A dream feed is a common strategy that some parents use to help their baby sleep longer stretches at night. But does it really work?
And is it the best approach for every baby?
In this article, we’ll explore how to do a dream feed, whether it helps babies sleep longer, when it may not be beneficial, and my perspective on whether you should try it.
What Is a Dream Feed?
A dream feed is when you feed your baby while they are still asleep or in a drowsy state, without them waking up fully.
This is typically done before the parents go to bed, with the goal of preventing the baby from waking up due to hunger during the night.
How to Do a Dream Feed?
If you decide to try dream feeding, here’s how to do it:
1. Keep the environment calm – Ensure the room is dark or dimly lit with minimal noise (except for white noise, if used).
2. Gently pick up your baby – If your baby is sleeping in a crib, lift them gently. If you’re co-sleeping, you can feed them while they remain in bed.
3. Stimulate their feeding reflex – Touch their cheek with the bottle or breast to activate the rooting reflex and encourage them to latch.
4. Offer a brief feed – Let your baby feed but avoid a full feeding session, as this may disrupt sleep more than necessary.
5. Burp your baby (if possible) – Some babies may need burping even when asleep, though this isn’t always necessary.
6. Return them to sleep space – If they wake up slightly, allow them to self-settle back to sleep.
Do Babies Sleep Longer with a Dream Feed?
The idea behind a dream feed is that by giving the baby extra milk before the parents’ bedtime, they will sleep longer before waking for another feed.
In theory, this can work, particularly for babies who wake primarily due to hunger. However, it is not a guaranteed solution for longer sleep stretches, as babies also wake for reasons other than hunger, such as discomfort, developmental milestones, or habit.
Some babies respond well to dream feeds and will sleep longer stretches, while others may still wake frequently. The effectiveness depends on the baby’s age, sleep maturity, and feeding needs.
My Opinion on Dream Feeding
As a sleep consultant who follows a baby-led approach, I generally do not recommend dream feeding unless there is a specific need for it. I believe that babies should wake naturally for feeds when they are hungry rather than being fed on a preemptive schedule. Feeding based on hunger cues helps support healthy sleep habits and prevents unnecessary night wakings in the long term.
That said, there are situations where dream feeding can be beneficial. For example:
- If a baby around 5-6 months old has developed strong self-settling skills and can sleep for 10-11 hours but is not yet fully weaned.
- When parents want reassurance that their baby is getting enough calories overnight while transitioning to longer sleep stretches.
- If a baby is underweight or has specific medical needs that require ensuring adequate nighttime intake.
In these cases, a dream feed can be a strategic tool to support the transition to consolidated sleep while maintaining nutritional balance.
When Not to Do Dream Feeding
Dream feeds do not work for every baby and may even be counterproductive in some situations. You may want to avoid dream feeding if:
- Your baby has reflux – Feeding while asleep can make digestion harder and lead to discomfort or increased spit-up.
- Your baby struggles with gas – Some babies have trouble burping while drowsy, which can cause trapped air and restless sleep.
- Your baby doesn’t wake from hunger – If your baby wakes frequently for other reasons, a dream feed won’t solve those wake-ups.
- It causes more wakings – Some babies become unsettled by being disturbed and may start waking more often instead of sleeping longer.
When to Stop Dream Feeding
If a dream feed is working well for your family, you can continue it until you feel it’s no longer necessary. However, stopping a dream feed requires a gradual approach, as babies may continue waking at the same time due to habit rather than hunger.
Some general guidelines for phasing out a dream feed include:
- Around 6 months, as solid food intake increases and babies can consume more calories during the day.
- When your baby starts naturally sleeping longer stretches and no longer seems to need the extra feed.
- If night wakings become more frequent, as the dream feed may be interfering with natural sleep patterns.
Conclusion
While dream feeds can be helpful in specific cases, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. I generally advocate for responsive, baby-led feeding, allowing babies to wake naturally for feeds rather than introducing scheduled night feeds. However, in certain situations—such as ensuring adequate calorie intake for a baby who is sleeping longer stretches—dream feeds can serve as a temporary tool to support both sleep and nutrition.
Ultimately, the best approach is the one that aligns with your baby’s individual needs and works for your family. If you’re unsure whether a dream feed is right for you, focus on building strong sleep foundations first and adjusting based on your baby’s response.
I’m Lena, a founder of Caring Sleep Solutions. I’m a neuroscientist, and a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Adult Sleep Coach, and most importantly, a mother who has experienced severe sleep deprivation. For more tips and insights on improving sleep for both you and your little one, follow me on Instagram.
If sleep is affecting your family life, you don’t have to go through it alone. The solution may be simpler than you think. Explore my 1:1 support options, and let’s work together to create a gentle, personalized plan that helps your little one sleep better—giving you the rest you need.