As a parent, particularly a new one, getting undisturbed sleep seems like a far-fetched dream. So when your baby finally sleeps for extended periods at night, it's natural to ask: Is it alright to let them sleep through and not wake them for a night feed? The solution hinges on a couple of important factors, mainly your baby's age, weight, and overall health. In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Sampath Kumar, Paediatrician, Kinder Hospital - Bengaluru, explained everything you need to know.
What is Night Feeding in Infants
During the first couple of months of life, newborns need to be fed frequently around the clock, usually every two to four hours, since their small tummies can only accommodate a limited amount of milk at one time. Night feedings are necessary for assuring rapid growth and keeping blood sugar levels stable.
But as your baby gets older and begins to gain weight routinely, they might not need to wake up as frequently, or even at all, for nighttime feedings.
When Is It Okay to Skip Night Feedings?
According to Dr Sampat, it's okay to skip night feedings only if your baby has reached the following milestones:
- They are old enough to be between four to six months old: Most babies start sleeping through the night for longer periods without the need to feed when they are between 4 and 6 months old.
- They have doubled their birth weight: A healthy gain in weight is a good sign that your baby is consuming adequate calories throughout the day.
- They are feeding well during the day: If your baby is nursing or bottle-feeding well and receiving sufficient overall daily intake, night feedings may gradually reduce on their own accord.
- Your paediatrician says it's okay: Always talk to your doctor before adjusting feeding times, particularly if your baby was premature, underweight, or has any health issues.
When Not to Skip Night Feeds
However, Dr Sampat also noted that there are instances where night feeding must still be done. This is when:
- If your child is below four months old
- If they are not putting on weight as anticipated
- If they are premature or have particular health requirements
- If they wake up hungry independently
In these instances, it's essential to persist with night feeds until advised otherwise by your paediatrician.
What If My Baby Sleeps Through the Night
If your baby spontaneously starts sleeping longer periods at night and does not wake to feed, and they're otherwise healthy and developing normally, there's usually no requirement to wake them. “Allow them (and you) the rest, just ensure they are receiving sufficient milk or formula during the day to provide them with their nutrition,” Dr Sampat suggested.
Bottomline
Dropping the night feeds can be a much-welcome milestone in your baby's growth, but it needs to be done safely and under the advice of your paediatrician. If your baby is sleeping through the night independently and doing well, take the extra sleep. If not, remember that night feeding is a brief but necessary phase of early parenthood that provides support for your little one's development and health.