Sleep becomes a precious commodity from the moment your new baby arrives. And while we can’t promise you uninterrupted sleep, we can turn you on to a tool that will get you close: the dream feed.

A dream feed is an overnight feed that happens when baby is in a semi-awake state. Unlike regular feedings, you don’t want to wake baby fully. Instead, you gently rouse them just enough to fill their tummy and let them drift back into a peaceful slumber. This extends the duration of their rest—and, blissfully, yours.

The magic of the dream feed

Dream feeds offer longer stretches of sleep. By feeding baby right before you go to sleep, and after they’ve already been down for a couple of hours, they’re less likely to wake up hungry in the middle of the night. This allows you to enjoy a longer, uninterrupted stretch of rest. 

Additionally, because baby remains mostly asleep during a dream feed, you can avoid the typical freneticism of a fully awake nighttime feeding.  

Best of all, dream feeds contribute to predictable sleep patterns by helping to regulate baby’s feeding schedule. This predictability is a sanity-saver for many parents and allows you to get a bit more sleep.

How to dream feed like a pro

  • Timing is everything with dream feeds. Aim for the sweet spot between 10PM and midnight, which likely aligns with when you’ll be heading to bed.

  • Gently and quietly lift baby from their crib without fully waking them. This is a delicate balance that may require some trial and error. You want to rouse them enough to eat, but not so much that they’re fully awake and alert.

  • Keep the environment dark and quiet to keep them in a sleepy state and encourage them to fall back asleep after feeding.

  • Once baby has had their fill, place them back in their crib and allow them to fall back asleep or self-soothe.

Dream Feed FAQs

When should I stop dream feeding?

Most parents find that dream feeding is beneficial up until around 6–8 months. By this age, many babies can sleep longer stretches without needing a feed. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to follow your baby’s cues!

What if my baby doesn’t wake up at all?

If baby doesn’t wake up enough to feed, that’s okay! Don’t stress over it. Try again the next night, either slightly earlier or later, to see if you can find a time that works better for them.

Can dream feeds disrupt my baby’s sleep?

Dream feeds are intended to be minimally disruptive. If you find that baby is waking up more often or having trouble settling after their dream feed, it might be worth reevaluating the timing or necessity of the dream feed with Harbor’s sleep specialists. 

Closing thoughts

Establishing a calm, predictable nighttime routine that benefits both you and baby can unlock more sleep. Harbor’s infant care experts are pros at customizing sleep plans to suit your unique family’s needs. We're here to guide you toward sweet dreams and sweeter nights!