Help Baby Sleep at Night Tips: Dream Feeding

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Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by babygatesplus.com

Those early months of parenting can be a bit rough on sleep. Wondering how you could steal a few more hours of rest? Dream feeding might be a solution. It’s a simple technique that could help both you and your little one sleep more soundly.

Dream feeding is suitable whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding. Could this method mean sweeter dreams for your baby and your family? Let’s explore.

Newborns and Sleep

Newborn babies sleep a lot—a total of 16 to 17 hours a day—but their sleep patterns are often fragmented, with frequent wake-ups every one to two hours. That’s partly because their tiny tummies can only hold a small amount of milk or formula, so they have to feed frequently to get the nourishment they need. And that means parents are often woken up multiple times throughout the night to feed the baby, leading to the exhaustion new parents know all too well.

What Is Dream Feeding?

Dream feeding is just what it sounds like: feeding your baby while they’re still drowsy or even asleep. It typically happens in the evening, before you head to bed. The goal? To top off your baby’s tummy so they (hopefully) sleep longer, letting you catch some extra shut-eye too. It’s not a must-do, but new parents may find it helpful.

When Can You Start Dream Feeding?

Many babies are typically ready for dream feeds between 2-4 months old. But remember, every baby is different, so it’s always a good idea to chat with your pediatrician before starting. They can give you personalized advice based on your baby’s age, weight, and sleep patterns.

How to Dream Feed

Curious about how to dream feed? Talk to your doctor, and if you’re ready to try this method, follow these steps:

Time It Right: Dream feeding is typically done as a late-night feeding, about 2-3 hours after your baby’s bedtime, usually between 10 p.m. and midnight. This helps the baby fill their tummy before your own bedtime.
Set the Stage: Prepare a cozy feeding station with everything you need—bottle, burp cloth, dim light, and perhaps some soothing white noise.
Gentle Touch: Pick up your baby and get in a comfortable feeding position. Gently stroke your baby’s cheek to trigger their rooting reflex.
Offer a Feed: Typically, you should feed your baby until they seem full and happy, but check with your pediatrician.
Burp and Back to Bed: Always burp your baby after the feed, just like you usually would. This helps release trapped air and prevents discomfort like gas or spit-up that could wake your little one later. Then, gently place your baby back in their crib.

Potential Advantages and Disadvantages

Like most parenting techniques, dream feeding has its potential benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look:

Pros:

Longer Stretches of Sleep: For some babies, dream feeding can help extend their sleep duration, giving you a longer break at night.
Increased Calorie Intake: It provides an extra feeding opportunity, helping ensure your little one gets the nourishment they need for growth and development.
Bonding Time: Even in a sleepy state, dream feeding can be a special and intimate bonding experience.

Cons:

Not for Everyone: Some babies resist dream feeding or may have trouble latching on when drowsy.
Potential Sleep Disruption: Dream feeding can disrupt natural sleep patterns in some babies, leading to more wake-ups.
Not a Guarantee: Dream feeding is a tool, not a guaranteed dream come true for a full night’s sleep. Every baby is unique, and it’s important to have realistic expectations when trying something different.

Prioritize Safety

While dream feeding is generally safe, it’s essential to take a few precautions to ensure the well-being of your little one:

Be Alert and Awake: Only attempt dream feeding when you’re fully awake and alert.
Always Burp: Gently burp your baby after the feeding to prevent discomfort from gas or spit-up.
Safe Sleep Environment: Ensure your baby’s sleep environment adheres to safe sleep guidelines, including placing them on their back in a crib or bassinet free of loose blankets, pillows, and toys.
Consult Your Pediatrician: If your baby experiences difficulty sleeping through the night or exhibits any unusual behaviors, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. There might be other factors besides hunger affecting their sleep.

When to Stop Dream Feeding?

As your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns will change. Most babies naturally start sleeping for longer stretches at night as they get older.

There’s no set age to stop dream feeding, but around 6-9 months, many babies are ready to sleep through the night without it. Observe your baby’s sleep patterns and rely on your intuition to know when to transition away from dream feeds. And of course, your pediatrician is always an excellent resource for professional guidance.

Dream Feeding Isn’t for Every Baby

While dream feeding can be a good strategy, it’s not for everyone. If your baby has trouble latching on while drowsy, or if this method seems to disrupt your little one’s natural sleep rhythm, it might not be the right fit. Trust your instincts and follow your baby’s cues. If they’re happy and sleeping well without dream feeds, there’s no need to force it.

Remember: If dream feeding isn’t working, don’t worry. It’s perfectly okay to let your baby wake naturally for nighttime feedings.

Dream feeding is a gentle way to help your baby (and you!) get the rest you need. But keep in mind, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, so find what works best for you and your little one. Sweet dreams!