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You just fed your 6-month-old during a night waking, only for them to wake again two hours later. Leading you to ask, is it due to hunger, or is it habit?
In the first few weeks of parenthood, it’s completely normal to feed your newborn around the clock. Fast forward a few months, and you’re still up multiple times a night, completely sleep-deprived, wondering if your baby truly needs those feeds or if they’ve simply developed a habit.
Let’s break it down together.
First, let me say this: I would never suggest skipping a feeding if your baby is hungry. Every baby is unique and has different feeding needs. However, I often hear from parents of babies 4+ months old that their little ones are waking every 2 hours, and the only way to get them back to sleep is by feeding.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re not alone. It’s a tough cycle to be in—your baby isn’t getting consolidated sleep, and you’re running on fumes. Sleep is essential for everyone in the family.
So, how do you know if these wakings are truly hunger-related or if it’s something else?
Here’s what to consider:
1. How Many Times Is Your Baby Waking at Night?
For babies 4-6 months old, waking 1-2 times per night for a feed is typical. But if your baby is waking every 2 hours, this could indicate that they’re struggling with independent sleep skills.Another red flag? If your baby used to give you 5-hour stretches and now they’re waking frequently, it’s likely not about hunger.
2. How Is Your Baby Falling Asleep at Bedtime?
Does your baby need to be fed to fall asleep, or are they able to drift off on their own?One of the most common sleep associations I see is feeding to sleep. If your baby relies on a feeding as their sleep crutch, they’ll wake after each sleep cycle, needing that same association to go back to sleep.
3. Is Your Baby Taking a Full Feed?
Hungry babies typically take a full feed before falling asleep. If your baby nurses for just a few minutes or drinks only 1-2 ounces before dozing off, they’re likely feeding for comfort, not hunger.
4. Is Your Baby Waking at the Same Time Every Night?
If your baby consistently wakes at the same time regardless of how much they ate during the day, it’s likely a habit wake, not hunger.
5. Are They Falling Back Asleep Quickly After a Feed?
A baby waking purely out of hunger will take a full feed and fall back asleep with ease, giving you a solid stretch of sleep afterward. If they’re staying awake or needing extra soothing after feeding, hunger may not be the issue.
When Is It Time to Wean Night Feeds Completely?
If you’ve realized your baby is waking more from habit than hunger, you might wonder when to stop night feeds altogether.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some babies are ready to drop night feeds by 4-6 months, while others may need one or two feeds for longer.
Key factors to consider when night weaning:
Age and weight of your baby
Your pediatrician’s recommendation
How much milk your baby gets during the day
Whether your baby has started solids
Your family’s preferences
How to Start Night Weaning
If your baby is taking multiple feeds at night, start with one feed at a time:
For breastfed babies: Gradually reduce feeding time by 1-2 minutes each night. Once you’re down to no feeding time, use your preferred sleep training method to help your baby fall asleep at that wake-up.
For formula-fed babies: Decrease the amount offered by 1-2 ounces each night, and follow the same plan as above once you’re down to no ounces.
It may take up to two weeks for your baby to adjust, and that’s completely normal. Once one feed is successfully dropped, move on to the next. Stay consistent—babies form new habits quickly!
Final Thoughts
There are no “bad habits” when it comes to babies. If something works for your family, it’s absolutely okay to keep doing it.
If comfort feeding helps your baby get back to sleep quickly and it’s manageable for you right now, that’s okay. And if you reach a point where the frequent wakings become too much, that’s okay too.
If you’re ready to reduce night wakings and help your baby develop independent sleep skills, I’m here to support you. My 1:1 sleep support packages include personalized plans for babies 0-5 years old, complete with phone, email, and text support. Let me take the guesswork off your plate.
Check out my sleep packages HERE. Let’s get your family the rest you deserve.
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