Dream feeding is a technique where a parent offers a bottle or breast to a baby who is in a drowsy state or asleep, typically late in the evening. This intentional feeding, often done around 10:00 p.m. to midnight, aims to top off the baby’s caloric intake before the parent goes to bed. The primary goal is to shift the baby’s longest stretch of sleep to a later time, aligning it with the parents’ sleep schedule. This practice can help a baby sleep for a longer, consolidated block, allowing the parent to also gain extended rest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dream Feeding
The physical process begins with gently approaching the sleeping baby to minimize disruption. It is most effective to attempt the feed when the baby is in a lighter, more active sleep phase, identified by fluttering eyelids, slight movements, or small sounds. Scoop the baby up gently while supporting the head and neck, avoiding lifting them straight up from the crib or bassinet.
To encourage the baby to begin feeding, a light touch is usually enough to trigger the rooting reflex. Brush the bottle’s nipple across the baby’s lower lip or cheek, which should prompt them to open their mouth and latch on. The aim is for the baby to suckle actively and consume a full feeding without fully waking up.
Throughout the feed, maintain the baby in a semi-upright position to reduce the risk of reflux or ear infection. Support the baby’s head in the crook of your arm, keeping their body angled upward. Hold the bottle relatively parallel to the floor, ensuring the nipple is full of milk to prevent the baby from swallowing excess air.
Once the baby has finished the bottle, a gentle burp is necessary to relieve any trapped air, often called a “dream burp.” Instead of the vigorous patting used during an awake feed, try a softer technique like a light rub on the back or holding the baby upright against your shoulder for a few minutes. If the baby does not burp easily, do not force it, as the goal is to avoid waking them.
After the burp, or a brief attempt, the baby should be placed immediately back into their sleep space on their back, maintaining the quiet, dim environment. Avoid stimulation, such as talking or cuddling, which could transition them from a drowsy state to a fully awake one. The entire process should ideally take no more than 15 to 20 minutes to maintain the integrity of their sleep cycle.
Timing, Preparation, and Bottle Flow Considerations
Successfully implementing a dream feed requires precise timing and careful preparation. The optimal time is typically two to three hours after the baby initially fell asleep for the night. This period often falls between 10:00 p.m. and midnight, just before the parent retires for the evening.
This timing is strategic because it intercepts the baby’s natural hunger cue, allowing the parent to initiate the feed before the baby wakes up and cries. The bottle must be ready immediately, with formula prepared or milk warmed, if preferred, to minimize handling time outside the sleep environment. A delay can increase the likelihood of the baby fully waking up and becoming agitated.
When using a bottle, the nipple flow rate is a significant factor in maintaining the baby’s drowsy state. A slow-flow nipple is recommended for dream feeding, as a fast flow can cause the baby to gulp too quickly, leading to discomfort, gas, or a sudden rush of liquid that could startle them. The slower flow mimics the effort required for natural nursing, helping keep the feed calm and regulated.
The environment should be kept as dark and quiet as possible to avoid sensory stimulation. Use a very low-wattage nightlight or a light source outside the room for visibility, and continue any white noise that is part of the baby’s normal sleep routine. This reinforces that it is still nighttime, making it easier for the baby to transition back to sleep.
Knowing When to Phase Out Dream Feeds
Dream feeding is generally considered a temporary practice, and there are several indicators that a baby may be ready to stop. Many babies begin to outgrow the need for the late-evening feed between four and six months of age, as their sleep cycles mature and they become developmentally capable of sleeping for longer stretches without a feeding.
A clear sign that the practice is no longer beneficial is when the baby begins to refuse the bottle or becomes increasingly difficult to rouse during the dream feed. If the baby is simply nibbling or taking a small amount before falling back into a deep sleep, they may no longer require the extra calories to extend their sleep. Another indicator is if the dream feed starts to cause earlier-than-usual night wakings, suggesting interference with their natural sleep cycle.
When the time comes to stop, it is best to gradually wean the baby off the feed rather than stopping abruptly. Parents can reduce the amount of milk in the bottle by an ounce or two every few nights. This gradual reduction allows the baby’s body to adjust to the lower caloric intake without causing a sudden increase in night wakings.
Continue reducing the volume until the bottle is completely eliminated, or until the baby starts sleeping through the time the dream feed would have occurred. If the baby begins waking up earlier after the volume has been reduced, it may be necessary to pause the weaning process and hold the reduced volume for a few more nights before attempting a further decrease.