeds
- Seems hungry again shortly after eating
- Not having enough wet/dirty diapers
If your baby exhibits those signs, speak to your pediatrician. They may advise you to offer another ounce or two at each night feeding.
Tips for Night Feeding a 1 Month Old
Here are some tips to make those night wakings a little easier on both you and baby:
Have a routine
Try to follow the same pattern each night to signal to your baby it’s time to eat and sleep. For example, feed, burp, change diaper, swaddle, rock gently, lay down awake.
Avoid stimulation
Keep night feeds quiet, dim and boring. Don’t turn on bright lights, play or talk too much. You want baby to eat, then right back to sleep.
Alternate with partner
Take turns doing the night feeds so you both get longer sleep stretches. Many moms pump milk so dad can help too.
Use safe sleep practices
Room share, place baby on their back and remove blankets/pillows when you put them back down. Following safe sleep guidelines is essential.
Watch wake windows
Your baby may not be sleeping enough during the day. Adjust their nap schedule so they don’t get overtired by nighttime.
Have patience!
It won’t last forever! Their sleep will consolidate over the next few months. For now, rest when baby rests.
When Will 1 Month Olds Start Sleeping Through The Night?
Most babies don’t start sleeping through the night (defined as 6-8 hours straight) until at least 3-4 months old. Here is a look at when you can expect baby to drop night feeds:
| Age | Night Wakings |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 2-3 hours |
| 1 month | 2-3 times |
| 3 months | 1-2 times |
| 4 months | 0-1 times |
| 6 months | Sleeping through |
As you can see, it is a gradual process over several months as babies mature and develop larger stomach capacity. Hang in there – uninterrupted sleep is coming! In the meantime, nap when the baby naps.
Tips to Drop Night Feeds
When your baby is developmentally ready, usually between 4-6 months, you can try gentle techniques to phase out night feeds:
- Increase daytime feedings/solids
- Push back night feeds by 15 mins
- Don’t fully wake baby, use dream feeds
- Limit feeds to 5-10 minutes
- Try soothing methods first when they wake
- Consult your pediatrician
Always get clearance from your pediatrician before night weaning, as babies develop on their own schedules. You want to ensure your baby is nutritionally ready.
Sleep Training 1 Month Old
Most experts recommend waiting until 4-6 months for formal sleep training, as babies younger than that are unable to self soothe. However, you can start implementing good sleep habits right away:
Establish bedtime routine
Follow the same sequence of activities like bath, massage, pajamas, reading, song, etc. to cue rest.
Put down drowsy but awake
Let your baby drift off independently. This builds self-soothing skills.
Use white noise
Continuous sounds like a white noise machine dampen noises that can disturb sleep.
Ensure adequate daytime sleep
Overtired babies have trouble sleeping well. Follow age-appropriate wake times.
Create optimal sleep environment
Blackout shades, comfortable temperature, white noise and empty crib all promote better slumber.
Following these tips from the early weeks helps set your baby up for better sleep habits down the road. Just remember – their sleep will improve with time as they develop. Stay consistent and hang in there!
Conclusion
It is completely normal and necessary for 1 month old babies to wake 2-3 times at night for feedings. Their small tummies need refueling every 2-4 hours. Aim for 2-5 ounce feeds spaced 3-4 hours apart. Have patience – uninterrupted sleep is still a few months away. Implementing healthy sleep habits now helps, but understand wakings are developmentally appropriate at this age. Stay consistent with soothing routines, focus on survival, and trust your baby’s sleep will consolidate over time. You’ve got this, parents!