The Dreamfeed – What is it and how can it help your baby (and you!) sleep better?

As a new parent, you’re probably no stranger to sleepless nights. But what if there was a strategy that could help both you and your baby sleep better? Enter the dream feed. This technique, which has worked wonders for many parents, including myself, is worth exploring. So, let’s see what a dream feed is, how to introduce it, and the potential benefits it can bring to your baby’s sleep routine.

What is a dreamfeed?

A dreamfeed is a feed you give your baby late in the evening, ideally between 10pm and 11pm. The idea is that it fills your baby up, and you will see them having a good stretch of sleep afterwards or even through until morning. It’s called a dreamfeed as you do not want to wake your baby up; just gently rouse them enough to take the bottle or breast, feed them, keep the room dark, wind them if needed and lay them back down to sleep.

When to start introducing a dreamfeed?

So, when’s the right time to start introducing a dreamfeed? The sweet spot is usually between the ages of 2 and 4 months, when your baby is starting to sleep for longer stretches overnight. This is the perfect time to take advantage of their growing ability to sleep longer and extend their overnight sleep. It’s like hitting the sleep jackpot!

When should you stop the dreamfeed?

It’s best to remove the dreamfeed by 6-6.5 months as at this point it can then actually start to interfere with overnight sleep.

Does the dreamfeed work for every baby?

No! It’s not a guaranteed method for every baby. If you decide to introduce it, be sure to give it at least a week to see if it is working. If, during this period, your baby is still waking up a few hours after the dream feed and not getting a longer stretch of sleep, then it’s best to drop it and let your baby wake naturally.

Remember every baby is different and what works for one baby or family may not work for another. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your little one.