When to Stop Waking Your Baby to Feed Overnight

There’s nothing quite like the peaceful quiet of nighttime feeds and the tender moments you share with your little one when the world is still. But as your bub grows, you might wonder when to stop waking your baby to feed overnight.

Keep reading to learn how and when to stop night feeds so you can confidently meet your baby's needs and both of you can get those longer stretches of rest.

Each baby is one of a kind, and their feeding needs vary depending on their age and development. If you’re ever concerned about the amount your little one eats, make an appointment with your doctor. 

Below are general timelines for different age groups to help you navigate night feeding with your little love. (Read more about newborn sleep and feeding here.)

Premature Babies

The need for regular feedings is even more critical for premature babies, as they have less fat stores for energy and warmth than full term babies. If your baby was born early, following your pediatrician’s advice on night feeds is especially important. Premature babies may need to be woken for feeds more often to support healthy weight gain and growth. Regular check-ups will help you monitor their progress and determine when extending their nighttime sleep is safe.

0 to 1 Month Old

During their first month, newborns need about twelve feeds a day. Expect to feed your baby every two to three hours, including overnight. 

While it might seem counterintuitive to wake a sleeping baby, you want to feed them before their hunger makes them uncomfortable. Crying is a late sign of hunger, and feeding your baby at the first signs—like hand-to-mouth activity or rooting—will help avoid a frantic baby. Heading off hunger before it makes your little bub unhappy helps keep things peaceful during those nighttime sessions.

2 to 4 Months Old

Around two to four months, many babies can sleep for longer stretches at night—around four to six hours. If your baby is feeding well during the day (every 2.5 to 3.5 hours), gaining weight, and producing enough wet and dirty diapers, they may not need to be woken as frequently for night feeds. If your little bub checks all these boxes, this age is a good time to start adjusting their night feedings based on their individual needs and cues.

5 to 6 Months Old

By five to six months, many full-term babies can sleep through the night or at least 6–8 hours without a feeding. If your baby is eating full feedings during the day and growing well, allowing them to sleep longer stretches is okay. Sleeping longer through the night between feeds typically coincides with babies reaching around 12–13 pounds.

Make sure to follow your little one's lead. Some babies still need nighttime feedings until 9–12 months, especially during growth spurts.

Some babies need multiple night feeds, others need few. Here’s a quick breakdown on whether you should try to feed your little one at every wakeup. 

To determine if your baby needs to eat during a wakeup, watch for hunger cues, which can help you decide if a feeding is necessary. If your baby wakes but seems content without feeding and has had regular, full feedings during the day, they may need some cuddles (or other comfort) instead of a meal.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your baby is hungry or just in active sleep, especially since babies can be noisy sleepers. They might grunt, whimper, or stir without actually needing to eat. Babies can stir in their sleep, grunt, or move around without needing to be fed. If they’re simply transitioning between sleep cycles, they might not need feeding and could drift back to sleep on their own.

To avoid waking them unnecessarily, look for true hunger signs, which include: 

• Turning their head and opening or suckling with their mouth to find food (rooting)
• Restlessness or more movement during sleep
• Putting their hands near or in their mouth
• Fussing or crying

How do you know when your baby is ready to drop night feeds? Here are some signs that your little one might be ready to sleep through the night without needing to wake up for a feed:

• Full daytime feedings: If your little one is feeding well during the day and staying content between feeds, they may not need extra nourishment at night.
• Steady weight gain: If your baby is gaining weight along their growth curve and regularly producing several wet diapers and dirty diapers daily, they’re likely getting the calories they need during the day.
• Longer sleep stretches: If your baby naturally starts sleeping longer stretches without waking for feeds, it’s a good sign they’re ready to sleep through the night. (But remember that some babies still need nighttime feedings until they’re 9–12 months old!).

If you’re concerned about your baby’s growth or feeding patterns, especially if they were born prematurely, consult your pediatrician for guidance.

(Read more about getting your baby to sleep through the night here.)

The dream feed is a late-evening feeding given while your baby is still half-asleep. These feeds can help extend sleep during the night, and they'll drift off in their crib right after with a full tummy. Most babies are ready to drop the dream feed between four to six months. However, dropping this feed should be based on your baby’s cues. It may be time to let go of the dream feed if they’re naturally sleeping longer stretches and not waking up hungry during the night.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when to stop waking your baby for night feeds, and that’s okay. Trust your instincts, pay attention to your little one’s cues, and be flexible in adapting to their needs as they grow. 

Shop Nest Designs sleepwear to keep your little love comfortable during late-night feeds.