A new born baby needs to be fed every two hours in the beginning. This also stimulates milk production in the mother. Naturally feeding every two hours also entails night time feeding. Since this is going to be part of a new mother’s life for almost a year, it is essential that the mother learns to not only fulfill the nutritional demands of her baby but also her own need for rest at night.

Night Time Feeding Patterns

• New born babies sleep a lot and need their rest too. However they also need to satisfy their hunger every two to three hours and our bound to need night time feeds.
• In addition to this remember that when a baby demands a feed at night it also satisfies her need for closeness and comfort.
• As the baby grows she will get more of her energy requirement during day time feeds and is likely to get up less frequently at night.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that a baby will not sleep for eight hours straight. If she gets up say in five hours then this is to be expected.
• Pay full attention to a baby who gets up at night as along with hunger the baby might be uncomfortable, unwell or cold.
• You can put the baby to sleep either in the same bed as your or in a crib near your bed. This will be convenient for you especially when you have to feed the baby at night.

You cannot force a baby to go to sleep and will have to work at developing sleep patterns in your baby.

• First of all babies are different and will develop their own patterns of sleeping, some will get up frequently, others may sleep for four to five hours at a stretch.
• When a new born baby wakes up for feed he really needs it and should not be denied.
• As the baby grows she should feed more during the day to satisfy her energy needs. Therefore if a baby is well fed during the day she should get up less frequently at night.
• Still she is going to need at least one feed during night. Cherish this time because at this time it is only you and your baby without any interruptions.
• Put the baby to sleep at the same time daily so that she develops a routine right from the start. This will also help her as an adult later in life.
• Provide an atmosphere conducive to sleeping with lowered lights and peaceful atmosphere.
• Feed your baby just before you go to sleep so that she does not disturb you as soon as you fall asleep.
• Change the baby’s diaper if it is soiled before feeding so that he doesn’t wake up after feeding.

Weaning from night feeds

Weaning from night time feeds becomes possible only after the baby becomes six months old. Stopping night time feeds abruptly is not going to work as the baby is used to being fed and comforted at night.

• Some babies accept the change easily while others will cry till satisfied.
• Make sure your baby is physically ready for a change in night time feeds. Premature babies or weak babies will need more time.es adapt immediately but revert back to old habits if they are unwell or teething.
• The best option is to reduce feeding time at night. If you discontinue night time feeding suddenly it is only going to make your baby more anxious.
• Make sure that there are no disturbances that may wake up the baby at night and keep the lights dim to induce sleep.
• Instead of offering a feed immediately the baby wakes up try patting or stroking the baby back to sleep at first.
• The baby might have woken up because of a wet diaper or pajamas so change them quietly and try to soothe her back to sleep.
• Use a bottle feed at night and gradually dilute it till the baby stops getting up for a feed of water.
• Most importantly, be patient for a baby will take time to adjust. Sometimes babies adapt immediately but revert back to old habits if they are unwell or teething.
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