Night feeding: when will my baby sleep through the night?
Waking at night to feed is normal, and for the first months it is necessary. When your baby sleeps through the night varies widely, and there is no deadline.
What sleeping through the night means
Researchers often define it as a 5-6 hour stretch, not eight to twelve hours. Many babies reach that stretch between 3 and 6 months, but plenty of healthy babies still wake at night after their first birthday.
Night feeds by age
Newborns need to feed around the clock, often every 2-4 hours. Between 3 and 6 months, many babies drop to one or two night feeds as they take more milk by day. From 6 months with solid food, some babies no longer need night feeds, but this depends on the baby.
Always ask your health nurse before dropping night feeds, especially if your baby is not gaining weight steadily.
Making nights easier
Keep night feeds calm: dim lights, little talking, no play. Change the diaper only if needed. A dark mode in your feeding app lets you log the feed without lighting up the room, and a recurring reminder can help if your baby sleeps long stretches in the first weeks.
If you have a partner, taking turns or sharing expressed milk feeds can give each of you a longer stretch of sleep. Rest when your baby rests, when you can.
Do not forget your own sleep
Exhaustion is a normal part of the first months, but severe tiredness, low mood or anxiety are worth raising with your health nurse or doctor. Support is available, and asking for it is a sign of strength.