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A dream feed is a "top up feed" given around 10-11pm without fully waking the baby, with the intention of extending the time until the next feed. Whether or not to introduce or remove this feed depends on what works best for your baby.
If you find that the dream feed helps in prolonging their sleep and they feed well during this time without fully waking up, then it may be beneficial for your baby. However, if the dream feed seems to disrupt their sleep or they do not feed effectively during this time, it might be worth considering removing it.
Ultimately, the decision to give the dream feed should be based on observing your baby's response and determining what approach supports their sleep and feeding patterns most effectively.
Please know that if you are waking many times a night to give a feed, I have a 0-3 month sleep guide that will help pave the way for a strong sleep foundation and encourage longer sleep in the night. Do you have a baby older than 3 months? The 4-24 month sleep guide may be the perfect tool for you!
Will the dream feed work for me?
The only way to find out is if you introduce and persist with it for at least 3-5 days. After this time lapses, there are a few different outcomes that will determine whether to continue or drop it all together.
It is working
◦ They either sleep through till the morning or only have one extra feed before your mornings start.
◦ They fall back to sleep with ease.
◦ Takes a full feed.
It is not working
◦ They still require another 2-3 feeds afterward.
◦ Difficulty falling back to sleep after the feed is given.
◦ Is NOT taking a full feed.
How to do the feed
Schedule feed at 10-11pm (2-3 hours after their last feed). We aim for this time so they can have a full feed during their deepest phase of sleep.
Gently pick up your baby and rouse them to a semi-awake state to ensure they are alert enough to take a full feed. It's important not to fully wake them, as this may make it more challenging for them to settle back to sleep.
Offer a full feed. After the feed, burp them to help release any trapped air.
Once they have finished feeding and burping, gently place them back down in their sleeping area.
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At what age can you introduce the dream feed?
The dream feed can be initiated as early as 6 weeks and can be gradually weaned whenever you feel ready to stop it.
How and when to wean the dream feed?
While many babies can sleep for a solid 10-12 hours without a feed by the age of 6 months, some babies may still require it. To determine if your baby is ready to drop the feed, ensure they are feeding every 2.5 - 3 hours during the day (with a maximum of 4 hours between feeds) to ensure they are getting enough calories to sustain them through the night. It's also important to get to go ahead from your maternal health care nurse.
To wean the feed, you can choose between a cold turkey approach or gradually decreasing the amount each night (gradual approach is recommended for breastfeeding babies). If you are facing challenges in dropping this feed, please note that my 4-24 month sleep guide includes dedicated pages on "night weaning" to provide you with guidance and support.
Do you need help?
If you find yourself struggling with your baby's sleep or have concerns about potential sleep challenges, I'm here to help! I offer a range of valuable tools and resources designed to assist you through this journey. You can access my downloadable sleep guide and optional plans, which provide guidance and support for achieving solid naps and 10-12 hour nights. To access the 4-24 month sleep guide and plans, simply click here and you'll be redirected.
Written by Alexandra Selekos I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.