When (and How) to Drop Night Feeds

One of the biggest milestones for parents and babies alike is the magical moment when baby can finally sleep through the night without needing to feed. But when is the right time to drop night feeds—and how do you do it without causing unnecessary stress (for either of you)?

Let’s walk through the signs, the strategy, and the gentle approaches to making this transition smooth and successful.

When Should You Drop Night Feeds?

Every baby is different, but there are some common signs that your little one might be ready to say goodbye to night time snacking:

• Your baby is 6 months or older.

  
  

  Most healthy babies between 6-9 months can start to sleep through the night without a feed, though some may still need one for a little longer.

  
  

• Baby is eating well during the day.

  
  

  If your baby is taking full feeds during the day and is putting weight on, they’re likely getting enough calories to sustain them overnight.

  
  

• Baby is waking out of habit, not hunger.

  
  

  If your baby wakes but only nurses or bottles for a few minutes before falling asleep again, it could be more about comfort than nutrition.

  
  

• Your baby is not interested in their first feed of the day in the morning time.

This is a sure giveaway that they are getting too much during the night. Your baby should be hungry when they wake up and drink their first feed enthusiastically.

• Your paediatrician gives the green light.

  
  

  Always check with your doctor to make sure your baby is growing well and it’s safe to make changes to their feeding schedule.

  
  

How to Drop Night Feeds Gently

If you and your baby are ready, here’s how to ease into it:

1. Timings:

Your baby should be able to go an extra hour at night than they do during the day in

between feeds. So, if you baby feeds every 3 hours during the day then they should be able to go 4 hours between feeds at night. This will dictate how often you should be feeding your baby overnight. If you baby wakes and it is not time to feed then settle them back to sleep without feeding.

2. Offer Extra During the Day

Encourage bigger daytime feeds to ensure your baby isn't missing out nutritionally. You might add an extra nursing session or offer slightly larger bottles during daytime hours. You could do a split feed at bedtime where you feed them before the bedtime routine starts and then top them up before they go to bed.

3. Try a “Dream Feed”

A dream feed—where you feed your baby around 10–11 PM without fully waking them—can sometimes help stretch the next block of sleep longer and make nighttime weaning easier.

4. Be Consistent

Once you start the process, try to stay consistent. If it is a non-feed wake then settle you baby back to sleep without feeding, if it is time for a feed then feed them immediately. Trying to settle and then feeding only causes confusion for your baby and can make the process longer.

What to Expect

Dropping night feeds can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your baby's temperament and feeding habits. Some babies adjust quickly, while others need more gradual support.

It’s normal to experience a few rough nights. Stay patient, stay consistent, and remember: you're helping your little one build healthy sleep skills that will serve them well for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Dropping night feeds is a big step—not just for your baby, but for you too! Trust your instincts, go at a pace that feels right, and don’t hesitate to ask for support if you need it.

With a little patience and a lot of love, your baby will soon be snoozing soundly all night long (and so will you!).

If you want some more personalised support then contact me.