What Is a Dream Feed for Babies?

Dream feeding means feeding your baby while your baby is still sleeping.

- The term "dream feed" is used because you are feeding your baby while they are in a deep sleep, and they will not wake up during the feed.

- Dream feeding can help to extend your baby's sleep at night so both you and your baby can get the rest you need.

When can you start dream feeding a baby?

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If your baby is waking up at consistent intervals to feed during the night , you may want to consider introducing a dream feed as early as 4 months of age. Before this age, dream feeds are less likely to be effective.

How to dream feed a baby

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Follow these steps to attempt a dream feed:

- Offer the dream feed at a time when your baby would normally wake up to eat.

- Choose a time when your baby is in a deep sleep.

- Usually during the first half of their longest sleep stretch of the night.

- Gently lift your baby out of their crib and into a comfortable feeding position.

- Support your baby's head and neck.

- Bring the bottle or breast to your baby's mouth and allow them to suckle.

- Offer small amounts of milk and pace the feed.

- Avoid stimulation that may wake your baby.

- Stop the dream feed when your baby starts to fuss or wake up.

- Gently lay your baby back in the crib.

Things to keep in mind when dream feeding:

- Your baby may not always take a dream feed. Dream feeding works for some babies, but not for all. If your baby does not take a dream feed, do not force it.

- Dream feeding may not eliminate all night wakings. Dream feeding can help to extend your baby's sleep, but it may not completely eliminate all night wakings.

- Dream feeding may not be necessary if your baby is sleeping well. If your baby is sleeping through the night without waking, there is no need to dream feed them.

- Talk to your doctor before starting dream feeding. If you are unsure if dream feeding is right for your baby, talk to your doctor.