How many feeds should my baby be having a night?

The number of overnight feeds your baby needs depends on their age, weight, and individual needs. Here’s a general guideline:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 2-4 feeds per night, as their stomachs are small and they need frequent nourishment.

• 4-7 months: 1-2 feeds per night, though some babies may naturally start sleeping longer stretches.

• 8-9 months: Many babies can go without night feeds if they are gaining weight well and getting enough milk/formula during the day. Some may still need 1 feed.

• 9+ months: Most babies can sleep through the night without feeding, but some may still wake out of habit or for comfort.

If your baby is waking frequently, it might not always be due to hunger—sleep associations, teething, or developmental leaps could be factors. Does your little one seem hungry at every wake-up, or could it be something else?

Dropping night feeds is a gradual process that depends on your baby’s age, nutritional needs, and sleep habits. If your baby is old enough and getting enough calories during the day, you can slowly reduce night feeds using these strategies:

1. Ensure Your Baby is Ready

Before attempting to drop night feeds, check if your baby:

✔️ Is at least 6 months old (most can sleep through without feeding).

✔️ Is gaining weight well and eating enough during the day.

✔️ Is waking more out of habit than hunger (e.g., taking only small feeds at night).

2. Increase Daytime Calories

• Offer more milk/formula or solids during the day to compensate for the missed night feeds.

• Make sure their last feed before bed is a full one.

• If on solids, include protein and healthy fats at dinner to keep them fuller longer.

3. Gradually Reduce the Amount Fed at Night

• If bottle-feeding, reduce the amount of milk by 30-60ml every few nights.

• If breastfeeding, shorten the duration of each feed.

• Offer comfort in other ways if they wake after a reduced feed.

4. Space Out Night Feeds

• If your baby wakes often, try extending the time between feeds by soothing them in other ways first (patting, rocking, shushing, or offering a dummy).

• Use a clock to wait an extra 10-15 minutes before feeding each night.

5. Introduce a Gentle Weaning Method

Comforting Instead of Feeding: If they wake, soothe them with gentle rocking, a hand on their chest, or quiet shushing instead of feeding right away.

Reducing Milk Intake Gradually: Slowly decreasing milk volume helps prevent sudden hunger and frustration.

Replacing Feeds with Water (for older babies): Some parents offer a small sip of water instead of milk to help break the association.

6. Encourage Independent Sleep

If your baby relies on feeding to fall asleep, try introducing other sleep associations, such as:

• A consistent bedtime routine (bath, book, lullaby, cuddle).

• Using a comfort item like a soft toy (from 7 months).

• Putting them down drowsy but awake so they learn to self-soothe.

7. Be Patient & Consistent

• Night weaning takes time, and some babies adjust faster than others.

• Expect some protest, but if they’re truly hungry, you can slow down the process.

• If your baby is teething or sick, you may want to pause night weaning until they feel better.