In our regular column, our postnatal expert MELINDA HUNT of Melinda Maternity answers common questions about babies, pregnancy, parenting and more. Here, she discusses dream feeding – what it is and how it can help.
What is the ‘dream feed’?
The dream feed is a term conceptualised by the famous baby expert and author Tracy Hogg nearly 20 years ago. Today, it is still very much part of the baby landscape – and as new parents you will hear this terminology often!
What is this infamous feed all about, then? In simple terms, the dream feed involves feeding your baby late at night (usually between 10pm and 11pm), before you go to bed. It’s usually given approximately two to three hours after the evening feed.
The idea is to rouse baby from her slumber and gently offer her a top-up breast feed or bottle, hopefully triggering the sucking reflex so she drinks while she’s half asleep! Because babies have a strong urge to suck, a little tickle under the chin and some warm milk dribbled on her lips is probably enough to get this reflex going.
The aim is that this extra feeding or topping up will extend your little munchkin’s sleep and reward parents with a solid stretch of sleep before the next feeding. In conjunction with this method, it’s best to keep the room as dim as possible. Remember, this is not the time for playing or interaction with your little sweety. Give him a gentle burping and a quick nappy change, if needed. Keep the white noise rumbling along in the background too. Readjust the swaddle and make sure he’s snug! Then place him back in the crib. Dream feed accomplished!
Does it work for all babies?
Now, for some babies, the dream feed simply doesn’t work. They’re either too sleepy to feed or they wake up too much and then find it difficult to settle back to sleep. It can disturb some babies’ sleep rhythms and then cause multiple wakings in the night. You may need to experiment with this over a few days. Some parents determine it’s best to allow baby to sleep through naturally without the dream feed.
You can start giving the dream feed at any age and continue as long as it works for you and baby. It can be a very helpful tool in some instances where you are trying to up the daily calorie intake.
Conversely, from the parents’ point of view, some families may prefer to go bed earlier rather than stay up late to carry out the dream feed. It’s really a personal choice; it’s up to you – good luck!
About Melinda Maternity
Melinda Maternity is a bespoke postnatal care and night nurse service. Melinda brings first-hand experience and professional advice on topics from feeding and settling to basic baby care.
5177 7240 | melindamaternity.com
This article first appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
