As any new parent knows, the path to a full night's sleep can often feel like an impossible journey. Whilst babies sleep a lot, they don't always sleep through the night - enter the 'dream feed', an approved strategy that might just be the solution you're looking for.
In this post, I will break down what a dream feed is, how it can benefit both you and your baby and why it has become a secret weapon in helping some of the clients I work with, get the rest they deserve.
What is a Dream Feed?
A dream feed is a technique where you feed your baby while they are still mostly asleep, usually before you go to bed for the night. The idea is to provide a 'top-up' feed that may help your baby sleep longer without waking up for a feed in the middle of the night. This feed typically occurs around 10-11pm (but the timing can vary depending on your baby's schedule) and is intended to stretch the period between late-night feedings.
This method works best for babies who are at least 6 weeks old (and ideally closer to 3-4 months) and are not yet sleeping through the night. At this stage, their sleep cycles are still developing and they may need a night-time feed to get through longer stretches of sleep.
How Does the Dream Feed Work?
The dream feed is typically a feeding that occurs while your baby is still drowsy, making it easier for them to take in nourishment without fully waking-up. Here's how to implement it -
Time it right: Aim to offer the dream feed just before you go to bed, typically around 10pm to midnight. This ensures your baby is getting that extra boost of calories to help them sleep longer.
Keep it quiet and low-key: The goal is to keep your baby in a sleepy state. You'll want to minimize bright lights, loud noises and other stimulating factors, allowing your baby to stay relaxed and in a dream-like state as they feed.
Feed efficiently: Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the idea is to get your baby to drink enough to hold them over until morning. You might find that your baby takes only a small amount, which is totally fine - just a little extra fuel to get them through the night.
Don't worry about fully waking your baby: The point of the dream feed is not to 'train' your baby to stay awake, but rather to feed them without disrupting their sleep too much.
Why I Recommend the Dream Feed?
Helps extend sleep for both baby and parents: For many parents, getting a baby to sleep for a full 5-6 hour stretch without waking up hungry, is a dream come true. A dream feed helps extend your baby's sleep cycle, making it more likely that they'll sleep longer.
Less disruptive for parents: It may seem like a late-night feed will keep you up, but many parents find that the dream feed is easier than getting up for a late-night crying session. You can top up your baby's belly, help them feel secure and return to your own sleep cycle.
Gradually weans off night-time feedings: As your baby grows and their sleep patterns mature, the dream feed can help ease the transition away from late-night feeds. Eventually, you can phase out the dream feed as your baby gets older and their hunger cues change.
Is the Dream Feed Right for My Baby?
The dream feed is not a one size fits all solution. While many families find success with it, others may not see the desired results. It's essential to consider your baby's individual needs, temperament and sleep patterns before deciding if it's a good fit. Here are some factors to keep in mind -
Your baby's age: It is recommended that you wait until your baby is about 6 weeks old and ideally closer to 3-4 months to try the dream feed.
Your baby's temperament: Some babies are naturally deep sleepers and may not respond well to being fed while sleepy. Others might resist or wake fully during the feed, making the dream feed less effective.
Your own sleep needs: If the thought of getting up for a late-night feed feels like more disruption to your routine, it might not be the best option for you. However, if you're already waking up in the middle of the night, this could be a great way to optimize those hours.
Final Thoughts
The dream feed is a simple but effective tool for families struggling with night-time wakeups. It can provide much needed rest for parents and babies alike and offer a smoother path toward longer stretches of sleep. However, as with any sleep strategy, it's important to stay flexible and adjust based on your baby's changing needs.
If you're considering implementing a dream feed and need assistance tailoring a plan to suit your baby's individual needs, book a FREE Discovery Call so we can discuss the process.
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