"Should I Let My Baby Sleep Through the Night Without Feeding?"

We've all been there, hovering over the crib at 2am, wondering, "Should I wake my little one for a feed, or let them sleep?". Let's explore when and why you might need to wake your baby, and when you can start letting them sleep longer.

Understanding Your Baby's Needs

First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that every baby is unique. Their need for nighttime feedings depends on factors such as age, weight, growth patterns, and overall health. Newborns, especially in the first few weeks, typically need to be fed every two to three hours, even at night. As they grow and gain weight, they can go longer between feeding

When You SHOULD Wake Your Baby

1. First Few Weeks

In the first couple of weeks of life, it's common for babies to lose about 7-10% of their birth weight. It's crucial during this period to make sure they gain it back. This is why you'll need to wake your baby for feeds at night in those early weeks.

2. Breastfeeding Moms

For breastfeeding Mama’s, those first few weeks are also key for establishing and building milk supply. Frequent feedings, including during the night, signal your body to produce more milk for your little one.

3. Doctor’s Recommendations

If your pediatrician advises waking your baby for feeds, especially for medical reasons or concerns about weight gain, it's important to follow their guidance.

How Often Should You Wake Your Baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waking newborns every 2-3 hours to feed in the first few weeks. This is because newborns typically need to feed about 12 times in 24 hours. Meaning feeding your little one roughly every 3 hours, around the clock.

So, When Can I Stop Waking My Baby?

Once your baby demonstrates a consistent pattern of weight gain and reaches their weight milestone, you can begin to reduce the frequency of nighttime feedings. At this stage, babies often start sleeping for longer stretches at night. A good rule of thumb is that a 4 week old might last about 4 hours at night without a feed, a 5 week old around 5 hours, and so on.

But don’t stress too much over these numbers! This is a guideline. Every baby is different. If your 9 week old is only managing 4 hours, that’s perfectly normal, too!

Helping Your Baby Sleep Longer Stretches

To encourage longer sleep stretches without hunger, focus on daytime feedings:

1. Feed Every 2-3 Hours: Ensure regular feedings during the day.

2. Full Feedings: Make sure each feeding is complete, not just a snack.

3. Wake from Naps: If it's been 3 hours since the last feeding started, its time to wake your baby for a feed.

Remember, You’ve Got this!

Whether to let your baby sleep through the night without feeding is a personal decision, influenced by your baby's health, your comfort level, and pediatricians guidance. It's okay to experiment and find what works best for your family. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, seek advice when needed, and know that this phase doesn't last forever!

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