In the very first months of life, a baby feeds several times a day and also at night. Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding make no difference at this stage; an infant needs about 8 feedings of 1.7 to 2 oz of milk per 24 hours, and together, you need to find your rhythm. But what should you do if, during the night or a long nap, your baby doesn’t ask for milk? Should you wake your baby to feed, or should you let them sleep and trust that they’re fine without worrying?
CONTENTS:
- First, a few facts about sleep in infants
- Letting your baby sleep: why it matters
- Why wake your baby to feed?
- Waking a baby: why it should always be gentle
First, a few facts about sleep in infants
From birth and for many months, your baby will alternate between periods of wakefulness for feeding and phases of rest. Initially, sleep periods are short and can be more or less peaceful or restless, according to cycles of about one hour. Your child doesn’t yet know the difference between day and night.
Around 4 months, some infants begin to sleep through the night, but it’s from 6 months that a baby’s sleep truly changes and starts to resemble that of adults, by about one year old. REM or restless sleep, which is very common in newborns, gradually decreases and gives way to an increasingly day/night-aligned rhythm.
Observing babies’ sleep cycles makes the frequency of nighttime wake-ups to feed easier to understand.
Letting your baby sleep: why it matters
For the development of a natural rhythm and the establishment of good sleep habits, it is particularly important to let a baby sleep.
More than just a matter of hours, the quality of sleep is essential for your infant’s healthy physical and intellectual development, growth, and brain maturation.
To help your baby benefit as much as possible, provide a safe, secure, and as calm an environment as possible. Pastel colors and soft, plush textures will make their bedroom a cozy nest. To go further, get rid of bright light sources and choose one or more adjustable light bulbs, move noisy objects and toys out, and avoid sharp corners.
Good sleep also helps regulate moods and emotions. When well-rested, your child is less likely to wake up cranky! Likewise, when baby sleeps, you sleep—and so does the whole family.
Waking your baby to offer breast or bottle may have the opposite effect from what you want—namely, a grumpy baby who is startled, cries, and refuses to drink.
Night Feedings & Breastfeeding
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, don’t worry. There are very few chances that a baby who’s a good sleeper will decrease your milk supply by skipping a feeding now and then. What they miss this time, they will make up for when they wake up later tonight or tomorrow.
During the first month of breastfeeding—the “calibration phase”—you may occasionally need to express milk in the evening to prevent engorgement and maintain your supply. This is because prolactin (the milk hormone) is at its highest at night.
How much time between feedings or bottles?
There’s no real rule about bottle or feeding frequency. It all depends on your baby’s age and appetite. For breastfed babies, it also depends on the milk supply and the strength of their suction. In addition, powdered formula takes longer to digest, so it is still recommended to wait 2 to 4 hours between feedings.
- From 0 to 2 months:
- Newborns generally need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, day and night.
- It is advised not to let more than 3 hours go by between feedings during this period.
- From 2 to 4 months:
- Feedings can be spaced every 3 to 4 hours.
- However, it’s common for babies to want to eat more frequently.
- From 4 to 6 months:
- The gap between feedings stretches to about 4 hours between each bottle or breastfeeding session.
- Some babies can last longer and are starting to sleep through the night.
- 6 months and older:
- Once solid foods have been introduced, feedings shift to every 5 to 6 hours.
- At this age, most babies still need to eat 5 to 6 times a day (breast or bottle + solid meals).
Remember, when your baby was in the womb, they were fed continuously, with no restrictions. The best option, until your little one self-regulates, is to respect their needs as much as possible and be attentive to their cues.
Breastfeeding Bottles for Babies
Because breastfeeding sessions should always be gentle, peaceful, and unhurried, Élhée has created the first sensory and emotional breastfeeding bottle. Made from medical-grade silicone and featuring a rounded shape, it mimics the feel and appearance of the mother’s breast.
For all bottle-fed or breastfed babies from birth, the BibROND, as it’s affectionately called, can also be fitted with XS extra-slow flow nipples, and connect to an Avent breast pump thanks to the exclusive adapter ring included in the breastfeeding box.
Why wake your baby to feed?
While protecting a baby’s sleep is essential, there are nonetheless situations that warrant gently waking your newborn for a night feeding or when a nap lasts too long. Generally speaking, as recommended by Leache League, consult your pediatrician, doctor, or lactation professional if your baby:
- lacks alertness when awake,
- rarely requests feedings,
- doesn’t wet or soil many diapers,
- gains little or no weight, or is losing weight,
- was born prematurely,
- shows health issues.
If in doubt and for peace of mind, when it’s time to sleep place your baby close to you and pay attention to signs of wakefulness. Arm and leg movements, little facial expressions, eyes moving under the eyelids, sucking motions, mouth opening, stretching... these are all clues your baby is about to wake up. Get ready to offer breast or the next bottle.
The “wake feeding” & demand-based breastfeeding
A particularly sleepy infant can be fed “upon waking.” At the first signs of wakefulness, gently bring your breast or the bottle nipple near their mouth until it barely touches their lips. If hungry, your child will suckle even without fully waking up.
Unlike wake feeding, on-demand breastfeeding requires your baby to be alert enough to show signs of hunger by moving or crying. Keep in mind, however, that exclusive demand feeding requires the baby to have some “autonomy.” Sucking needs to be effective, and they need to drink enough milk.
What if your baby skips a feeding?
So comfy in their little bed, sometimes baby forgets to wake up and skips a meal. If they were born full-term, are healthy, and have a regular weight gain, there’s no reason to worry.
To track feeding with precision, you can use the growth chart in your child’s health record. The pediatrician completes this at every check-up, helping you track any deviations (too high or too low) on the percentiles, and adjust accordingly after consulting your doctor.
You can also keep a feeding journal for your baby so you stay 100% focused on their nutritional needs.
Waking a baby: why it should always be gentle
If you need to wake your baby to feed, do so as gently and delicately as possible. It’s important not to startle them in order not to frighten or hinder attempts at feeding or falling back asleep afterwards. To do it well, and considering your little sleeper’s habits, here are 5 techniques to try.
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Gentle touch: Gently stroke their cheek, arm, or head to help ease them out of sleep softly.
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Let the light in: If the room is dim during nap time, gradually let in daylight until your baby opens their eyes. If you need to wake baby at night, use a nightlight or a table lamp and bring it near their crib to encourage waking.
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Talk or sing: Most babies respond well to their mother’s voice. When it’s time to wake, sing their favorite lullaby or tell them that as they eat, you’ll be giving them the sweetest cuddle in the world.
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Move baby: Skillfully, if your baby is sleeping on their back, turn them onto their side. This gentle movement should be enough to open their eyes.
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Just live life: Open their bedroom door and let everyday sounds and smells reach them. That might be enough stimulation to get them ready to feed.
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