Night feeds can be challenging for new moms, leading to interrupted sleep and fatigue. However, as your baby grows, there are strategies to reduce the frequency of night feeds, helping both you and your baby get better rest. Here’s a guide on managing this transition, including recommended night feedings by age and techniques to reduce them.
When our baby was around six months old, we noticed that the frequent night feeds were taking a toll on our sleep. We decided to gradually reduce the amount of milk we offered during the night.
We started by shortening breastfeeding sessions and offering smaller amounts of formula. As we decreased night feeds, we compensated by increasing daytime nutrition, particularly focusing on a hearty breakfast and introducing more solid foods throughout the day.
After a while, we transitioned to offering water instead of milk during nighttime awakenings. This change helped our baby learn that waking up wouldn’t result in a satisfying feed, and gradually, the night wakings decreased. By ensuring our baby was well-fed during the day, we successfully eliminated night feeds altogether.
Recommended Night Feedings by Age
While each baby is unique, there are general guidelines that many parents and pediatricians follow:
- Newborns (0-2 Months): 2-3 times per night. Newborns have small stomachs and need frequent feedings around the clock.
- Infants (3-4 Months): 1-2 times per night. Some babies start sleeping longer stretches.
- Infants (5-6 Months): 0-1 time per night. Many babies can sleep longer without needing a feed.
- Infants (7-9 Months): 0-1 time per night. Most babies can sleep through the night, and night feedings are more for comfort.
- Infants (10-12 Months): 0 times per night. Most babies do not need night feedings and get their nutritional needs met during the day.
Techniques to Reduce Night Feeds
- Gradual Reduction:
- Decrease the amount of milk during night feeds. Shorten breastfeeding sessions or reduce the bottle amount.
- Increase daytime feeds to ensure your baby gets sufficient calories during the day.
- Establish a Bedtime Routine:
- Create a calming bedtime routine, such as a bath, gentle massage, reading, or singing a lullaby.
- Dream Feeding:
- Introduce a dream feed around 10-11 PM to extend sleep periods.
- Comfort Methods:
- Soothe your baby without feeding, using gentle patting, rocking, or offering a pacifier.
- Stretch the Time Between Feeds:
- Gradually increase the interval between feeds by 15-30 minutes every few nights.
- Increase Solid Food Intake (if age-appropriate):
- For babies over 6 months, ensure a good intake of solid foods during the day.
- Water Instead of Milk:
- Once your baby is over six months old and after consulting with your pediatrician, you can try offering water instead of milk during night wakings. This can help reduce the incentive for waking up.
- Sleep Training:
- Consider gentle sleep training methods, such as the Ferber method or Pick-Up/Put-Down method.
Expert Recommendations
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Many babies can go without night feeds by 6 months if they are growing well.
- Mayo Clinic: Gradually reduce the number of night feeds as your baby grows, especially with more solid foods.
- Emily Oster, Author of “Cribsheet”: Emphasizes understanding your baby’s cues and a gradual approach tailored to their readiness.
Conclusion
Reducing night feeds is a gradual process that varies for each baby. Following these techniques and paying attention to your baby’s needs can help them transition to fewer night feeds, leading to better sleep for both of you. Always consult with your pediatrician before making significant changes to ensure it’s appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage and weight growth.