Cracking the Nighttime Hunger Code: Steps to Reduce Feeds and Improve Sleep
In this mini-masterclass, we delve into the realm of nighttime hunger. Let’s shed light on managing nighttime hunger in a gentle and effective manner.
You may have heard that children over six months old or weighing over 15 pounds do not need to be fed during the night. However, many children feel hungry during the night. This may be due to their stomachs being accustomed to regular nighttime feedings. This feeling of hunger can be accompanied by tummy rumbles. I suggest taking a gradual approach to reducing nighttime feedings. Start by picking one feeding session, not necessarily the first one, to gradually decrease the amount of milk offered. If you are bottle-feeding, it is relatively easy to measure the amount of milk consumed. However, if you are breastfeeding, try observing the duration of each feeding session as a measure of intake.
While online sources may recommend not feeding children during the night to promote better sleep, this can lead to hunger and discomfort, ultimately affecting a child’s ability to rest well. With a gentle approach, we aim to strike a balance between reducing nighttime feeds and ensuring that you’re not leaving your child hungry.
The Plan: Gradually reduce nighttime feedings every two or three nights. Simultaneously, increase the amount of milk offered during daytime feeds to compensate for the reduction at night. By doing so, we allow our children’s stomachs to gradually adjust to needing less food during the night and encourage them to consume more during the day.
By following the gentle approach outlined in this mini-masterclass, parents can navigate their way towards reducing nighttime feeds to a minimum.
Managing nighttime hunger in children requires a gentle and gradual approach. While it may initially seem challenging, the ultimate goal is to help their stomachs adjust to needing less milk during the night. By reducing nighttime feeds gradually, increasing daytime milk intake, and observing each child’s specific needs, parents can create a balance. Feel free to leave your questions and comments, as I’m here to support you.
Join Sleep Training in Slumber Academy
If you want to learn what works for your child regarding independent sleep, sign up for Sleep Training in SLumber Academy.
This six module start to finish system is designed to help you find the easiest way to help your child be an independent sleeper without leaving them to cry alone.
