If you’re a parent then you’ll no doubt have heard the phrase “dream feed” in the quest for better, longer, and more regular sleep.
Whilst a dream feed can help some babies sleep longer, there are a lot of myths out there about the feeding method. So I’m here to explain: what a dream feed is, why some parents swear by it, and whether it’s the right plan for you and your baby.
What is a dream feed?
According to this round-up from Penguin Books, the term dream feed was coined by Tracy Hogg who wrote The Baby Whisperer.
A dream feed ultimately means you’re giving your baby an extra feed before midnight to help them sleep for longer periods throughout the night.
The recommended method is:
- To wake baby around 3-4 hours after you’ve put them down to sleep in the evening
- Feed them again with minimal interaction and put them back in their cot
Most people who use the method try to feed their baby without waking them up – hence the name! You might pick them up gently, and present them with the bottle teat or your nipple to suckle on. If they’re fast asleep then you would gently stroke their cheek to encourage them to feed.
Some dream feeders wake up their babies fully by changing their nappies. This reduces the likelihood of leaks, and makes sure the baby has a good feed. But, then you have to get them to sleep again!
What are the pros and cons of introducing a dream feed?
There is some logic in the idea that topping up your baby’s milk levels makes them sleep for longer. One of my key strategies for encouraging longer sleep throughout the night is making sure your baby gets all the calories they need.
But there is a limited window in which you can introduce a dream feed. Fans of the method say around 8 weeks is best. A baby’s sleep pattern will start to change at 4 months, so there’s no point introducing a dream feed after this point. The general consensus is that the earlier you introduce something like a dream feed, the more likely it is to work.
I also believe that running the risk of waking your baby while they’re currently sleeping peacefully is counter-productive (unless you’re in the tiny newborn stage and they’ve yet to reach their birth weight).
My approach to a good night’s sleep
When I support families my focus is on ensuring baby has maximum calories during the day to make sure they are full throughout the night. This is the first step to establishing a good sleep routine, and you can do it from the very first day your baby is born.
Dream feeds are not my first choice for a baby who wakes a lot, so I’ll always encourage families to try other strategies before they get that point.
You can find out more about how I guide families through feeding their newborns in this article here.
Should you introduce a dream feed?
As I’ve mentioned before, I firmly believe that every baby is different. Every family is different too, and we all have unique needs.
If a dream feed works for your baby then that’s great! I’m so pleased for you, and now isn’t the time to mess with a good thing. But if you’re currently rocking an unsettled baby at 2am, then my first recommended step would be to encourage you to think about upping the calories your baby is getting during the day.
If you’re still bleary-eyed, then why not give me a call?!
