A “dream feed” is a term commonly used in the context of feeding infants, particularly during the early months of their lives. It refers to a feeding that takes place while the baby is still asleep or in a state of drowsiness, typically during the evening or night. The intention behind a dream feed is to help the baby consume extra calories before a longer stretch of sleep, potentially allowing both the baby and the parents to enjoy a longer uninterrupted sleep period.
Here are some key points about dream feeding:
Timing: Dream feeds are usually done just before the parent goes to bed, often around 10 PM or 11 PM, depending on the baby’s normal sleeping pattern.
Method: When performing a dream feed, the parent gently wakes the baby enough to latch or drink from a bottle without fully rousing them. This means the baby may not fully wake up and may continue to sleep through most of the feeding.
Benefits: The primary benefit of a dream feed is to help the baby consume more calories at night, which can help them sleep longer before waking for another feeding. This can be beneficial for both the baby and the parents, as it may lead to longer sleep stretches.
Considerations: Not all babies respond well to dream feeds, and some parents may find that it disrupts their baby’s sleep cycle. It’s important to observe the baby’s responses and adjust feeding practices accordingly.
Age Appropriateness: Dream feeding is typically more common with younger infants, particularly those under six months old, as their sleep and feeding patterns are still developing. As babies grow and their feeding needs change, parents may find that dream feeding becomes less necessary.
Overall, dream feeding can be a useful strategy for some families, but it’s not essential for all, and each baby will have different needs and sleep habits.