One of the most common questions we here get asked is “How many times should my baby feed at night?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the number of night feeds depends on their age, growth, and individual needs. But here’s a helpful guide to understanding how many night feeds are typical for each stage of your little one’s development.
- Newborns (0-3 months): 2-3 night feeds (every 2-4 hours)
Newborns have small tummies and need frequent feeding, even during the night. At this early stage, it’s typical for your baby to wake up every 2-4 hours to refuel. This is similar to their daytime feeding schedule, but it can feel like a lot of work for parents!
While it may seem exhausting, rest assured that this phase is temporary. Your little one will gradually begin to sleep for longer stretches as they grow.
- 3-6 months: 1-2 night feeds
As babies approach 3-6 months, they often start sleeping for longer periods at night. However, many still wake up once or twice to feed. This is usually due to hunger, but it can also be linked to growth spurts, changes in feeding patterns, or developmental milestones.
At this age, some babies may start to drop one of their night feeds, but each baby is different. Be patient and allow your little one to set their own pace.
- 6-9 months: 0-1 night feeds
By 6-9 months, some babies are able to sleep through the night without needing a feed. However, some may still wake for a comfort feed or to settle themselves back to sleep, especially as their nap routine changes. For example, transitioning from 3 naps to 2 naps per day can disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to occasional night wakings.
If your baby is growing well and gaining weight appropriately, it’s a good time to start reducing or eliminating night feeds. But if your baby still needs that comfort feed, that’s okay, too!
- 9-12 months: Most babies can sleep through the night without feeding
By this stage, most babies can sleep through the night without needing to feed. However, it’s not uncommon for some babies to wake up occasionally. This is often part of their developmental process and can be influenced by changes in their routine.
Tips for Night Weaning:
If you’re considering night weaning or just want to help your bub sleep better at night, here are some helpful tips:
- Ensure your little one is getting enough daytime feeds: Make sure they’re getting adequate nutrition throughout the day. If your baby is eating well during the day, they may be less likely to need night feeds.
- Support self-settling at bedtime: Help your baby learn how to fall asleep independently without relying on a feed or an external factor to sleep. This will help them settle themselves back to sleep during the night if they wake up and start consolidating those overnight sleep cycles.
- Be consistent: Stick to a bedtime routine and be consistent with your approach to night weaning. Whether you’re helping your little one resettle or cutting down on feeds, consistency is key.
- Evaluate your baby’s routine: Take a look at your little one’s nap schedule and awake windows. If they’re waking up hungry at night, it could be because their daytime routine isn’t aligned with their sleep needs. Adjusting their nap schedule or extending awake windows can help increase sleep pressure and encourage longer overnight sleep.
Feeling unsure on whether your little one’s feeds are required, or unsure on how to drop an overnight feed?
We can help! Book in a consultation to have a chat here, or read more in our age appropriate sleep guides here!
