When it comes to the dream feed for your baby the opinions are very much divided. For many parents waking a sleeping baby should never happen especially if it takes the longest time to get her to sleep! However if correctly managed the dream feed is a positive step towards helping your baby to sleep through the night.
I would always recommend offering the dream feed method as a positive step towards a successful nights sleep for you and your baby
So are brave enough to try?
The advantage of the dream feed is to offer your baby some milk around 10.30pm just before you go to bed, let her take the lead on how much she drinks then fully wind her and then gently settle her back in her bed. It’s not necessary to change your baby unless you suspect a dirty nappy.
Here are 5 of my Top Tips for a successful dream feed...
- A night light in the nursery avoiding any bright lights.
- Before lifting your baby have everything ready.
- Avoid stimulation and keep voices to a minimum.
- Let your baby decide how much she wants to drink.
- Gently wind as usual finishing with a cuddle on your shoulder for a few minutes to help any trapped wind to escape before settling.
The dream feed will help your baby’s night feed gradually move towards 7am and many parents continue with the dream feed until weaning their baby between five and six months even if their baby only drinks a couple of ounces of milk. In my professional experience over the last 25 years as a maternity nurse I would always recommend offering the dream feed method as a positive step towards a successful nights sleep for you and your baby… Magic!
