Dream feeds and night feeds: when they help and when to drop

Navigating your baby's nighttime nutritional needs can be confusing. Understanding the purpose of both dream feeds and regular night feeds can help you create a strategy that supports your baby's growth while maximising sleep for everyone.

A widespread mistake is viewing all nighttime feedings as a permanent habit or, conversely, feeling pressured to drop them too early. A dream feed, in particular, is often seen as a magic trick for longer sleep, but its effectiveness can vary greatly from one baby to another.

But what's the difference between dream and night feeds? A night feed is simple: it's a feeding you give your baby when they wake up on their own during the night and show signs of hunger. For young infants, these are biologically necessary. A dream feed is a proactive strategy where you gently rouse your baby (without fully waking them) to give them a final feeding before you go to bed, typically two to three hours after they first fell asleep. The theory is that this "tops them off" and encourages a longer, more consolidated stretch of sleep.

A dream feed can be a useful tool, often in the 3 to 6-month age range, to help align your baby's longest sleep stretch with your own. If it successfully prevents a waking that would have happened a few hours later, it can be a great temporary strategy.

The decision to reduce or eliminate night feedings is a gradual process that you should always discuss with your pediatrician. Signs that your baby may be ready include: consistently sleeping for longer stretches on their own, showing little interest in the night feeding or taking only a small amount before falling back asleep, or getting enough calories and demonstrating healthy weight gain from daytime feeds alone.

Often, the first step is to drop the dream feed. If you stop offering it and your baby doesn't wake up any earlier than they did before, it’s a strong sign they may no longer need it.

Every baby's timeline for night weaning is different. By following your baby's cues and partnering with your doctor, you can confidently navigate this transition when the time is right.

A gentle reminder: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are facing a problem that feels sharp, persistent, or overwhelming, reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength.