Night Feeds & Sleeping
Let’s chat night feeds:
One of the most asked questions, that I receive, for little ones over 3 months is… can I still feed my little one at night if I want them to sleep well at night, too?
As a sleep coach I will never tell you that night feeds are not allowed. That is a decision that you will make for your family & if, it is something you want to continue or stop, we will run through some information to ensure that your little one is 1. READY and 2. PLAN it out specifically for your family.
Though, I will not persuade your family to stop night feeds or continue, I will suggest some healthy ways to ensure that feeds are for nourishment and not for getting drowsy/sleepy.
How to set up Night Feeds:
A dim light (not brightly lit room).
Sitting up in the bed or a chair.
keeping baby awake.
When your little one is waking for night feeds then, be sure to have the environment set where they know it is time to stay awake and receive an entire feeding that is full. When they are in and out of sleep they are not filling up so they begin to wake more often to eat, but also, get sleepy again.
Helping your little one learn to wake, feed and then, put themselves back to sleep helps for easier nights.
Typical Night Feeding:
Newborns, feed on demand. Always ensure they are eating every two hours. Chat with your pediatrician in regards to weight gain and if allowing your little one to sleep longer stretches, if they will, is okay. Always check with your pediatrician.
Ages 3.5-6 Months: Usually we see 2-3 night feedings at this age. It all depends on the child. but, if weight is not an issue, and you are ready to end night feeds, this can occur at this age, too!
Ages 6-12 months is when we see babies tend to be able to make it through the night with 0-1 feedings.
Usually, after twelve months, if there are no medical concerns babies and toddlers can make it 11-12 hours at night without a feeding. If working with me I will see what a parents want is for this scenario, and really discuss that if we are going to keep a night feeding at this age then, we want to be sure we are in control of this scenario and implementing boundaries.
We would want to keep the time the same each night, have a routine in place and ensure after 12 months, bottles have disappeared. Keep in place the dim lit room, child fully awake, parent too.
If there are no medical concerns, I will discuss with the family that night feeds are not necessary at this age, and we can wean if they are interested.
How to Wean:
Simply start with a feeding during the night and if your little one typically nurses 20 mins, nurse a lesser amount of time, each night until you reach 0 mins
If you bottle feed simply, reduce the amount of ounces each night, until you hit 0 ounces.
Stick with one feeding at a time. After you have weaned one feeding, begin weaning another feeding.
Be sure to always check with your pediatrician before making the choice to wean. Remember a 2 -month old is going to wake to feed at night, that is okay. Remember, a healthy 18- month old is completely fine with sleeping through the night, if you choose to have that happen.
If this is something you are in need of support then, lets schedule a free call. I would love to work with your family and help you all find restful nights whether you choose to night feed, or not.
Your Sleep Coach,
Brooke
Below you will find the packages. Within all of these packages we are able to create a plan together that helps your family keep or wean night feeds.
