Reducing Overnight Feedings for Bottle-Fed Babies
Are you struggling with multiple overnight bottle feedings and wondering how to gradually reduce them? I’m here to help!
First, let’s talk about volume, nutritional intake, and why you might be experiencing frequent overnight feedings.
Volume Chart by Age
1 month - 2-4 Ounces - 6-8 per day
2 months - 3-5 Ounces - 5-7 per day
3-5 months - 4-6 Ounces - 5-6 per day
6-9 months - 5-7 Ounces - 4-6 per day
10-18 months - 6-8 Ounces - 2-4 per day
18-24 months - 6-8 Ounces - 1-3 per day
This chart, based on recommendations by Johns Hopkins Medicine, provides general volume guidelines for breastfed and formula-fed babies. Each child’s needs may vary based on factors like height, weight, genetics, and whether they’re breastfed (with expressed milk) or formula-fed.
Breastfed Babies and Volume
Babies fed with expressed breastmilk tend to consume less per session. Breastmilk naturally adjusts in nutrient content based on your child’s age, even if they're bottle-fed, increasing in carbohydrates as they grow. You might notice a thicker layer of fat in your milk as your baby ages.
Formula-Fed Babies and Volume
Formula-fed babies often increase their intake as they grow. Follow the instructions on your formula container for guidance on when and how much to increase.
Summary
If your child consumes the average amount of bottles and volume listed, their nighttime wakings are likely not due to hunger. Here are some other possible reasons for those nighttime feedings.
Reversed Feeding Cycle
Your baby may be experiencing a reversed feeding cycle, common in babies who rely on feeding to self-soothe. Babies who depend on feeding to fall asleep often consume most of their calories at night, leading to a feeding cycle reversal.
For more help, check out my blog on breaking the reversed feeding cycle.
Tips for Reversing the Feeding Cycle
Ensure your baby is getting enough calories during the day by gradually increasing bottle amounts by 0.5 oz per feed.
Set a feeding schedule during the day and night.
Feed every 3-4 hours during the day if your baby is older than four months.
Use other soothing techniques at night if your baby wakes up shortly after a feeding (rocking, patting, or gentle swaying).
For babies 4-6 months, try to limit night feedings to two set times (e.g., 10 PM and 2 AM).
For babies over seven months, aim for one set feeding between 12:00 and 2:00 AM.
Why is My Baby Waking Constantly Between 4-6 AM?
Melatonin production naturally slows down around 4 AM, leading to lighter sleep and frequent wakings. If your baby is over four months old and has had one or two full feedings during the night, they may not be waking due to hunger. Try using other soothing methods to help them settle back to sleep and gradually reduce nighttime feeding dependency.
Self-Soothing Issues
Babies who rely on feeding to sleep often struggle to settle with other methods like a pacifier, rocking, or patting. If you’re noticing this pattern, it may be time for gentle sleep learning to help your child develop independent sleep skills.
Summary
Shifting a reversed feeding cycle can take a week or two. Be patient with yourself and your child. If you’re having trouble adjusting their feeding schedule or finding effective soothing methods, the team at Independent Sleepers would be thrilled to support you.
With personalized feeding plans and gentle sleep-learning options, we’ll help you make this transition as smooth and tear-free as possible.
Set up your free discovery call using the link below to meet my team and learn more.
Happy sleeping! ❤️
Selina Truax Creator and Head Sleep Coach
