How to Drop a Night Feeding
Managing your newborn’s nighttime feedings as a new parent is challenging. Waking up every few hours to nourish your baby is important for their development, but after several months, it can really impact parental sleep.
Eventually, there comes a time when your little one may be ready to decrease feedings and sleep for longer stretches. But how do you know when to do this, and what's the best way to go about it? Let's explore how to drop a night feeding when the time is right.
Night Feedings by Age: What's Normal?
To get an idea of when it’s necessary to drop one of your baby’s night feeds, it's important to understand what's typical for babies at different ages. Remember, every baby is unique, and these are general guidelines.
0-3 Months
Newborns have tiny tummies and need to eat frequently, both day and night. At this age, it's normal for babies to wake every 2-3 hours to feed. Don't attempt to drop night feedings at this stage. Consistent feedings are crucial for your young baby's growth and development.
3-4 Months
Around this age, some babies may begin to sleep for longer stretches at night. Formula-fed babies might need 1-2 feedings per night, while breastfed babies might still need 2-3 feedings. However, many babies will continue to wake up more frequently.
5-6 Months
By 6 months old, some babies can sleep for longer periods without feeding. Breastfed babies might still need 1-2 night feedings, while formula-fed babies might be down to 0-1 feeding per night. However, it's still normal for babies to wake more frequently, especially during growth spurts or developmental leaps.
7-9 Months
Many babies at this age can sleep for longer stretches without feeding. Breastfed babies might still have 1 night feeding, while formula-fed babies might be able to go all night without a feed. However, some babies may still wake more frequently due to teething, separation anxiety, or other developmental changes.
10-12 Months
By their first birthday, many babies can sleep through the night without feeding. However, some breastfed babies may still benefit from or desire a night feeding. If night feedings are working for you and your baby, there's no need to rush to eliminate them.
When to Consider Dropping a Night Feeding
After you know what’s typical, how do you know when it's time to consider dropping a night feeding? Here are some signs:
Your baby is eating well during the day and gaining weight appropriately.
Your baby is older than 6 months and is getting sufficient solid foods (if started).
Your baby often falls back asleep quickly after waking at night without a full feeding.
Your pediatrician has given you the go-ahead to reduce night feedings.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to weaning your baby off of night feedings. Some babies naturally drop night feedings on their own, while others may need a little help.
How to Drop Night Feedings for Your Baby
If you've decided it's time (and developmentally safe) to reduce the number of times you feed your baby at night, here are some gentle strategies to try.
Gradual Reduction
This method involves slowly decreasing the amount of milk or formula you offer during night feedings over several nights. For breastfeeding moms, this means gradually shortening the duration of nighttime nursing sessions. For bottle-feeding parents, reduce the amount of milk in the bottle by about an ounce every few nights.
Increase Daytime Feeding
Ensure your baby is getting plenty to eat during the day. Offer an extra feeding or two during waking hours to help your baby get the calories they need.
Delay Feedings
When your baby wakes at night, try to soothe them back to sleep without feeding. If they persist, wait a few minutes before responding. Gradually increase this waiting time over several nights.
Involve Your Partner
If possible, have your partner comfort the baby when they wake at night. Since they can't offer milk, the baby may be more likely to settle back to sleep without feeding.
Dream Feed
Offer a "dreamfeed" just before you go to bed. This involves feeding your baby while they're still mostly asleep, which might help them sleep for a longer stretch afterward.
Tips for Dropping a Feeding
Dropping a night feeding can be challenging. Here are some tips to make the process smoother, whether you’re about to begin the process or your baby can’t seem to sleep without night feedings.
Be consistent: Once you start, stick with your chosen method for at least a week before deciding if it's working.
Expect some protest: Your baby may cry or fuss more than usual as they adjust to the new routine. Be prepared to offer comfort in other ways.
Adjust bedtime: As your baby feeds less at night, they may need an earlier bedtime to make up for the lost calories.
Be flexible: If your baby is going through a growth spurt or isn't feeling well, it's okay to temporarily reintroduce night feedings.
Create a soothing bedtime routine: A consistent, calming routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep for a longer stretch.
What to Do if Your Baby Demands Constant Night Feedings
If you're struggling with night feedings or sleep issues, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a sleep consultant. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby's specific needs and circumstances.
What works for one family might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your little one as you navigate this transition. It's okay if it takes time, and it's perfectly fine to continue night feedings if that's what works best for your family right now.
Monitor Your Baby’s Night Feedings When Dropping a Feed
Dropping night feedings is just one aspect of your baby's sleep journey. To make tracking feedings, sleep patterns, and overall development easier, monitor their progress as well as their struggles. With the help of the Baby Connect app, you and your family can watch your baby’s patterns and make informed decisions that work best for your little one. Download the app today to start your free trial.
