Cutting Down Night Feeds
Many parents come to me wondering how to they can cut down on the amount of times their baby feeds in the middle of the night. Before I walk you through a few strategies, let's talk about setting realistic expectations. Below are the AVERAGE amount of night feeds a baby may need depending on their age:
0-3 Months: 2-3 feeds per night
4-5 Months: 1-2 feeds per night
6-8 Months: 0-1 feed per night
9+ Months: 0 feeds
Now let’s cover a few strategies when it comes to reducing night feeds.
The first step is going to be taking a look at your baby’s daytime schedule. Your baby’s daytime sleep greatly affects their nighttime wake ups. Before attempting to drop night feeds, you want to make sure your baby is on an age-appropriate nap schedule that works for them.
Once you’ve optimized their daytime sleep schedule, you can continue with the following strategies:
Add an extra feed during the day. Make sure you are feeding your baby every 2-3 hours during the day. This helps ensure they are getting most of the calories they need during the day rather than at night.
Eliminate one feed at a time. The early morning feed is usually the last to drop, so start by eliminating one that is earlier in the night.
Slowly reduce the amount you are feeding your baby during their night feeds. Reduce the ounces in their bottle or the minutes they are nursing little by little each night.
Are you ready to cut down on nighttime wake ups? Let’s get you set up with an individualized step-by-step plan to reduce night wakings, lengthen naps, and eventually get your baby sleeping through the night! Book your FREE discovery call today!
Struggling with newborn sleep? Click the button below to check out my 0-4 Months Sleep Essentials Guide.
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