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- Will I lose my supply if I only breastfeed at night?
- Can a newborn go 4 hours between feedings at night?
- Is it okay to let a newborn sleep 5 hours?
- When can baby go 4 hours at night without feeding?
- How long can breastfed babies go between feeds at night?
- Can I go 4 hours without breastfeeding at night?
- When can you space feedings to 4 hours?
- Should I let my newborn sleep 4 hours at night?
- What is the 5 3 3 rule?
- What happens if a newborn goes 4 hours without eating?
Understanding Newborn Feeding Patterns
As a new parent, the question of whether it’s acceptable for your newborn to go four hours between feeds at night is a common concern. Newborns have unique feeding needs that can vary significantly based on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed, as well as their individual growth patterns.
Feeding Frequency Guidelines
Typically, newborns require frequent feedings to support their rapid growth and development. According to pediatric guidelines, breastfed babies usually feed every 2 to 3 hours, while formula-fed infants may stretch to 3 to 4 hours between feedings. This means that while some parents may find their newborns naturally settling into longer stretches of sleep, it’s essential to ensure that they are still receiving adequate nutrition.
When is it Okay to Go Longer?
For newborns, especially in the early weeks, it is generally recommended that they should not go more than 4 to 5 hours without a feeding. This is crucial for ensuring they are getting enough calories to support their growth. However, as babies grow and their feeding patterns evolve, many will begin to sleep longer stretches at night. By around 4 months, some babies may start to sleep for 5 to 6 hours without needing a feed.
Listening to Your Baby’s Needs
It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues. If your newborn is content, gaining weight appropriately, and meeting developmental milestones, they may be able to go longer between feeds without issue. However, if your baby is consistently waking up hungry or seems unsatisfied after feedings, it may be a sign that they need more frequent nourishment.
Consulting with Healthcare Providers
If you are considering allowing your newborn to go longer than four hours between feeds, it’s advisable to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized guidance based on your baby’s health, weight gain, and overall development. This is particularly important in the early weeks when establishing a feeding routine is crucial for both the baby and the parents.
In summary, while it may be okay for some newborns to go four hours between feeds, especially as they grow, it is essential to ensure they are still receiving adequate nutrition and to consult with healthcare professionals for tailored advice.
Will I lose my supply if I only breastfeed at night?
Will This Hurt My Supply? When babies reach their birth weight and can sleep for longer stretches at night, the time between nighttime feedings gradually lengthens. Letting your baby sleep for longer periods during the night won’t hurt your breastfeeding efforts.
Can a newborn go 4 hours between feedings at night?
How long do I let baby go without a feed at night?
- At birth – Don’t allow baby to go more than 5 hours for the first four weeks
- 9 weeks – If breastfeeding, baby can go 9-10 hours. If bottle-feeding, baby can 11 hours without a feed.
Is it okay to let a newborn sleep 5 hours?
Others suggest waking to feed during the first five to six weeks if your baby sleeps longer than five hours at a time. Usually, babies younger than 6 months wake up every three to four hours because they’re hungry, so the question of whether to wake them (and lose precious rest yourself) may not be a concern.
When can baby go 4 hours at night without feeding?
Around the 4-month mark, most babies can usually go without eating for 4 to 6 hours at night, but every baby is different. Some might still wake up often to eat, while others might start sleeping for longer periods. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues.
How long can breastfed babies go between feeds at night?
Over the first few weeks and months, the time between feedings will start to get longer. On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may feed as often as every hour at times, often called cluster feeding. Or may have a longer sleep interval of 4 to 5 hours.
Can I go 4 hours without breastfeeding at night?
How long do I let baby go without a feed at night?
- At birth – Don’t allow baby to go more than 5 hours for the first four weeks
- 9 weeks – If breastfeeding, baby can go 9-10 hours. If bottle-feeding, baby can 11 hours without a feed.
When can you space feedings to 4 hours?
Baby Feeding Chart
| Age | What | How Much |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 months | Formula | 4-6 ounces per feed |
| 4-6 months | Breast milk | Nurse every 3-4 hours |
| Formula | 4-8 ounces per feed | |
| 6-9 months | Breast milk | Nurse every 4 hours |
Should I let my newborn sleep 4 hours at night?
It is not necessary to wake a baby for feedings unless you have been advised to do so by your baby’s physician. However, do not let a newborn sleep longer than five hours at a time in the first five to six weeks. Some premature babies need more frequent feedings and must be awakened to eat.
What is the 5 3 3 rule?
The 5 3 3 rule is a sleep training method where you have your child sleep for 5 hours, then wake for 3 hours, then sleep for 3 hours again.
What happens if a newborn goes 4 hours without eating?
Waiting too long to feed your newborn can lead to rapid weight loss, jaundice, and other health issues down the road. It’s more important your baby get the sustenance they need, so if your baby is sleeping through their feedings, gently rouse them to make sure they eat.
