Night Feeds
Night feeds can feel like a blur, but they're such an important part of caring for your baby, especially in those early months. Here's what to expect and some tips to make it a little easier for both of you:
Newborn to 3 Months
Your baby’s weight is a key factor in figuring out if they still need night feeds—and when they might be ready to sleep longer stretches. Let’s break it down in a way that works for you and your little one:
Right now, your baby is growing so quickly, and those night feeds are essential to keep up with their needs.
If they’re gaining weight steadily and back to their birth weight, you might not need to wake them every 2–3 hours. Let them wake you when they’re hungry!
Still, their tiny tummy can’t hold much, so regular feeds (even at night) are a normal part of this phase.
Watch for hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or little sucking noises. Crying usually means they’re already very hungry.
Keep the lights dim and sounds soft to help your baby learn the difference between day and night.
Make yourself comfortable—this is a great time for bonding, even if you're tired. Snuggle them close and enjoy the quiet moments.
4 to 6 Months
By now, your baby might be doubling their birth weight—amazing, right? Once they’re growing well and thriving, they may not need quite as many calories overnight.
Some babies naturally stretch their sleep, while others still wake once or twice. Either way, you’re doing great by responding to their cues.
If they’re gaining weight well and seem less interested in night feeds, it might be time to experiment with letting them settle back to sleep without eating. You can try gently stretching the time between feeds.
You might also notice your baby waking for comfort rather than hunger. Adding a soothing bedtime routine can help with this transition.
6 to 12 Months
As your baby gets closer to tripling their birth weight, their need for night feeds might fade, many babies don’t need night feeds anymore, but they might still wake up out of habit. It’s totally normal!
If you’re ready to wean those feeds, start by offering less milk or stretching the time between feeding or bottles.
Make sure they’re getting enough calories during the day to keep their tummies full at night.
If they’re eating enough during the day, they may be waking out of habit rather than hunger. That’s okay—it’s a gradual process to night weaning.
How to Tell If They’re Ready to Drop Night Feeds
They’re gaining weight steadily and following their growth curve.
They’re taking in plenty of milk or solids during the day.
When they wake at night, they seem to want comfort more than food.
Be kind to yourself: Dropping night feeds doesn’t happen overnight (pun intended!), but every baby gets there eventually.
Tips for You
Try offering more frequent feeds during the day to help them sleep longer at night.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s a partner or family member, sharing the load can make a huge difference.
Night feeds can be exhausting, but they won’t last forever.
You’ve got this! If you’d like to chat about what’s happening with your baby specifically, let me know. I’m here to help.
