A Gradual Goodbye to NIGHT FEEDS
Alright friends, let’s have an honest chat…
night feeds are a hot topic with a lot of different views, am I right!? So here's the deal, if night feeding is working for you and your little one, who am I to change that? If it feels right, you have all my cheers to keep going! But if you’re finding yourself dreaming of a full night’s sleep, it might be time to think about how we can gracefully retire those 3 AM snack sessions.
So when do we say goodbye to night feeds!?
Before you can begin.. We need to review a few key points! First of all, Age Matters, dropping feeds is not for the newborn crew. Babies under 16 weeks still need the night feedings because their tiny bellies demand frequent feedings. Next, let’s follow all the doctor's orders.. Please please get approval from your pediatrician before dropping night feeds! Lastly, we need to understand hunger vs habit. We must figure out whether our little one is waking from hunger or out of routine. If it’s genuine hunger, those night feeds need to stay. And let’s not forget to set the stage for sleep success. This includes a soothing sleep environment with white noise, complete darkness, a comfy sleep space, and a consistent bedtime routine. It’s all about the basics—get these right, and everything else follows more smoothly.
Ready, Set, Grow: Phasing out Night Feeds
Once your baby hits the right age and weight (usually around 13 pounds or around 4-5 months), and your doctor gives the green light, it might be time to start the transition away from night feeding, especially if you and your caregivers feel ready for this change.
Isn’t parenting ironic? We wish for more sleep, but when your baby starts snoozing longer, it's panic time! If your little one is gaining well and healthy, let them bless you with the gift of sleep. Trust me, it’s okay to enjoy it!
There are a few options for gradual goodbyes of night feeding…
And expect for it to take a bit of time and require patience as it is a change for your little one! We can drop one feed at a time, setting a schedule for feeding and not feeding before that time.. Can drop by a half ounce each night or two less minutes until we completely drop that feed, and apply this process to the next feeding.
You can also take another approach of lengthening the time and trying gentle sleep training before jumping right into feeding. Start with the first night feed—instead of feeding right away when they wake, wait and see if they can self-soothe back to sleep. This might take a few tries, so be prepared for some trial and error. Use a comforting but firm approach, checking in briefly without feeding to reassure them (and you!).
Repeat this process over a few nights, gradually extending the time between waking and not feeding, until they no longer expect a feed at that time. Then, slowly apply this method to other night feeds.
Navigating Changes Together
Change is a journey, one that requires time, patience, and sometimes, a bit of creativity. There's no need for guilt if you’re ready to stop night feeds—they’re not always necessary as your baby grows. Often, they wake from habit, and it’s okay to lovingly teach them new ways to settle back to sleep.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Let’s Chat!
If the thought of sleep training feels daunting, I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s figure out how to get your little one—and therefore, you—sleeping better. You’re not just a parent; you’re a person who needs rest to thrive in your many roles.
Ready for Restful Nights? Book a complimentary call with me today, and let’s tailor a sleep plan that fits your family’s unique needs and comfort level.
You've got this, mama!
Sweet Dreams,
Raz Franklyn ,The Rested Mama
"Knowing your baby's age-appropriate wake window is like having the golden ticket to dreamland." - The Rested Mama
Now, I know what you're thinking – Wake Windows, what's the big deal? But let me tell you, tired parents, knowing your baby's appropriate wake windows is the key to unlocking those precious moments of peaceful slumber that both you and your little one crave. I struggled so much with sleep with my first daughter, and one of the reasons is I did not understand the importance of knowing the appropriate wake windows and following them. Learning this and implementing it, completely brought back my sanity! So it’s my mission to make sure others understand wake windows and their importance!
Understanding Wake Windows
Let's start at the beginning – what are wake windows, and why are they so important? Essentially, they're the typical amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between naps, based on their age. Mastering wake windows is key to ensuring your little one is tired enough to drift off easily, but not so tired that bedtime becomes a battle.
Especially in those first six months of life (though it applies at all ages), babies are more prone to becoming overtired. And let me tell you, overtiredness is the enemy of sleep. It messes with their cortisol and adrenaline levels, making it harder for them to settle down for naps or stay asleep through the night. Not exactly the recipe for a well-rested family, right? So this is why its so crucial to pay attention to wake windows and utilize them with your infants!
WAKE WINDOWS ARE KEY..
BUT THERE ARE MORE FACTORS TO CONSIDER
But wake windows are just the beginning of the sleep secrets I'm about to share with you, mama. In addition to nailing those perfect naptime intervals, there are a few other key factors that can make all the difference in your baby's sleep routine.
Room Environment. Let's talk about setting the stage for sweet slumber. First up, darkness. Investing in blackout blinds can create a cozy sleep sanctuary for your little one, promoting deeper and more restful sleep. And don't forget about white noise – a quality machine can drown out background noises and create a soothing environment for sleep.
Calories during the day and before bed. Make sure your little one is getting FULL feedings (not snacks) during the day, every 2-4 hours depending on your schedule. Make sure they get their last feed before bed and that it is a full feed. We want their bellies to be full without them being over full, a delicate balance!
Sleep Pressure. Finally, let's talk about the concept of sleep pressure. This natural desire to sleep builds up throughout the day and plays a crucial role in your baby's ability to settle down for naps and bedtime. By embracing sleep pressure and encouraging independent sleep habits, you can pave the way for longer, more restful sleep for your little one – and a lot more sanity for you. Understanding wake windows and working with your babies natural sleep pressure, will allow you to create a bedtime routine and time for bed that sets them up for success.
So my tired and determined parent friends.. Let’s do this!
So let's sum it up… The secret to helping your little one sleep longer lies in understanding wake windows, creating a cozy sleep environment, finding the perfect balance of fullness, and embracing sleep pressure and independence. If you're ready to unlock the secrets to better sleep for your family, I invite you to schedule a free call with me, and let's chat about how I can support you on this journey.
Together, we'll make sweet dreams a reality for your little one – and reclaim your sanity in the process. Schedule your call today, because you deserve it!
You've got this, mama!
Sweet Dreams,
Raz Franklyn ,The Rested Mama
