Dream Feeds: What They Are and How They Can Help Your Baby Sleep Longer

For many new parents, the idea of getting a longer stretch of sleep at night sounds like a dream come true, and that’s exactly where the “dream feed” comes in. Dream feeding is a gentle, strategic way to help your baby (and you!) get a little more uninterrupted rest.

What Is a Dream Feed?

A dream feed is a late-evening feed you give your baby while they’re still asleep or very drowsy, usually between 9:30pm and 11:00pm, just before you go to bed yourself. The goal is to top up your baby’s tummy so they can sleep a longer stretch before their next feed.

Parents typically lift their baby from the cot, offer the breast or bottle, and allow them to feed without fully waking. Afterward, the baby is gently burped and placed back in bed to continue sleeping.

Why Try a Dream Feed?

The main benefit of a dream feed is helping your baby sleep longer at night, which can also mean more rest for parents. Here are some potential advantages:

Longer overnight stretches: It can reduce the likelihood of a middle-of-the-night waking caused by hunger.

More predictable sleep patterns: It can help align your baby’s longest sleep stretch with your own bedtime.

Supports gradual night weaning: As your baby grows and takes more during the day, the dream feed can help them naturally drop night feeds later on.

When to Start and Stop Dream Feeding

Many families start dream feeds when their baby is around 6–8 weeks old, once night sleep begins to consolidate a little.

Most babies no longer need a dream feed by 6–9 months of age, as their calorie needs are met during the day. Signs your baby might be ready to drop it include:

·      Waking more often after a dream feed than before

·      Refusing or barely drinking the feed

·      Naturally sleeping through that time without needing it

How to Do a Dream Feed

Choose the right time: Around 10pm works well for many families.

Keep it calm and quiet: Avoid bright lights or too much stimulation, this isn’t a playtime feed.

Offer the breast or bottle: Most babies will instinctively suck even while sleepy.

Burp gently (if needed): Some babies feed so lightly they don’t need burping, but always use your judgment.

Lay your baby back down to sleep: Place them back in their cot on their back once finished.

Tips for Success

Consistency matters: Try offering the dream feed around the same time each night for a week or two to gauge its effect.

Monitor your baby’s response: Some babies sleep longer, others wake more often, if it doesn’t help after several nights, it’s okay to stop.

Don’t stress: Dream feeds don’t work for every baby. Every little one’s sleep needs are unique.

Is a Dream Feed Right for Every Baby?

Not necessarily. Some babies may wake more fully during the feed or become dependent on it. Others may naturally extend their night sleep without any intervention. If you’re unsure whether to introduce or continue a dream feed, it can be helpful to discuss it with a paediatric sleep consultant – Hopefully me!

The Bottom Line

Dream feeding can be a helpful tool for extending night sleep in the early months, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and feeding patterns, and remember, it’s perfectly okay to experiment and see what works best for your family.